Inflammation in Hernia and the epigenetic control

Inflammation is much more intrinsic to hernia then is what is generally appreciated. The occurrence of hernias is associated with swelling, stress and inflammation. Surgery remains an important intervention to treat hernias and for many years, post-surgical levels of inflammatory cytokines have been evaluated to compare the different strategies for their comparative advantages. All surgical procedures elicit some sort of inflammatory response and moreover the meshes used for hernia repair are also associated with elevated inflammatory response, although some favor predominantly a pro-inflammatory response while the other meshes favor anti-inflammatory response. An estimated more than 90% of hernia repairs involve some meshes with polypropylene considered as the gold standard. Efforts are underway to modulate polypropylene meshes associated inflammation through use of alternative materials as well as modifications to polypropylene meshes themselves. In the last one decade, miRNAs have entered hernia research and the data on a role of miRNAs in different hernias is slowly emerging, providing the first evidence of epigenetics in hernia. Some reports are connecting miRNAs with inflammation in hernia. All these aspects, such as, surgery-related to mesh-related inflammation as well as miRNA-related inflammation, are discussed in this article to present an up-to-date information on the topic.

Chemokines in colon cancer progression

Colon cancer is a major human cancer accounting for about a tenth of all cancer cases thus making it among the top three cancers in terms of incidence as well as mortality. Metastasis to distant organs, particularly to liver, is the primary reason for associated mortality. Chemokines, the chemo-attractants for various immune cells, have increasingly been reported to be involved in cancer initiation and progression, including in colon cancer. Here we discuss the available knowledge on the role of several chemokines, such as, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL8 in colon cancer progression. CCL20 is one chemokine with emerging evidence for its role in influencing colon cancer tumor microenvironment through the documents effects on fibroblasts, macrophages and immune cells. We focus on CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 as promising factors that affect multiple levels of colon cancer progression. They interact with several cytokines and TLR receptors leading to increased aggressiveness, as supported by multitude of evidence from in vitro, in vivo studies as well as human patient samples. CCL20-CCR6 bring about their biological effects through regulation of several signaling pathways, including, ERK and NF-κB pathways, in addition to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Signaling involving CCL20-CCR6 has profound effect on colon cancer hepatic metastasis. Combined with elevated CCL20 levels in colon tumors and metastatic patients, the above information points to a need for further evaluation of chemokines as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers.

Synergistic effects ofα-Fe2O3nanoparticles and Fe-doping on gas-sensing performance of NiO nanowires and interface mechanism

High surface area nickel oxide nanowires (NiO NWs), Fe-doped NiO NWs andα-Fe₂O₃/Fe-doped NiO NWs were synthesized with nanocasting pathway, and then the morphology, microstructure and components of all samples were characterized with XRD, TEM, EDS, UV-vis spectra and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. Owing to the uniform mesoporous template, all samples with the same diameter exhibit the similar mesoporous-structures. The loadedα-Fe₂O₃nanoparticles should exist in mesoporous channels between Fe-doped NiO NWs to form heterogeneous contact at the interface of n-typeα-Fe₂O₃nanoparticles and p-type NiO NWs. The gas-sensing results indicate that Fe-dopant andα-Fe₂O₃-loading both improve the gas-sensing performance of NiO NWs sensors.α-Fe₂O₃/Fe-doped NiO NWs sensors presented the highest response to 100 ppm ethanol gas (55.264) compared with Fe-doped NiO NWs (24.617) and NiO NWs sensors (3.189). The donor Fe-dopant increases the ground state resistance and the absorbed oxygen content in air.α-Fe₂O₃nanoparticles in electron depletion region result in the increasing resistance in ethanol gas and decreasing resistance in air. In this way,α-Fe₂O₃/Fe-doped NiO NWs sensor presents the excellent gas-sensing performance due to the formation of heterogeneous contact at the interface.

Higher serum retinol binding protein 4 may be a predictor of weak metabolic control in chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate relationships between serum levels of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) and clinical and metabolic variables in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A total of 513 patients (286 males/227 females) provided clinical and lifestyle data and blood and urine samples for analysis. Patients were stratified into four quartile groups according to serum RBP4 concentrations.

RESULTS

RBP4 concentration was independently associated with gender, systolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride and creatinine levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Hypertension, dyslipidaemia, micro albuminuria and impaired eGFR (<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) were significantly more prevalent in patients with the highest RBP4 levels than in those with the lowest levels. Increased serum RBP4 was associated with increased risk of hypertension, dyslipidaemia, micro albuminuria and impaired eGFR after adjusting for gender, age, body mass index and duration of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Serum RBP4 may be a useful marker of overall metabolic control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

NEW HOPE FOR INFERTILITY THERAPY: FABRICATING GAMETES FROM STEM CELLS

The field of reproductive and developmental biology has been revolutionized by recent advanced studies. These studies indicate that stem cells are capable of forming gametes in vivo and in vitro in both mouse and human. This has provided powerful tools for undertaking new types of reproductive studies, and particularly might provide new technology and novel approaches in assisted reproductive medicine.

Characterization of human sperm antigens reacting with anti-sperm antibodies from an infertile female patient's serum

Identification of sperm antigens that elicit immunoglobulin (Ig) production and knowledge of their roles in sperm transport and fertilization may enhance diagnosis and treatment of immunologic infertility. Sperm antigens recognized by a female patient's serum anti-sperm antibodies were characterized using an indirect immunobead-binding test, immunoblot analysis, and immunochemical labeling. The anti-sperm antibodies' effect on sperm function was evaluated by acrosome induction by calcium ionophore. Immunobeads specific for IgG were bound to the head of 79% of motile donor sperm. Immunochemical labeling of antibody-binding sites was restricted to the plasma membrane over the acrosomal crescent. No labeling was observed on the inner acrosomal membrane of acrosome-reacted sperm. The antibodies reacted with 35-, 40-, 47-, and 65-kd proteins extracted from acrosome-intact donor sperm. Sperm incubated in 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, and 1:32 dilutions of anti-sperm antibody-positive serum had similar rates of spontaneous acrosome reaction and significantly lower rates of ionophore-induced acrosome reaction compared with sperm incubated in control serum. These results suggest that sperm antigens recognized by the patient's serum anti-sperm antibodies are restricted to the acrosomal region of the plasma membrane. The antibodies may impair fertility by compromising the sperm's ability to undergo capacitation and/or acrosome reaction.

Expression of a novel T-complex testis expressed 5 (Tctex5) in mouse testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa

Expression of T-complex testis expressed 5 (Tctex5), an orthologue of protein phosphatase-1 inhibitor-3 (PPP1R11), was enhanced in mouse testis and was also expressed in epididymis and spermatozoa. There were three transcripts of Tctex5 including one brain specific and two common transcripts dominant in mouse testis. Tctex5 protein isoforms (75, 52, 32, 25, and 14.3 kDa) were identified. Isoforms of 75 and 52 kDa were spermatogenic-specific and were found in protein fraction containing nuclei, mitochondria, and flagellum accessory, and also in protein fraction containing mainly membranes. Tctex5 was localized in nuclei of pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatocytes, cytoplasm of Sertoli cells in testis; cilia, secretion bodies and nuclei of epithelial cells and interstitium smooth muscle cells in epididymis; and head and principal piece of tail in epididymal spermatozoa. The results suggested that Tctex5 might be a specific protein phosphatase-1 inhibitor in sperm; various Tctex5 transcripts and isoforms and cellular locations imply its different roles in spermatogenesis. Nuclei-type isoforms (75 and 52 kDa) might take part in nucleus remodeling during spermatogenesis whilst membrane-type isoform (52 kDa) might be responsible for dephosphorylation of proteins during capacitation. The other isoforms might play general roles for all kinds of cell types.

Localizations of intracellular calcium and Ca2+-ATPase in hamster spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa

Calcium plays a predominant role regulating many functional processes of spermatogenesis and fertilization. The purpose of the present study is to define the exact location of calcium as well as examine the role it plays during spermatogenesis and sperm capacitation. Testes and epididymides were obtained from adult healthy male hamsters. Spermatozoa were incubated with modified Tyrode's medium up to 4 h at 37 degrees Celsius for sperm capacitation in vitro. Samples of the testes and sperm cells were analyzed by cytochemical techniques to determine the location of calcium and Ca(2+)-ATPase and the percentage of acrosome reactions under light and electron microscopy. The data showed that (1) Sertoli cells exhibited numerous calcium precipitates as large, round, electron-dense bodies distributed throughout the cytoplasm and the mitochondrial matrix. Fine calcium precipitates existed in fewer numbers in the intracellular storage sites of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes, in sharp distinction to secondary spermatocyte and spermatids, which showed an abundance of large and round calcium precipitates, especially in the mitochondrial matrix of spermatids. More calcium deposits were distributed in the plasma membrane (PM), acrosome membrane, and matrices of the acrosome and mitochondria following capacitation; (2) Ca(2+)-ATPase was found in the endoplasmic reticulum system and PM of noncapacitated spermatozoa as well as Sertoli cells. Capacitated spermatozoa showed a weak signal. These results suggest that the presence of calcium in spermatogenic cells might play a role in cell growth and differentiation during spermatogenesis. The Ca(2+)-ATPase function may be inhibited during capacitation, leading to an increase in acrosomal calcium level and triggering of acrosomal exocytosis.

Optical nonlinearity of ZnO microcrystallite enhanced by interfacial state

A series of ZnO microcrystallite films deposited on quartz substrates were annealed at the temperature of 600~1050 masculineC. A well c-axis grown wurtzite ZnO film was obtained at the annealing temperature of 850 masculineC. For the samples annealed above this temperature, the empirical parameter E(0) increased calculated from transmittance spectra, which indicated the changes of the interface of ZnO microcrystallite. Measured by Z-scans, the nonlinear absorption coefficient beta(eff) increased from 1.2x10(2) cm/GW to 1.1x10(3) cm/GW when the annealing temperature rose from 950 masculineC to 1050 masculineC, mainly due to the interfacial state enhancement.

The trans-10,cis-12 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid downregulates stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are a group of positional and geometric conjugated dienoic isomers of linoleic acid. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 isomers of conjugated linoleic acid on lipid composition and gene expression during the differentiation of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Treatment of differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the expression of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene (SCD1). The expression of other adipocyte genes such as adipose P2 (aP2), fatty acid synthase (FAS), SCD2 and the key adipogenic transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2) and CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha), remained elevated. Cells treated with trans-10,cis-12 CLA exhibited smaller lipid droplets, with reduced levels of the major monounsaturated fatty acids, palmitoleate and oleate. By contrast, the cis-9,trans-11 isomer did not alter adipocyte gene expression. Repression of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene expression in adipocytes by the trans-10,cis-12 isomer may contribute to the mechanisms by which CLA reduces body fat in mice.

Effects of water extract of 1:1 mixture of Phellodendron cortex and Aralia cortex on polyol pathway and oxidative damage in lenses of diabetic rats

Enhanced activity of the polyol pathway and oxidative damage have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract. We decided to investigate whether these changes in diabetic lenses could be prevented by the water extract of Phellodendron cortex and Aralia cortex (P55A). Aldose reductase activity was inhibited significantly by the treatment with P55A. Consequently, it caused a dramatic reduction in the high sorbitol contents observed in the lenses of diabetic rats. In addition, the greatly elevated content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and carbonylated protein in diabetic rats were reduced by P55A treatment. These results suggest that P55A extract exerts an antioxidant effect by reducing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation as well as having an inhibitory action against aldose reductase in the lenses of diabetic rats.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha is not essential in endotoxin induced eye inflammation: studies in cytokine receptor deficient mice

OBJECTIVE

Anterior uveitis frequently occurs in association with specific systemic inflammatory diseases. Interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these diseases. We evaluate the need for these cytokines in a model of anterior uveitis.

METHODS

Endotoxin was injected into the vitreous of mice deficient in IL-1 receptor type I, TNF receptors p55 and p75, both IL-1R1 and TNFR p55, or controls. Eyes were harvested after 24 h for histology and IL-6 bioassays or after 3 h for reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of mRNA for specific cytokines or enzymes.

RESULTS

No significant difference in the number of infiltrating cells was found in TNFR p55/p75 deficient mice compared to controls in any of 4 separate experiments or in the combined data (p = 0.8). The number of infiltrating cells was significantly reduced in 2 of 4 experiments with IL-1R1 deficient mice (p < 0.001 based on combined data from 4 studies). IL-1R1/TNFR p55 deficient mice had a reduction in infiltrating cells in 2 of 3 experiments (p < 0.001 based on combined data from all studies). IL-6 levels were not significantly reduced in either of 2 experiments with TNFR p55/p75 deficient mice, but were reduced in one of 2 experiments with IL-1R1-/- mice (p = 0.02) and in one experiment with IL-1R1/TNFR p55 deficient mice (p = 0.01). In response to endotoxin, all 3 receptor deficient lines increased mRNA levels for IL-1-alpha, IL-10, TNF-alpha, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and inducible nitric oxide synthase.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-1 appears to have a more pivotal role in endotoxin induced uveitis than TNF-alpha, although neither cytokine is essential. Deletion of receptors for both cytokines has the most consistent effect, which is in accord with the hypothesis that these cytokines are, at least in part, functionally redundant.

The effect of genetic deficiency of adhesion molecules on the course of endotoxin-induced uveitis

PURPOSE

Multiple adhesion molecules of the selectin, integrin, and immunoglobulin-like families are involved in the migration of leukocytes out of the bloodstream into inflamed tissues. This study addresses the question of which adhesion molecules are specifically involved in endotoxin-induced uveitis.

METHODS

Mice genetically deficient in p-selectin, ICAM-1, beta2-integrin, or controls received intravitreal injections of endotoxin. Eyes were harvested 24 h later and inflammation was evaluated by histologic and immunohistochemical assays of infiltrating cells.

RESULTS

Mice lacking either P-selectin or beta2-integrin had less inflammation than controls (median cells/section: 64 for P-selectin knockout vs 130 for controls, p=0.02, n=17 per group: 244 for beta2-integrin knockouts, n=14, vs 355 for controls, n=17, p=0.05). Neither gene deletion significantly changed the ratio of infiltrating neutrophils to macrophages. ICAM-1 knockouts tended to have fewer infiltrating cells (median 22 cells/section) compared to controls (median 132 cells/section), but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.25, n=9 per group).

CONCLUSIONS

P-selectin, beta2-integrin, and possibly ICAM-1 are involved in the ocular inflammatory response to endotoxin. The lack of complete inhibition of leukocyte infiltration with the complete loss of each adhesion molecule is in accord with the notion that alternative adhesion molecules also participate in this process.

Interleukin-6 does not mediate endotoxin-induced uveitis in mice: studies in gene deletion animals

PURPOSE

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been strongly implicated in anterior uveitis based on its presence in aqueous humor from infected eyes and its inflammatory effects when injected intravitreally into rats. We used IL-6-deficient mice to test further the hypothesis that IL-6 contributes to the development of endotoxin-induced uveitis.

METHODS

Uveitis was scored by histologic analysis of C3H/HeN mice 24 hours after intravitreal injections of up to 200 ng of recombinant murine IL-6. Uveitis was similarly measured in IL-6-deficient mice and congenic controls 24 hours after intravitreal injection of 250 ng of Escherichia coli endotoxin. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect mRNAs for several cytokines at 3 hours postinjection. The IL-6 concentration in aqueous humor samples was determined with a bioassay using the murine B9 plasmacytoma cell line.

RESULTS

Direct injection of IL-6 did not induce uveitis. Mice genetically deficient in IL-6 developed endotoxin-induced uveitis that was comparable or more severe than congenic control mice. Compensatory changes in the expression of mRNA for other cytokines were not detected in irises from the IL-6-deficient mice. In IL-6-competent mice that received bilateral endotoxin injections, no correlation was found between the number of infiltrating cells in one eye and the IL-6 concentration in the aqueous humor of the contralateral eye.

CONCLUSIONS

In marked contrast to previous conclusions with rats, IL-6 was not sufficient for inducing uveitis in mice. Additionally, IL-6 was not necessary for the development of uveitis subsequent to intravitreal injection of endotoxin in mice.

Suppression of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme expression in rats by acriflavine, a protein kinase C inhibitor. Effects on epoxide hydrolase, glutathione S-transferases, and cytochromes p450

The effects of acriflavine (ACF), a protein kinase C inhibitor, on the expression of hepatic microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and cytochrome P450 (P450) were assessed in rat hepatic tissue. Northern blot analysis revealed that treatment of rats with thiazole, allyl disulfide (ADS), oltipraz, or clotrimazole at a single dose of 100 mg/kg resulted in 7-18-fold increases in mEH mRNA levels at 24 hr, whereas concomitant ACF treatment (20 mg/kg, im) caused 50-95% inhibition of the chemical-induced increases in hepatic mEH mRNA levels. rGSTA2, rGSTA3, and rGSTM1 mRNA levels were also significantly suppressed at 24 hr in response to a single dose of ACF (20 mg/kg, im). Animals treated with both ACF and ADS showed complete blockage of mEH and GST gene expression as early as 12 hr after treatment. ADS-inducible increases in mEH and rGSTA2 mRNA levels were suppressed at 24 hr after treatment with ACF, in a dose-related manner, with 50% inhibitory dose (ID50) values of 2.0-2.3 mg/kg, whereas glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA levels were not altered. Immunoblot analysis revealed that ACF (15 mg/kg/day, im, for 3 days) inhibited induction of mEH or rGSTA2 protein by ADS (100 mg/kg/day, po, for 3 days). The levels of hepatic P450 2B1/2, P450 2C11, and P450 3A1/2 were decreased in rats treated with ACF (15 mg/kg/day, im, for 3 days), whereas P450 1A2 and P450 2E1 expression was not affected. Treatment of rats with ACF in combination with gadolinium chloride, which inhibits mEH and GST expression through calcium channel blocking, shifted the dose-inhibitory response curves for ACF to the left, with 7-15-fold decreases in the ID50 values, indicating that the active site for ACF for suppression of mEH and GST mRNA levels differs from that for gadolinium chloride. Proflavine and safranine O, which are structurally related to ACF, also caused suppression of ADS-induced increases in mRNA levels, in a dose-dependent manner, with ID50 values of 4-9 mg/kg. These results demonstrate that ACF and its related compounds effectively suppress the expression of a battery of hepatic xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, including mEH, GSTs, and certain P450 forms.

A novel model of bacterially-induced acute anterior uveitis in rats and the lack of effect from HLA-B27 expression

BACKGROUND

Humans with the major histocompatibility antigen B27 (HLA-B27) are especially at risk for developing rheumatic disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter's syndrome. Acute anterior uveitis (AAU) often occurs in association with these diseases or in HLA B27 positive individuals without joint disease.

METHODS

We induced acute anterior uveitis in Lewis rats by a standard model, the intraperitoneal injection of 200 micrograms of Escherichia coli endotoxin. We also developed a novel model of uveitis secondary to gram-negative infection.

RESULTS

Transgenic rats that expressed a low copy number of the B27 gene did not differ statistically from litter mate controls in the intensity of anterior uveitis as judged by histology, enumeration of cells in aqueous humor, protein in aqueous humor, or slit lamp examination. The majority of rats exposed to live Salmonella enteritidis or Yersinia enterocolitica 0:3 using either an oral or intravenous route of infection developed anterior uveitis. In contrast to the disease induced by endotoxin that is most intense 24 hours after the endotoxin challenge, uveitis induced by live bacteria usually began 7 to 9 days after exposure to bacterial products, was more often unilateral, persisted for as long as 3 weeks, and was sometimes recurrent. The expression of HLA-B27 did not appear to influence the incidence or severity of uveitis in B27+ low copy heterozygous animals.

CONCLUSION

This rat model of AAU should facilitate evaluation of bacterial antigenic component(s) involved in the pathogenesis of live gram-negative bacteria induced AAU.

Enhanced anti-tumour effects of acriflavine in combination with guanosine in mice

The anti-tumour activity of acriflavine in combination with guanosine has been evaluated in solid or ascitic tumour-implanted animal models. Guanosine is known to potentiate the anti-tumour effects of some chemotherapeutic agents. Administration of acriflavine (15 mg kg-1 day-1, i.m., 14 days) to ICR mice subcutaneously implanted with Ehrlich carcinoma resulted in approximately 30% inhibition in tumour growth. In contrast, minor tumour growth inhibition was observed in animals treated with guanosine at the same daily dose. Treatment of animals with both acriflavine and guanosine (AG60, 1:1, w/w) at 30 mg kg-1 resulted in approximately 65% inhibition in tumour growth rate. Whereas treatment with acriflavine or guanosine resulted in 70% or 30% decrease in tumour weight, respectively, treatment of tumour-implanted mice with AG60 (30 mg kg-1) resulted in a 96% decrease in tumour weight, relative to control, 14 days after tumour-cell implantation. Dose-related inhibition in tumour growth rate was also observed in animals treated with AG60, with maximum (65%) inhibition noted at a dose of 30 mg kg-1 (ED50 23 mg kg-1). Suppression of body weight increase and elevated plasma glucose levels by acriflavine or AG60 indicated that glucose utilization might be impaired. The anti-tumour effect of AG60 was also determined in CDF1 mice intraperitoneally implanted with Ehrlich ascitic tumour. Ehrlich ascitic tumour proliferation was completely suppressed by AG60 (30 mg kg-1, i.p.). Microscopic analyses of intraperitoneal touch-prints revealed that AG60 was more effective in suppressing tumour proliferation than acriflavine alone. Fluorescent microscopic examinations demonstrated that acriflavine avidly bound with Yac-1 cell plasma membrane, leading to morphological changes in the cells, such as bleb formations, swelling and ballooning. The time-related changes in tumour cell morphology by acriflavine or AG60 might represent energy depletion, followed by osmotic lysis as a result of cationic influx. Enhanced anti-tumour activity of acriflavine in combination with guanosine might be explained by the blocking of nutrient transport through selective acriflavine binding with plasma membrane and by concomitant guanosine perturbation of cellular ATP production. This study demonstrates that guanosine enhances the anti-tumour effects of acriflavine against a variety of cancer cells without serious adverse effects, providing a preclinical basis for potential application of this combination against cancer proliferation.

Biostatic activity of Coix lacryma seed extract on Toxoplasma gondii in macrophages

Water extract of Coix lacryma seeds (Co-Ex) was separated into several components; dissolved with Tris-Cl buffer and the supernatant (WC1), ammonium sulfate treatment supernatant (WC2) and the pellet (WC3), QAE column chromatography of WC1 and the peak portions; WC4, WC5 and WC6. Murine peritoneal macrophages in DMEM containing 10% heat-inactivated FCS were infected with tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii, RH strain, in vitro. By adding modulators such as Co-Ex, WC1,2,3,4,5,6 and LPS or IFN-gamma for 24 hrs, toxoplasmastatic activity of macrophages was examined in relation to nitrite production. Nitrite production of macrophages was enhanced especially in the series of WC2, WC1 and the combination sample (WC1+WC2+WC3) by order, than other components or fractions (WC4, WC5, WC6) tested. Toxoplasmastatic actions such as percentage of the macrophages infected by T. gondii and fold increase of T. gondii in macrophages showed retroverse relations with the amount of nitrite production; i.e., as nitric oxide (NO) increased the phagocytic index of macrophages and the fold increase of tachyzoites in macrophages decreased. Nitrite (NO2) production was increased by adding IFN-gamma in all cases together with enhancement of biostatic effects. Through the results obtained, it is speculated that some components other than the non-proteinous and defatted components in Coix lacryma seeds may contribute to activate macrophages through induction of NO for the biostatic activity.

Isolation of isoguanosine from Croton tiglium and its antitumor activity

This paper describes the isolation of isoguanosine from Croton tiglium L. and its cytotoxic effect against several tumor cell lines in culture and newly reports that isoguanosine has an antitumor activity against implanted S-180 ascitic tumor mice. Isoguanosine is effective at the dose of 24 mg/kg/day x 5, with T/C value of 168%. Isoguanosine inhibits the growth of S-180 and Ehrlich solid tumor in mice at the optimal doses of 96 mg/kg/day x 12 and 48 mg/kg/day x 12, with 1-T/C values of 65% and 60%, respectively.

Sapogenins from Melandrium firmum

Two sapogenins isolated from MELANDRIUM FIRMUM are shown to have the structures of 3beta,21beta-dihydroxy-16,23,dioxo-28-nor-17alpha,18beta-olean-12-ene and 3beta-16alpha-dihydroxy-23-oxo-olean-13(18)-en-28-oic acid, respectively by spectral data and X-ray crystallographic analysis.