Complete assignments of (1)H and (13)C NMR data of three new dihydrophenanthrofurans from Pleione yunnanensis

Three new dihydrophenanthrofurans, pleionesins A-C (1-3), together with two known dihydrophenanthrenes (4-5) were isolated from the tubers of Pleione yunnanensis (Rolfe). The complete (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra assignments of these compounds were carried out using 1D and 2D NMR experiments ((1)H, (13)C, selective 1D NOE, HSQC and HMBC).

Relationship between land use and water quality in a small watershed in South Korea

Recent research and monitoring undertaken by various institutions have emphasized measurements of river-water quality. Based on the results, government agencies have set guidelines to improve river-water quality management. However, the relationship between water quality and land use/land cover (LULC) has not been examined closely in South Korea to date. This study investigated this relationship in the Imgok River watershed. For this study, the relationship between water quality parameters, e.g. metallic ions, biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand (BOD and COD), NH₃, NO₃ and PO₄ levels and land-use types (abandoned mine land, forest/grassland, agricultural, livestock and residential areas) was examined by correlation analysis with significant level (p<0.05) and principal component analysis (PCA). Applying PCA to water quality parameters according to land-use coverage, the principal component impacting river water quality were found to be the pH, metallic ions, BOD, PO₄, COD and total suspended solids (TSS) for abandoned mine land (AML) coverage; BOD, NO₃ and PO₄ for forest/grassland areas; TSS, NO₃, and PO₄ for agricultural land; BOD, COD, NH₃ and NO₃ for livestock coverage; and BOD, COD, NH₃ and PO₄ for residential areas. For the AML, the pH exhibited a significant negative correlation with other water quality parameters at the significant level (p<0.05). Grassland showed significant positive correlations of BOD with values of 0.837 NO₃ and 0.514 PO₄. In agricultural land, TSS had a significant negative correlation with value of -0.772 PO₄. For livestock coverage, BOD had significant positive correlations with values of 0.865 COD, 0.629 NH₃, 0.709 NO₃ and 0.472 TSS. In residential areas, COD was significantly positively correlated with values of 0.988 BOD and 0.856 PO₄, and TSS was highly positively correlated with value of 0.810 NO₃ but highly negatively correlated with value of -0.702 PO₄. Based on the above, LULC is a significant factor to influence on river water quality and this relationship should be based on the management plan for river water quality control. Future work will be conducted to take more samples in the entire river and season, to run water quality model and to choose a new method for better analysis and more accurate relationship between land-use and water quality.

Spirobisnaphthalene analogues from the endophytic fungus Preussia sp

A study on the chemical constituents of the endophytic fungus Preussia sp. led to the isolation of three new spirobisnaphthalene analogues, spiropreussione A (1), spiropreussione B (2), and spiropreussomerin A (3). Compound 2 is a spirobisnaphthalene analogue with a cyclopenteno-naphthoindene fragment bridged to a 1,8-dioxygenated naphthalene fragment, and compound 1 is the second compound in this series with a spiro-nonadiene skeleton. The structures of 1-3 were elucidated using spectroscopic data interpretation. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity toward A2780 and BEL-7404 cells with IC(50) values of 2.4 and 3.0 microM, respectively, and weak activity against Staphylococcus aureus (CMCC B26003) with a MIC value of 25 microM.

Three novel sesquiterpene glycosides of Sarcandra glabra

Three new sesquiterpene glycosides, 8 beta,9 beta-epoxy-4 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha H-lindan-7(11)-en-8 alpha,12-olide-15-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1, sarcaglaboside F), 4 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha,8 beta H-lindan-7(11)-en-8 alpha,12-olide-15-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2, sarcaglaboside G), 4 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha,8 beta H-eudesman-7(11)-en-8 alpha,12-olide-15-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3, sarcaglaboside H), together with five known compounds, chloranoside A (4), sarcaglaboside C (5), dihydrovomifoliol-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), 9-hydroxy-heterogorgiolide (7) and chloranthalactone B (8), were isolated from Sarcandra glabra THUMB. NAKAI. The structures and relative configurations of three new compounds were determined on the basis of their spectroscopic data and chemical evidence.

Complete assignments of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic data for three new stigmastane glycosides from Vernonia cumingiana

Three new steroidal saponins, Vernoniosides S1 (1), Vernoniosides S2 (2) and Vernoniosides S3 (3) were isolated from the stem of Vernonia cumingian. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of MS, NMR spectroscopic and chemical analysis. Complete assignment of (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopic data were achieved by 1D and 2D NMR experiments (HMQC, HMBC, ROESY).

"Working to shape what society's expectations of us should be": Philip Morris' societal alignment strategy

BACKGROUND

A key element of Philip Morris's (PM's) corporate social responsibility initiatives is "societal alignment", defined as "strategies and programs to meet society's expectations of a responsible tobacco company". This study explored the genesis and implementation of Philip Morris' (PM) societal alignment efforts.

METHODS

The study retrieved and analysed approximately 375 previously undisclosed PM documents now available electronically. Using an iterative process, the study categorised themes and prepared a case analysis.

RESULTS

Beginning in 1999, PM sought to become "societally aligned" by identifying expectations of a responsible tobacco company through public opinion research and developing and publicising programs to meet those expectations. Societal alignment was undertaken within the US and globally to ensure an environment favourable to PM's business objectives. Despite PM's claims to be "changing", however, societal alignment in practice was highly selective. PM responded to public "expectations" largely by retooling existing positions and programs, while entirely ignoring other expectations that might have interfered with its business goals. It also appears that convincing employees of the value and authenticity of societal alignment was difficult.

CONCLUSIONS

As implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control proceeds, tobacco control advocates should closely monitor development of such "alignment" initiatives and expose the motivations and contradictions they reveal.

[Studies on chemical constituents from stems and leaves of Jasminum lanceolarium]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents in stem and leaves of Jasminum lanceolarium.

METHOD

The constituents of the EtOAc-soluble portion of the 95% ethanol extractive were isolated and purified by means of column chromatographic methods. Compounds were identified by their physical characteristics and spectral features.

RESULT

Eight compounds were isolated and identified as 5, 7, 3', 5'-tetrahydroxyflavanone (1), (2S)-5, 7, 3', 4'-tetrahydroxyflavan-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranosie (2), mannitol (3), nonacosane (4), trans-p-coumaric acid (5), cis-p-coumaric acid (6), ferulic acid (7) and, trans-cinnamic acid (8).

CONCLUSION

Compounds 14 were isolated from this genus for the first time. And compounds 5 and 6 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Review of studies on active components of antitumor medicinal plants]

This paper summarizes the current research on chemical structure, pharmacology and structure-activity relationship of antitumor constituents, including quinoline and indole alkaloids, stilbenoids, diterpenes, pentacyclic triterpenes, flavones, lactones, amyloses, proteins et al, of chinese herbal. The prospect of studies of antitumor medicinal plants is discussed.

[Effect of combined therapy with Sandostatin and yiyan mixture in treating severe acute pancreatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy of combined therapy with Sandostatin (SDS) and Yiyan Mixture (YYM) in treating severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with SAP were assigned to two groups equally, the treated group treated with the combined therapy and the control group treated by SDS alone. Biochemical indexes, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), amylase (AMY), endotoxin (ET), C-reactive protein (CRP), and APACHE II score were determined before and after treatment. And the incidence of complication and mortality were assessed.

RESULTS

The time of abdominal pain, tenderness and distention disappearance, air charge recovering, and average hospitalization days in the treated group were significantly shorter than those in the control group respectively (P < 0.05). Levels of LDH, AST, AMY, serum ET, CRP and APACHE II scores were lowered after treatment in both groups, but the decrement was more significant in the treated group than that in the control group respectively (P < 0.05). The difference in incidence of local complications and mortality between the two groups showed no statistical significance (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Combined therapy of Sandostatin and YYM is a recommended recipe for treatment of SAP, it could obviously improve the condition of patients and enhance the efficacy of treatment.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of the roots of Anemone altaica]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents of the roots of Anemone altaica Fisch. ex C. A. May.

METHODS

The constituents of n-BuOH-soluble portion were isolated and purified by means of chromatography. Compounds were identified by their physical characteristics and spectral features.

RESULTS

Six compounds were isolated and identified as cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (1), cimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranol (1 -->3)-beta-D-xylopyranoside (2), isolariciresinol-9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), adenosine (4), uridine (5) and methyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6).

CONCLUSION

All compounds are isolated from this genus for the first time.

Human ovarian surface epithelial cells immortalized with hTERT maintain functional pRb and p53 expression

OBJECTIVE

Cell immortalization is considered to be a prerequisite status for carcinogenesis. Normal human ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells, which are thought to be the origin of most of human ovarian carcinomas, have a very limited lifespan in culture. Establishment of immortalized OSE cell lines has, in the past, required inactivation of pRb and p53 functions. However, this often leads to increased chromosome instability during prolonged culture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we have used a retroviral infection method to overexpress human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene, in primary normal OSE cells, under optimized culture conditions.

RESULTS

In vitro and in vivo analysis of hTERT-immortalized cell lines confirmed their normal epithelial characteristics. Gene expression profiles and functional analysis of p16(INK4A), p15(INK4B), pRb and p53 confirmed the presence of their intact functions. Our study suggests that inactivation of pRb and p53 is not necessary for OSE immortalization. Furthermore, down-regulation of p15(INK4B) in the immortalized cells may indicate a functional role for this protein in them.

CONCLUSION

These immortal OSE cell lines are likely to be an important tool for studying human OSE biology and carcinogenesis.

The constituents from the stems of Garcinia cowa Roxb. and their cytotoxic activities

Three new flavanone glycosides named garccowaside A, garccowaside B, garccowaside C, and three other known compounds were isolated from the ethanol extract of the stems of Garcinia cowa. These structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Twelve compounds isolated from the stems of Garcinia cowa were tested for cytotoxic activities.

Three guaianolides from Saussurea involucrata and their contents determination by HPLC

Saussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) Sch. Bip. (family Asteraceae) is a rare traditional Chinese medicinal herb. A new guaianolide, 11 beta,13-dihydrodehydrocostuslactone-8-O-[6'-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucoside] (1), together with two known guaianolides, namely 11 beta,13-dihydrodehydrocostuslactone-8-O-beta-D-glucoside (2) and 3 alpha-hydroxyl-11 beta,13-dihydrodehydrocostuslactone-8-O-beta-D-glucoside (3), was isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the whole plants. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. Their contents in the S. involucrata were determined by HPLC for the first time. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Agilent Zorbax SB-C(18) column (250 mm x 4.6mm i.d., 5 microm) at 25 degrees C and the mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile and water in a mode of gradient elution detected at 209.8 nm at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. This method was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, precision and accuracy. The linearity ranges were 0.066-0.44 microg for 1, 0.23-2.30 microg for 2, and 0.258-2.58 microg for 3, respectively.

Complete assignments of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic data for two new triterpenoid saponins from Ilex hainanensis

Two novel unsaturated E-ring pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins, ilexhainanoside A and ilexhainanoside B, were isolated from the leaves of Ilex hainanensis. Their chemical structures were determined by MS, NMR spectroscopy and chemical analysis. Complete assignments of the 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic data were achieved by 1D and 2D NMR experiments (HSQC, HMBC, ROESY and 1H-1H COSY).

Diterpenes from Helianthus annuus and their cytotoxicity in vitro

To search for bioactive compounds from the flower disc of Helianthus annuus L., chromatography was used to isolate and purify the chemical constituents, their structures were identified by spectral analysis, MTT method was applied to investigate their cytotoxic activities, some compounds showed moderate cytotoxic activities on SF-268, MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines. Eleven compounds were obtained from the flower disc of H. annuus, and identified as ent-kaurane-2alpha, 16alpha-diol (1) and entkaurane-15alpha,16alpha-epoxy-17-al-19-oic acid (2), and nine known diterpenes, ent-kaurane-16P-ol (3), phyllocladan-16beta-ol (4) , ent-atisan-16a-ol (5) , grandifloric acid (6) , angeloylgrandifloric acid (7), ent-kaurane-16-en-19-oic acid (8), ent-kaurane-17-hydroxy-15-en-19-oic acid (9), ent-kaurane-16beta, 17-dihydroxy-19-oic acid (10), and ciliaric acid (11). Compounds 1 and 2 are new compounds, some compounds showed cytotoxic activities on SF-268, MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines.

Anti-cancer activity and mechanisms of 25-anhydrocimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside isolated from Souliea vaginata on hepatomas

Our previous study first revealed the cytotoxicity and relative selectivity of 25-anhydrocimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (ACX) on HepG2 and R-HepG2 cells. In the present study, the anti-cancer activity and mechanisms of ACX isolated from S. vaginata were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. ACX showed significant, consistent anti-proliferative activity on hepatoma bel-7402 cells by MTT and clone formation assays with an IC50 value of 18 mumol/l. Morphological observation and flow cytometry results showed that apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest contributed to the cytotoxic and cytostatic effects. Further studies showed that Bax and p21 protein expression were upregulated, Bcl-2 protein expression was downregulated, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase protein was cleaved. Moreover, ACX also exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth on mice implanted with H22 in vivo. These findings implicate ACX as a promising anti-cancer agent for chemotherapy of certain cancers.

Dulxanthone A induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosisvia up-regulation of p53 through mitochondrial pathway in HepG2 cells

Natural products derived from plants provide a rich source for development of new anticancer drugs. Dulxanthone A was found to be an active cytotoxic component in Garcinia cowa by bioactivity-directed isolation. Studies to elucidate the cytotoxic mechanisms of dulxanthone A showed that dulxanthone A consistently induced S phase arrest and apoptosis in the most sensitive cell line HepG2. Furthermore, p53 was dramatically up-regulated, leading to altered expression of downstream proteins upon dulxanthone A treatment. Cell cycle related proteins, such as cyclin A, cyclin B, cyclin E, cdc-2, p21 and p27 were down-regulated. Some apoptosis correlated proteins were also altered following the drug treatment. Bcl-2 family members PUMA was up-regulated while Bcl-2 and Bax were down-regulated. However, the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was increased. This resulted in the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria to the cytosol. Concurrently, Apaf-1 was stimulated with p53 by dulxanthone A. In result, cytochrome C, Apaf-1 and procaspase-9 form an apoptosome, which in turn triggered the activation of caspase-9, caspase-3 and downstream caspase substrates. Lamin A/C and PARP were down-regulated or cleaved, respectively. Moreover, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells induced by dulxanthone A were markedly inhibited by siRNA knockdown of p53. In summary, dulxanthone A is an active cytotoxic component of G. cowa. It induces cell cycle arrest at lower concentrations and triggers apoptosis at higher concentrations via up-regulation of p53 through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in HepG2 cells. Dulxanthone A is therefore likely a promising preventive and/or therapeutic agent against Hepatoma.

[Studies on the chemical constituents from Inula cappa (II)]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of the root of Inula cappa.

METHOD

The compounds were isolated and purified by recrystallization and chromatography with silica gel column and Sephadex LH-20 column. Their structures were identified by physico-chemical properties and spectral analysis.

RESULTS

Seven compounds were isolated as scopolin (I), octacosanoic acid (II), tritriacontane (III), (2S,3S,4R,8E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxydocosanosylamino]-octadecane-1,3,4-triol(IV),(2S,3S,4R,8E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxytricosanosylamino]-octadecane-1,3,4-triol(V), (2S,3S,4R,8E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxytetracosanosylamino]-octadecane-1,3,4-triol(VI), (2S,3S,4R,8E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxypentacosanosylamino]-octadecane-1,3,4-triol(VIII), (2S,3S,4R,8E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxyhexacosanosylamino]-octadecane-1,3,4-triol(VIII).

CONCLUSION

All compounds were isolated from Inula cappa for the first time.

Biosynthesis and bioactivity of trichosanthin in cultured crown gall tissues of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz

Trichosanthin (TCS) from Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz (T. kirilowii) can be used to treat choriocarcinoma. In this work, we established a novel system to produce TCS in crown gall tissues of T. kirilowii infected by Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58 (A. tumefaciens). In the crown gall tissues, a nopaline synthase (NOS) gene of A. tumefaciens was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and nopaline accumulation was confirmed by a high-voltage filter paper electrophoresis. Furthermore, we optimized conditions to culture the crown gall tissues able to grow fast and produce TCS in an auxin-free medium, and found that a fungal elicitor of Armillaria mellea was capable of stimulation of TCS secretion into the medium. Moreover, we identified that the TCS purified from the crown gall tissues could induce gastric cancer cell death. These data underscore the usefulness of our system as an inexpensive and virtually unlimited source of TCS.

An orally active cathepsin K inhibitor, furan-2-carboxylic acid, 1-{1-[4-fluoro-2-(2-oxo-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-phenyl]-3-oxo-piperidin-4-ylcarbamoyl}-cyclohexyl)-amide (OST-4077), inhibits osteoclast activity in vitro and bone loss in ovariectomized rats

Human cathepsin K, a cysteine proteinase of the papain family, has been recognized as a potential drug target for the treatment of osteoporosis. The predominant expression of cathepsin K in osteoclasts has rendered the enzyme into a major target for the development of novel antiresorptive drugs. Now, we report the pharmacological properties of OST-4077 [furan-2-carboxylic acid (1-{1-[4-fluoro-2-(2-oxo-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-phenyl]-3-oxo-piperidin-4-ylcarbamoyl}-cyclohexyl)-amide] as a novel selective cathepsin K inhibitor. Human and rat cathepsin K were inhibited in vitro by OST-4077 with the IC50 values of 11 and 427 nM, respectively. OST-4077 suppressed bone resorption induced by rabbit osteoclasts (IC50, 37 nM) but did not affect bone mineralization or cellular alkaline phosphatase activity in MC3T3-E1 cells. Parathyroid hormone-induced bone resorption was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner in thyroparathyroidectomized rats gavaged with a single dose of OST-4077 (ED50, 69 mg/kg). When given orally twice daily for 4 weeks to 3-month-old ovariectomized (OVX) rats, OST-4077 dose-dependently prevented bone loss, as monitored by bone densitometry, ash content, and urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline. No change in serum osteocalcin in the OVX rats by OST-4077 suggested that bone formation might not be affected by the agent. In summary, OST-4077 selectively inhibited bone resorbing activities of osteoclasts and prevented bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency but did not affect bone formation. OST-4077, an orally active selective human cathepsin K inhibitor, may have the therapeutic potential for the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive bone loss including osteoporosis.

[Studies on the chemical constituents in herbs of Hemistepta lyrata]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents of Hemistepta lyrata.

METHOD

The constituents of the EtOAc-soluble portions of the 95% ethanol extract were isolated and purified by means of chromatography. Compounds were identified by their physical characteristics and spectral features.

RESULT

Five compounds were isolated and identified as caffeic acid (1), tracheloside (2), uracil (3), 8-carboxymethyl-p-hydroxycinnamic acid (4), and 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid (5).

CONCLUSION

Compounds 1-5 were isolated from this genus for the first time.

Chemical investigation on Sijunzi decoction and its two major herbs Panax ginseng and Glycyrrhiza uralensis by LC/MS/MS

Sijunzi decoction consists of Panax ginseng, Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS(n)) was applied to identify and characterize three types of active components, ginsenoside (from P. ginseng), flavonoid and triterpenoid (from G. uralensis) in Sijunzi decoction. Spectra of MS and MS/MS from [M+Na](+) ions of ginsenosides were acquired and interpreted for their identification. Fragmentations with losing masses of 194 or 176Da were the characteristic ions of triterpenoids in the MS/MS analysis. A characteristic fragment ion of the aglycon moiety at m/z 257 from source collision-induced dissociation was observed for flavonoid. LC/MS was also applied for the comparison of relative peak area of major active components between Sijunzi decoction and the single herb extracts. The concentration ratios of major active components detected in the individual herbs of P. ginseng and G. uralensis were found different from those in Sijunzi decoction. The experimental data indicated that the decocting process could result in the difference in the amount of active components.

Degradation/solubilization of Chinese lignite by Penicillium sp. P6

Penicillium sp. P6, isolated from coal mine soil at the Qiantong colliery Liaoning Province, Northwest China, can degrade Chinese lignite in 36 h on a plate colony and in 48 h using a 4-day cultured cell-free filtrate. Results of elemental analysis and IR spectrometry indicated that solubilized products exhibited some alterations in comparison to the original lignite. The amount of fulvic acid extracted from the biodegraded lignite was high, and the molecular distribution of the humic acids from biodegraded lignite changed distinctively in comparison to which extracted from the control lignite, possibly due to the depolymerization associated with fungal biodegradation.

Wortmannilactones A-D, 22-membered triene macrolides from Talaromyces wortmannii

The fungus Talaromyces wortmannii, isolated from a soil sample collected in China's Yunnan province, produced four novel 22-membered macrolides, namely, wortmannilactones A-D (1-4). Structures 1-4 were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR and MS spectral analyses. Compounds 1-4 exhibited in vitro cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 28.7 to 130.5 microM.