Potent cytotoxic lignans from Justicia procumbens and their effects on nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in mouse macrophages

A new lignan glycoside, 4-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1' "-->2' ')-beta-D-apiofuranosyldiphyllin (2), named procumbenoside A, and 11 known compounds were isolated from the whole plant of Justicia procumbens. The structure of 2 was established by spectral analysis and chemical methods. The known compounds justicidin A (1), diphyllin (3), and tuberculatin (4) showed potent cytotoxic effects against a number of cancer cells in vitro. Compounds 1 and 4 also strongly enhanced tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) generation from mouse macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Antihypertensive and vasorelaxing activities of synthetic xanthone derivatives

A series of xanthones and xanthonoxypropanolamines have been synthesized. The activity of compounds on cardiovascular system was evaluated. All the compounds tested exhibited effective hypotensive activity in anesthetized rats. An oxypropanolamine side chain substituted at the C-3 position of the xanthone nucleus significantly enhanced the hypotensive activity. In rat thoracic aorta, all the compounds tested significantly depressed the contractions induced by Ca(2+) (1.9mM) in high K+(80mM) medium and the phasic and tonic contractions caused by norepinephrine (3 microM). In the rat thoracic aorta, the phenylephrine- and high K+ -induced 45Ca(2+) influx were both inhibited by a selective xanthone derivative, 13. In addition to the previously reported result of 13, evaluated as beta adrenoceptor blocker, the depressor and bradycardia effects of 9 are independent of the parasympathetic passway. These results suggest that 13 showed inhibitory effects on the contractile response caused by high K+ and norepinephrine in rat thoracic aorta are mainly due to inhibition of Ca(2+) influx through both voltage-dependent and receptor-operated Ca(2+) channels. The vasodilating properties of 13 is due to its calcium channel and beta adrenergic blocking effects.

Primary cerebral anaplastic large cell lymphoma containing abundant reactive histiocytes and eosinophils. A case report and literature review

Primary cerebral anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is very rare. We report on our experience with such a case and review the literature. A 46-year-old Taiwanese woman presented with headache, weakness of her right extremity, and limited eye movement. A solid mass (5 cm x 4 cm) at the left occipital lobe was almost completely removed. The neoplastic cells, some of which had reniform or embryo-like nuclei, were large and were admixed with abundant eosinophils, histiocytes, and some small lymphocytes. These neoplastic cells expressed CD30, CD43, granzyme B and T-cell intracellular antigen-1, but not ALK1, CD3, CD20, CD45, CD79a, cytokeratin, and EMA. They were positive for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded mRNA by in situ hybridization. Polymerase chain reaction study of formalin-fixed tissue showed a clonal gene arrangement of the T-cell receptor-gamma chain. ALCL of T-cell lineage with cytotoxic phenotype was diagnosed. The patient received cranial irradiation and has remained with no evidence of disease for 25 months of follow-up.

Antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory constituents and new oxygenated xanthones from Hypericum geminiflorum

Two new pentaoxygenated xanthones, 2,3-dihydroxy-1,6,7-trimethoxyxanthone (1) and 3,6-dihydroxy-1,5,7-trimethoxyxanthone (2) were isolated from the leaf of Hypericum geminiflorum. The antiplatelet activities of the constituents, 2,6-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone (3), gemichalcone A (4), gemichalcone B (5), and cycloartocarpin (6), of this plant, were assessed in vitro by determining their inhibitory effects on the aggregation of washed rabbit platelets induced by various inducers. The anti-inflammatory effects of 4 and 5 were assessed in vitro by determining their inhibitory effects on the chemical mediators released from mast cells and neutrophils. Of the compounds tested, 4 exhibited the most potent inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA) and 4 and 5 strongly inhibited the release of beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme in formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-stimulated rat neutrophils.

Lanostanoids of Amentotaxus formosana

Three lanostanoids, 3beta-methoxycycloartan-24(24(1))-ene (1), 3beta,23beta-dimethoxycycloartan-24(24(1))-ene (2), and 3beta,23beta-dimethoxy-5alpha-lanosta-24(24(1))-ene (3), were isolated from the leaves of Amentotaxus formosana. The structures of new compounds 2 and 3 were determined by NMR and MS studies, and the structure of 3 was further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Synthesis, antiplatelet and vasorelaxing effects of monooxygenated flavones and flavonoxypropanolamines

A series of flavones and flavonoxypropanolamines were synthesized and tested in-vitro for their ability to inhibit aggregation of washed rabbit platelets and human platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and for vasoconstriction of rat thoracic aorta. The various substituted positions of the hydroxyl group in flavone ring B and the various oxypropanolamine side chains substituted at position C-2' of flavone modified the antiplatelet effects. All the compounds tested in human PRP showed significant inhibition of secondary aggregation induced by adrenaline (epinephrine), suggesting that the antiplatelet effect of these compounds is mainly due to an inhibitory effect on thromboxane formation. Compounds 11 and 12 also had potent vasorelaxant effects in rat thoracic aorta. Phenylephrine- and high-K+-induced 45Ca2+ influx in aorta were both inhibited by the selected compound 11. This result indicates that the inhibitory effect of 11 on the contractile response caused by high-K+ medium and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) in rat thoracic aorta is mainly due to inhibition of Ca2+ influx through both voltage-dependent and receptor-operated Ca2+ channels.

Association analysis of a functional G protein beta3 subunit gene polymorphism (C825T) in mood disorders

The guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins), heterotrimers consisting of alpha, beta and gamma subunits, convey signals initiated by the activation of many neurotransmitter receptors. Evidence for involvement of the G proteins in mood disorders relies on the effects of mood stabilizers and antidepressants on G protein function. In addition, abnormalities in the expression of G proteins have been demonstrated in mood disorder patients. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that a functional polymorphism (C825T) in the G protein beta3 gene subunit (GNB3) confers susceptibility to mood disorders. A population-based association study was utilized, and GNB3 was genotyped for 144 mood disorder patients and 153 normal controls. The results reveal that it is not likely that the C825T polymorphism in the GNB3 gene subunit is involved in mood disorder pathogenesis. Further studies of the associations between other G protein subunits and mood disorder are needed to fully elaborate the involvement of this protein in mood disorders.

In vitro anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin 3-O-methyl ether and other constituents from Rhamnus species

The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated flavonoids, quercetin 3-O-methyl ether (1), kaempferol (2), and quercetin (3), of Rhamnus nakaharai, and anthraquinone, frangulin B (4), of Rhamnus formosana, were assessed in vitro by determining their inhibitory effects on the chemical mediators released from mast cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and microglial cells. Compounds 1 - 3 strongly inhibited the release of beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme from rat neutrophils stimulated with formyl-Met-Leu-Phe/cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB). Compound 1 strongly inhibited superoxide anion formation in fMLP/CB or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated rat neutrophils. Compound 1 exhibited potent inhibitory effect on tumor-necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-alpha) formation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells while 1 and 4 showed potent inhibitory effects on TNF-alpha formation in LPS/IFN-gamma (interferon-gamma)-stimulated murine microglial cell lines N9.

Undifferentiated ovarian carcinoma associated with leukemoid reaction

Exceptionally excess leukocytosis or leukemoid reaction may develop in association with carcinomas of the lung and stomach. The authors describe a 72-year-old lady with FIGO stage III ovarian undifferentiated carcinoma who presented with fever and abdominal pain. Her serial WBC counts were up to 143,000/microl with elevated leukocyte alkaline phosphatase score. She received extended total hysterectomy, left salpingo-oophorectomy, and de-bulking of the retroperitoneal mass. Her left ovarian cancer was composed of diffuse sheets of large undifferentiated cells that were immunoreactive for cytokeratin, confirming the epithelial nature. She passed away one week after operation and five weeks after presentation without autopsy. This is the first report of ovarian cancer associated with leukemoid reaction in the English literature.

Uterine leiomyoma with massive lymphocytic infiltration simulating malignant lymphoma. A case report with immunohistochemical study showing that the infiltrating lymphocytes are cytotoxic T cells

Uterine leiomyoma with massive lymphoid infiltration is very rare and may simulate malignant lymphoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of such a lesion occurring in an Oriental, and the ninth case in the English literature. A 50-year-old Taiwanese woman had urinary frequency and nocturia because of a uterine myoma. The myomectomy specimen was identified as a well-defined tumor, 6.5-cm in diameter, the cut surface of which was pale, white and whorled. A massive lymphocytic infiltration accompanied by plasma cells and histiocytes was noted in the leiomyoma but not in the surrounding non-neoplastic myometrial fibers. Most infiltrating lymphocytes were positive for CD3 and T cell intracellular antigen-1, a cytotoxic marker. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the urinary symptoms improved within a 6-month follow-up period.

Bioactive constituents of the roots of Cynanchum atratum

A novel biphenylneolignan, 2,6,2',6'-tetramethoxy-4,4'-bis(2,3-epoxy-1-hydroxypropyl)biphenyl (1), and two new glycosides named atratoglaucosides A (2) and B (3), were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum atratum, and their structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. The aglycons of 2 and 3 were identified as glaucogenin C and 7-desoxyneocynapanogenin A, a new disecopregnane. A known compound, glaucogenin C 3-O-beta-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-diginopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-thevetopyranoside (4), isolated from the same source, showed a significant cytotoxic effect against 212 cells. This substance also gave a significant inhibitory effect on TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) formation from the RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage-like cell line stimulated with LPS (lipopolysaccharide) and on the N9 microglial cell line stimulated with LPS/IFN-gamma (interferon-gamma).

Inhibitory effect of DCDC on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide synthesis in RAW 264.7 cells

In the present study we have examined the effect of DCDC (2',5'-dihydroxy-4-chloro-dihydrochalcone) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced responses in murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Exposure of LPS-stimulated cells to DCDC inhibited the nitrite accumulation in culture medium. DCDC also concentration-dependently inhibited LPS-stimulated increase of iNOS expression; however, it had little effect on iNOS enzyme activity, suggesting that the inhibitory action to DCDC is mainly due to the inhibition on iNOS expression rather than iNOS enzyme activity. DCDC significantly inhibited LPS-evoked degradation of IkappaB-alpha and the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB; it also exhibited the activity of scavenging the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). DCDC also inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 activity in RAW 264.7 cells with an IC50 of 3.0 microM; furthermore, it also significantly decreased LPS-induced mortality rate in mice. Taken together, we demonstrate that DCDC exhibits inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production through the inhibition of IkappaB-alpha degradation and NF-kappaB activation, and therefore the suppression of iNOS expression. DCDC also shows the antioxidant activity and COX-2 inhibitory action. Moreover, it improves survival in a murine model of endotoxaemia suggesting that DCDC may be potential in the therapy of septic shock.

Anticancer activity evaluation of the solanum glycoalkaloid solamargine. Triggering apoptosis in human hepatoma cells

Solamargine, an herbal and molluscicidal medicine derived from Solanum incanum, is a steroidal alkaloid glycoside. To characterize the anticancer mechanism of solamargine on human hepatoma cells (Hep3B), changes of cell morphology, DNA content, and gene expression of cells after solamargine treatment were studied. The appearance in solamargine-treated cells of chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and a sub-G(1) peak in a DNA histogram suggests that solamargine induces cell death by apoptosis. The maximum number of dead Hep3B cells was detected within 2 hr of incubation with constant concentrations of solamargine, and no further cell death was observed after an extended incubation with solamargine, indicating that the action of solamargine was irreversible. To determine the susceptibility of cell phases to solamargine-mediated apoptosis, Hep3B cells were synchronized at defined cell cycles by cyclosporin A, colchicine, and genistein, followed by solamargine treatment. The IC(50) values of solamargine for control, G(0)/G(1)-, M-, and G(2)/M-synchronized Hep3B cells were 5.0, > 10, 3.7, and 3.1 microg/mL, implying that cells in the G(2)/M phases are relatively susceptible to solamargine-mediated apoptosis. In addition, a parallel up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-I and -II on Hep3B cells was detected after solamargine treatment, and the solamargine-mediated cytotoxicity could be neutralized with either TNFR-I or -II specific antibody. Therefore, these results reveal that the actions of TNFR-I and -II on Hep3B cells may be independent, and both are involved in the mechanism of solamargine-mediated apoptosis.

Synthesis and cytotoxic effect of 1,3-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone derivatives

1,3-Dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone (4) was reacted with epichlorohydrin or 1,omega-dibromo-alkane to yield 1-hydroxy-3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinone (5) and 1-hydroxy-3-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinone (6) or 1-hydroxy-3-(omega-bromoalkoxy)-9,10-anthraquinone. Ring-opening of the epoxide (5) or 1-hydroxy-3-(omega-bromoalkoxy)-9,10-anthraquinones with appropriate amines, afforded various 1-hydroxy-3-(3-alkylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinones. The synthetic compounds were tested in vitro inhibition of human T-24, Hep 3B, Hep G2, SiHa, HT-3, PLC/PRF/5 and 212 cells. Almost all compounds showed significant inhibitory activity against several different cancer cell lines. Structure-activity analysis indicated epoxidation of the hydroxyanthraquinone increased cytotoxicity against tumour cells, but ring-opening of the epoxide group with amine did not enhance the cytotoxic activity. The phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization and DNA fragmentation in SiHa cells were significantly observed after 48 h incubation with selected compound 19. The results show that 19 cause cell death by apoptosis.

New lignan glycosides with potent antiinflammatory effect, isolated from Justicia ciliata

Two new lignan glycosides, 4-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1' "-->2' ')-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1' " '-->5' ')-beta-D-apiofuranosyl]diphyllin (1), named ciliatoside A (1), and 4-O-¿[beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1' " "-->3' ")-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1' "-->2' ')][beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1' " '-->5' ')]-beta-D-apiofuranosyl¿diphyllin (2), named ciliatoside B (2), were isolated from the whole plant of Justicia ciliata. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by spectral and chemical methods. Compounds 1 and 2 strongly inhibited the accumulation of NO(2)(-) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner with IC(50) values of 27.1 +/- 1.6 and 29.4 +/- 1.4 microM, respectively.

Malignant lymphoma in southern Taiwan according to the revised European-American classification of lymphoid neoplasms

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the current study was to determine the distribution and relative frequency of each subtype of malignant lymphoma in southern Taiwan according to the revised European-American classification of lymphoid neoplasms (REAL).

METHODS

The pathology files of a regional hospital in southern Taiwan for 1989-1998 were searched for malignant lymphoma, lymphoproliferative disorder, and Hodgkin disease (HD). The results of light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA (EBER) were correlated with clinical findings, and all cases were classified according to REAL.

RESULTS

A total of 205 cases were analyzed retrospectively. There were 197 cases (96.1%) of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and 8 cases (3. 9%) of HD. Among the 197 NHL cases, 161 (81.7%) were of B-cell lineage and 36 (18.3%) were of T-/natural killer cell lineage. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, extranodal marginal zone lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma were the most common B-cell subtypes and represented 47.2%, 19.3%, and 6.1%, respectively, of all NHL cases. Among the 36 cases of T-/natural killer cell lineage, unspecified peripheral T-cell lymphoma (8.6%), T-/natural killer cell lymphoma (angiocentric lymphoma) (4.1%), and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (3.6%) were the most common subtypes. Seven of eight T-/natural killer cell lymphoma cases were positive for EBER. The eight cases of HD were classified as lymphocyte-rich classic (two cases), nodular sclerosis (two cases), and mixed cellularity (four cases) subtypes. Three of these eight cases were positive for EBER.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors' knowledge this study is the first in Taiwan using the REAL classification and it again confirms the different geographic distribution of the various subtypes of malignant lymphoma. The frequency of T-/natural killer cell lineage NHL in Taiwan is higher than that in Western countries but not as high as reported previously.