Durable response after tisagenlecleucel in adults with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma: ELARA trial update

ABSTRACT

Tisagenlecleucel is approved for adults with relapsed/refractory (r/r) follicular lymphoma (FL) in the third- or later-line setting. The primary analysis (median follow-up, 17 months) of the phase 2 ELARA trial reported high response rates and excellent safety profile in patients with extensively pretreated r/r FL. Here, we report longer-term efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetic, and exploratory biomarker analyses after median follow-up of 29 months (interquartile range, 22.2-37.7). As of 29 March 2022, 97 patients with r/r FL (grades 1-3A) received tisagenlecleucel infusion (0.6 × 108-6 × 108 chimeric antigen receptor-positive viable T cells). Bridging chemotherapy was allowed. Baseline clinical factors, tumor microenvironment, blood soluble factors, and circulating blood cells were correlated with clinical response. Cellular kinetics were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Median progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DOR), and overall survival (OS) were not reached. Estimated 24-month PFS, DOR, and OS rates in all patients were 57.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 46.2-67), 66.4% (95% CI, 54.3-76), and 87.7% (95% CI, 78.3-93.2), respectively. Complete response rate and overall response rate were 68.1% (95% CI, 57.7-77.3) and 86.2% (95% CI, 77.5-92.4), respectively. No new safety signals or treatment-related deaths were reported. Low levels of tumor-infiltrating LAG3+CD3+ exhausted T cells and higher baseline levels of naïve CD8+ T cells were associated with improved outcomes. Tisagenlecleucel continued to demonstrate highly durable efficacy and a favorable safety profile in this extended follow-up of 29 months in patients with r/r FL enrolled in ELARA. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03568461.

Tisagenlecleucel in adult relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma: the phase 2 ELARA trial

Tisagenlecleucel is an autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy with clinically meaningful outcomes demonstrated in patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) B-cell lymphoma. In a previous pilot study of tisagenlecleucel in r/r follicular lymphoma (FL), 71% of patients achieved a complete response (CR). Here we report the primary, prespecified interim analysis of the ELARA phase 2 multinational trial of tisagenlecleucel in adults with r/r FL after two or more treatment lines or who relapsed after autologous stem cell transplant (no. NCT03568461). The primary endpoint was CR rate (CRR). Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival, pharmacokinetics and safety. As of 29 March 2021, 97/98 enrolled patients received tisagenlecleucel (median follow-up, 16.59 months; interquartile range, 13.8-20.21). The primary endpoint was met. In the efficacy set (n = 94), CRR was 69.1% (95% confidence interval, 58.8-78.3) and ORR 86.2% (95% confidence interval, 77.5-92.4). Within 8 weeks of infusion, rates of cytokine release syndrome were 48.5% (grade ≥3, 0%), neurological events 37.1% (grade ≥3, 3%) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) 4.1% (grade ≥3, 1%) in the safety set (n = 97), with no treatment-related deaths. Tisagenlecleucel is safe and effective in extensively pretreated r/r FL, including in high-risk patients.

Efficacy and safety of tisagenlecleucel (Tisa-cel) in adult patients (Pts) with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (r/r FL): Primary analysis of the phase 2 Elara trial

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Background: Most pts with r/r FL experience multiple relapses and progressively worse clinical outcomes with each line of therapy, underlining a need for novel therapies. Tisa-cel has demonstrated durable responses and manageable safety in adult pts with r/r diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Here we report the primary analysis of ELARA, an international, single-arm phase 2 trial of tisa-cel in adult pts with r/r FL. Methods: Eligible pts (≥18 y) had r/r FL (grades [Gr] 1-3A) after ≥2 lines of therapy or had failed autologous stem cell transplant. Bridging therapy was permitted followed by disease assessment prior to tisa-cel infusion. Pts received tisa-cel (0.6-6×108 CAR+ viable T cells) after lymphodepleting chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was complete response rate (CRR) by central review per Lugano 2014 criteria. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety, and cellular kinetics. Predefined primary analysis occurred when ≥90 treated pts had ≥6 mo of follow-up. Results: As of September 28, 2020, 98 pts were enrolled and 97 received tisa-cel (median follow-up, 10.6 mo). At study entry, median age among treated pts was 57 y (range, 29-73), 85% had stage III-IV disease, 60% had a FLIPI score ≥3, 65% had bulky disease, and 42% had LDH > upper limit of normal. The median number of prior therapies was 4 (range, 2-13); 78% of pts were refractory to their last treatment (76% to any ≥2 prior regimens) and 60% progressed within 2 y of initial anti-CD20–containing treatment. Of 94 pts evaluable for efficacy, the CRR was 66% (95% CI, 56-75) and the ORR was 86% (95% CI, 78-92). CRRs/ORRs were comparable among key high-risk subgroups. Estimated DOR (CR) and PFS rates at 6 mo were 94% (95% CI, 82-98) and 76% (95% CI, 65-84), respectively. Of 97 pts evaluable for safety, 65% experienced Gr ≥3 adverse events within 8 weeks post-infusion, most commonly neutropenia (28%) and anemia (13%). Any-grade cytokine release syndrome (per Lee scale) occurred in 49% of pts (Gr ≥3, 0%). Any-grade neurological events (per CTCAE v4.03) occurred in 9% of pts (Gr 3, 0%; Gr 4, 1 pt and recovered). Three pts died from progressive disease. Cellular kinetic parameters for tisa-cel were estimated using transgene levels (by qPCR) in peripheral blood. Cmax and AUC0-28d were similar between responders (CR or partial response) and non-responders (stable or progressive disease). Maximum transgene levels were reached by a median of 10 days in responders and 12.9 days in non-responders; transgene persistence was detected up to 370 days and 187 days, respectively. Conclusions: These data demonstrate the efficacy and acceptable safety of tisa-cel in pts with r/r FL, including high-risk pts after multiple lines of prior therapy, and suggest that tisa-cel may be a promising therapy for pts with r/r FL. Clinical trial information: NCT03568461.

Seasonal abundance and distribution of dragonflies in upper Siran valley of District Mansehra Pakistan

Present study was conducted to study seasonal abundance and distribution of dragonflies in upper Siran valley district Mansehra Pakistan. To collect data, eleven localities were visited for three consecutive years (2016-2018). Results come up with a sum of 300 specimens identified under three families, eight genera and twenty species. Highest seasonal abundance recorded during summer and spring were 80.67% and 13.33% respectively while minimum 6.00% was recorded during early autumn. Dominant species observed were, Orthetrum chrysis (14.00%), followed by O. gluacum (12.00%), Palpoleura sexmaculata sexmaculata (11.33%) and O. cancellatum cancellatum (8.00%). However the highest population of dragonflies was found in Munda Gucha with a percentage of 11.33 followed by Jabbar (11.00%) and Sachan (9.67%). The lowest populations were recorded in Suham (6.00%), Dadar (7.67%) and Jabori (7.67%). The surveyed valley showed diverse Anisopterous fauna and thus further extensive surveys are recommended that can come up with more important species from the area.

Checklist of the dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

A checklist of the dragonflies and damselflies occurring in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India (including Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka is presented. In total 588 (including 559 full species) taxa are known to occur in the region of which 251 taxa (species subspecies) are single country endemics. Recent taxonomic changes relevant to the area are summarized. Sixteen taxa are synonymized and a checklist of all synonyms established since 1950 is provided. Information is given on available larval descriptions including a list of genera present in the region for which no larvae have yet been described. Numerous species occurring in the area are still poorly known and a list of genera for which a revision is urgently needed is provided.                The following new synonyms are established: Calicnemia sudhaae Mitra, 1994 = Calicnemia imitans Lieftinck, 1948 syn. nov.; Ceriagrion fallax cerinomelas Lieftinck, 1927 = Ceriagrion fallax Ris, 1914 syn. nov.; Ceriagrion fallax pendleburyi Laidlaw, 1931 = Ceriagrion fallax Ris, 1914 syn. nov.; Coenagrion kashmirus Chowdhary Das, 1975 = Ischnura forcipata Morton, 1907 syn. nov.; Enallagma insula Fraser, 1920 = Aciagrion occidentale Laidlaw, 1919 syn. nov.; Himalagrion pithoragarhicum Sahni, 1964 = Ceriagrion fallax Ris, 1914 syn. nov.; Ischnura bhimtalensis Sahni, 1965 = Ischnura rubilio Selys, 1876 syn. nov.; Onychargia indica Sahni, 1964 = Paracercion calamorum (Ris, 1916) syn. nov.; Anaciaeschna kashmirense Singh Baijal, 1954 = Anaciaeschna martini (Selys, 1897) syn. nov.; Cyclogomphus vesiculosus Selys, 1854 = Cyclogomphus ypsilon Selys, 1954 syn. nov.; Chlorogomphus brittoi Navás, 1934 = Chlorogomphus xanthoptera (Fraser, 1919) syn. nov.; Hylaeothemis indica Fraser, 1946 = Hylaeothemis apicalis Fraser, 1924 syn. nov.; Sympetrum durum Bartenef, 1916 = Sympetrum striolatum commixtum Selys, 1884 syn. nov.; Sympetrum himalayanum Navás, 1934 = Sympetrum hypomelas (Selys, 1884) syn. nov.; Sympetrum haematoneura Fraser, 1924 = Sympetrum speciosum Oguma, 1915 syn. nov.; Sympetrum speciosum taiwanum Asahina, 1951 = Sympetrum speciosum Oguma, 1915 syn. nov.                In addition, Periaeschna lebasi Navás, 1930 is regarded a nomen nudum. The following new combinations are proposed: Onychogomphus acinaces Laidlaw, 1922 is transferred to the genus Melligomphus Chao, 1990 resulting in Melligomphus acinaces (Laidlaw, 1922) comb. nov. Onychogomphus saundersii Selys, 1854 is transferred to the genus Nychogomphus Carle, 1986 resulting in Nychogomphus saundersii (Selys, 1854) comb. nov..

Change in malate dehydrogenase and alpha amylase activities in Rubus fruticosus and Valeriana jatamansi treated granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius

Poor storage conditions provide favorable environment to stored grain pests for their growth. The bio-pesticides are the best alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Present study was conducted to compare toxicity of Rubus fruticosus and Valeriana jatamansi against granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius and subsequent changes in enzyme activity responsible for grain damage. In current research 5 g of R. fruticosus fruit and V. jatamansi rhizome powders were tested separately against S. granarius, in 50 g wheat whole grains for seven days in comparison with the control. The enzymatic activity of malate dehydrogenase and α-amylase was observed in the cellular extracts of S. granarius. The insects were crushed and homogenized in phosphate-buffer solution and centrifuged at 10000 rpm for 5 minutes. For the enzymatic measurement supernatant was tested; the spectrophotometer was adjusted at 340 nm. The reagents were mixed and incubated at 25 °C for five minutes. The cuvettes were placed in the experimental and reference sites of spectrophotometer and recorded the change in absorbance for 3-4 minutes. There was 5.60% and 14.92% reduction in the activity of malate dehydrogenase in R. fruticosus and V. jatamansi, treated insects, respectively. The alpha amylase enzyme activity was 6.82% reduced and 63.63% increase in R. fruticosus and V. jatamansi, treated insects, respectively. Present study addresses that both plant powders are effective against granary weevil by altering enzyme activities so both the plant powders can be used as bio-pesticides against the stored grains pests.

Patient-reported outcomes from a randomized phase II study of the deferasirox film-coated tablet in patients with transfusion-dependent anemias

BACKGROUND

Adherence to long-term chelation therapy in transfusion-dependent patients is critical to prevent iron overload-related complications. Once-daily deferasirox dispersible tablets (DT) have proven long-term efficacy and safety in patients ≥2 years old with chronic transfusional iron overload. However, barriers to optimal adherence remain, including palatability, preparation time, and requirements for fasting state. A new film-coated tablet (FCT) formulation was developed, swallowed once daily (whole/crushed) with/without a light meal.

METHODS

The open-label, Phase II ECLIPSE study evaluated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in transfusion-dependent thalassemia or lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes patients randomized 1:1 to receive deferasirox DT or FCT over 24 weeks as a secondary outcome of the study. Three PRO questionnaires were developed to evaluate both deferasirox formulations: 1) Modified Satisfaction with Iron Chelation Therapy Questionnaire; 2) Palatability Questionnaire; 3) Gastrointestinal (GI) Symptom Diary.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy three patients were enrolled; 87 received the FCT and 86 the DT formulation. FCT recipients consistently reported better adherence (easier to take medication, less bothered by time to prepare medication and waiting time before eating), greater satisfaction/preference (general satisfaction and with administration of medicine), and fewer concerns (less worry about not swallowing enough medication, fewer limitations in daily activities, less concern about side effects). FCT recipients reported no taste or aftertaste and could swallow all their medicine with an acceptable amount of liquid. GI summary scores were low for both formulations.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest a preference in favor of the deferasirox FCT formulation regardless of underlying disease or age group. Better patient satisfaction and adherence to chelation therapy may reduce iron overload-related complications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02125877; registered April 26, 2014.

A replication study of 49 Type 2 diabetes risk variants in a Punjabi Pakistani population

AIM

The burden of Type 2 diabetes is alarmingly high in South Asia, a region that has many genetically diverse ethnic populations. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted largely in European populations have identified a number of loci predisposing to Type 2 diabetes risk, however, the relevance of such genetic loci in many South Asian sub-ethnicities remains elusive. The aim of this study was to replicate 49 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously identified through GWAS in Punjabis living in Pakistan.

METHODS

We examined the association of 49 SNPs in 853 Type 2 diabetes cases and 1945 controls using additive logistic regression models after adjusting for age and gender.

RESULTS

Of the 49 SNPs investigated, eight showed a nominal association (P < 0.05) that also remained significant after controlling for the false discovery rate. The most significant association was found for rs7903146 at the TCF7L2 locus. For a per unit increase in the risk score comprising of all the 49 SNPs, the odds ratio in association with Type 2 diabetes risk was 1.16 (95% CI 1.13-1.19, P < 2.0E-16).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that some Type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci are shared between Europeans and Punjabis living in Pakistan.

Road traffic crashes in Ramadan: an observational study

The aim of this study was to investigate trends in road traffic crashes (RTCs) managed by an emergency service, Rescue 1122, in 2011 in Punjab, Pakistan. RTC data were collected from 35 districts of Punjab and reviewed retrospectively. Data analysis revealed that the service responded to 12 969 RTC emergencies during August 2011 (Ramadan), compared with an average of 11 573 RTCs per month from January to August 2011. The younger age group (11-27 years) was victims in 29% of RTCs; 39% were due to speeding and 43% occurred in peak rush hours (14:00-18:00) before iftar (breakfast).Results of the study showed that Rescue 1122 faced more RTCs during Ramadan compared with the preceding months. Road safety is an important public health issue in Pakistan. Although there have been great improvements in roads in the past few years, much work needs to be done to deal with mounting trends in RTCs. Public awareness, political will and stringent law enforcement are key factors.

Chemo-radiotherapy: an alternative to surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum--report of six patients and literature review

PURPOSE

Since 1943 [1], only 45 patients of squamous cancer of the rectum have been reported in the published reports and the largest series to date consists of 12 patients. Reports suggest that the primary treatment is surgical resection but, in the light of nonsurgical advances in the treatment of anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we present a review of the literature and report six patients treated by chemoradiation therapy (CRT).

METHOD

A literature search was undertaken using the keywords squamous cell, epidermoid, basaloid and cloacagenic and cancer of rectum and colon to provide evidence for this discussion from studies of surgery, radiation therapy and CRT in rectal SCC. A prospective database of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, UK was searched from 1995 to 2005 for patients diagnosed with pure SCC of the rectum.

RESULTS

Six patients with histologically confirmed primary SCC of the rectum were treated with primary combination chemo-radiotherapy according to protocols used for SCC of the anal canal over a 15-year period. Surgery was avoided in four, and they remain disease-free on follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary CRT, as currently utilized in anal cancer, can be extended to primary SCC of the rectum.

Very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in a pair of mildly affected monozygotic twin sister in their late fifties

Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) catalyses the initial step of mitochondrial beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids with a chain length of 14 to 20 carbons. Deficiency of VLCAD activity has been associated with a range of phenotypes, including a severe lethal form presenting in the infantile period and a milder variant with onset in childhood. Varying rates of residual enzyme activity partly explain the heterogeneity in presentations. Here we report the course of disease in a pair of monozygotic twin sisters who were diagnosed in their late forties during an evaluation for rhabdomyolysis and fatigue. Interestingly, the patients' complaints were most severe during puberty and declined significantly after the menopause. The basis for this observation is uncertain, but may be related to hormonally-mediated changes in lipid metabolism that may occur at these times. As metabolic decompensation can be associated with significant morbidity, timely diagnosis of VLCAD deficiency is important. The introduction of appropriate dietary measures (i.e. avoidance of fasting, long-chain fat restriction and supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides) greatly reduces the likelihood of complications.

Why wait for a colonoscopy? An easy cure

OBJECTIVE

Three thousand five hundred and forty-nine patients are waiting for a colonoscopy in the Kent and Medway cancer network. New guidelines identify those who require surveillance for polyp, cancer, IBD and family history. Our hypothesis was that most of the patients on the waiting list would no longer need a colonoscopy if the new guidelines were applied.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We compared the ACPGBI guidelines for screening/surveillance colonoscopy with the indications in 411 notes of one hospital's waiting list and removed patients as appropriate. In the second part of study we analysed 192 patients attending colonoscopy in seven hospitals in the region and calculated the potential impact of the guidelines on our waiting lists.

RESULTS

Of 411 patients on the waiting list in one hospital, only 98 (24%) needed to remain on the list. 142 (34%) were cancelled completely. One hundred and seventy-one (42%) were taken off the 'waiting' list and rebooked for a later date since according to the new guidelines the colonoscopy was not due yet. Of 192 colonoscopies actually performed during the study period in 7 hospitals of Kent and Medway cancer network, 72 (38%) were for surveillance. Two thirds of those were not in line with the guidelines. As a result of implementing the guidelines, waiting times for diagnostic colonoscopy fell from 12 to 4 weeks for urgent, and from 40 to 15 weeks for routine referrals.

CONCLUSION

A quarter of the 8000 colonoscopies performed annually in our region are unnecessary when compared to the guidelines. More than three quarters of our waiting list could be removed by reviewing the notes. Implementing the guidelines in one cancer network would save pounds 1 million per year even on conservative estimates of pounds 500 per colonoscopy. It would also reduce the waiting times for diagnostic colonoscopy.

Peaks of linkage are localized by a BAC/PAC contig of the 6p reading disability locus

A gene for reading disability has been localized by nonparametric linkage to 6p21.3-p22 in several published reports. However, the lack of an uninterrupted genomic clone contig has made it difficult to determine accurate intermarker distances, precise marker order, and genetic boundaries and hinders direct comparisons of linkage. The search and discovery of the hemochromatosis gene (HFE) led to the creation of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and P-1 derived artificial chromosome (PAC) contig that extended physical maps 4 Mb from the MHC toward pter and localized new markers in that region [10-12]. Using this contig, we localized 124 sequence tagged sites, expressed sequence tags, and short tandem repeats including most of the markers in linkage with reading disability phenotypes, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, GPLD1, prolactin, and 18 uncharacterized genes. This new contig joins and extends previously published physical maps to span the entire chromosome 6 reading disability genetic locus. Physical mapping data from the complete contig show overlap of the published linkage peaks for reading disability, provide accurate intermarker distances and order, and offer resources for generating additional markers and candidate genes for high resolution genetic studies in this region.

MHC class I negative phenotype of disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow is associated with poor survival in R0M0 breast cancer patients

Changing the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I phenotype is a pivotal strategy of tumor cells to circumvent an effective immune response and is associated with tumor progression in cancer patients. Epithelial cells in bone marrow have been detected in various tumor types, but the clinical observation that only a portion of the patients with a positive bone marrow status develops solid bone metastasis suggests a certain molecular equipment of the isolated tumor cells as a prerequisite for metastatic formation. In the present study the prognostic impact of the MHC class I phenotype of disseminated epithelial cells in bone marrow was evaluated in a cohort of 30 curatively resected (R0) patients without distant metastases (M0) (designated R0M0) who had minimal residual disease. Immunocytochemical analysis using the alkaline/anti-alkaline immunogold double staining procedure revealed a heterogeneous MHC class I expression profile [monoclonal antibody (mAb) W6/32] of the epithelial cells (mAb CK2). In 16 patients (53.3%) all epithelial cells were human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I-positive (CK2+//W6/32+ phenotype). Eight patients (26.7%) showed complete loss of the HLA class I molecules (CK2+//W6/32- phenotype) and in 6 patients (20%) partial loss of HLA class I expression was found (CK2+//W6/32+ and - phenotype). CK2+ cells with the HLA class I negative phenotype (CK2+//W6/32- phenotype and CK2+//W6/32+ and - phenotype) were often derived from poorly differentiated (G3) primary breast carcinomas (p = 0.036) and were associated with short survival of the R0M0 patients (follow-up 15-98 months, log rank p = 0.072). These findings support the necessity to develop immmunotherapeutic strategies leading to the restoration of MHC class I positive phenotype.

Bio-active cardenolides from the leaves of Nerium oleander

A bioactivity directed isolation of the methanolic extract of the fresh, uncrushed leaves of Nerium oleander showing a central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect in mice has been undertaken. As a result, four CNS depressant cardenolides including a new cardenolide, neridiginoside and three known constituents, nerizoside, neritaloside and odoroside-H, have been isolated which exhibited CNS depressant activity in mice at a dose of 25 mg/kg. The structure of neridiginoside was elucidated as 3 beta-O-(D-diginosyl)-5 beta, 14 beta-dihydroxy-card-20(22)-enolide, using spectroscopic methods including one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR (COSY-45, NOESY, J-resolved, HMQC and HMBC). The known compounds have been indentified through spectral studies and comparison of data with those reported in the literature.

Cardenolides from the methanolic extract of Nerium oleander leaves possessing central nervous system depressant activity in mice

Two new cardenolides, 3 beta-O-(D-2-O-methyldigitalosyl)-14 beta-hydroxy-5 beta-carda-16,20(22)-dienolide (1) and 3 beta-hydroxy-8,14-epoxy-5 beta-carda-16,20(22)-dienolide (2), and two known cardenolides, 3 beta-O-(D-digitalosyl)-14 beta-hydroxy-16 beta-acetoxy-5 beta-card-20(22)-enolide (3) and 3 beta-O-(D-digitalosyl)-14 beta-hydroxy-5 beta-card-20(22)-enolide (4), have been isolated from the leaves of Nerium oleander following a bioactivity-directed isolation of the MeOH extract, which showed central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity in mice at a dosage of 50 mg/kg i.p. Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectral data. Compounds 1, 3, and 4 were found to exhibit sedation in mice at a dosage of 25 mg/kg, although 2 had no effect on the CNS of mice at a dosage of up to 50 mg/kg.

Chemistry and biological activity of a tryptamine and beta-carboline series of bases

Twenty-six derivatives of harmaline and tetrahydroharmine were prepared and characterized by UV, IR, MS, and NMR spectroscopy. They were tested for their antimicrobial, antiplatelet aggregation and cytotoxic activity. Their effect on central nervous system was also studied.

Studies on the constituents of the leaves of Nerium oleander on behavior pattern in mice

Fresh, undried and uncrushed leaves of Nerium oleander were subjected to methanol extraction and bioassay directed fractionation. This led to the isolation of two purified fractions namely, B-1 and B-3. Fractions B-1 and B-3 were studied with respect to their actions on the central nervous system and behavior pattern in mice. Both fractions were found to produce reduction in locomotor activity, rota rod performance and potentiation of hexobarbital sleeping time. These fractions also showed analgesic activity. When tested against picrotoxin induced convulsions fraction B-1 showed 40% protection, while fraction B-3 exhibited 60% protection against bicuculline induced convulsions. These findings suggest that both fractions possess a CNS depressant action.