[Relationship of telomere length, mitochondrial DNA copy number of peripheral blood with hypertension in coal miners]

Objective: To explore the relationship of telomere length, mitochondrial DNA copy number of peripheral blood with hypertension and the interaction between telomere length and mtDNA-CN on hypertension in coal miners. Methods: A case control study was conducted in a coal mine of Shanxi province from July to December of 2013, in which 325 healthy workers were selected as the control group and 378 workers with hypertension as the case group. The information about general demographic characteristics and life behavior habits of the subjects were collected through questionnaire. Levels of telomere length and mtDNA-CN in peripheral blood were detected by real-time PCR. Unconditional logistic regression was used to examine the association between hypertension and telomere length, mtDNA-CN. The interaction test between telomere length and mtDNA-CN on hypertension was performed by adding the interaction term in the corresponding model. Results: The mean telomere length of the workers in the case group was (1.50±0.55) kb, and that of the control group was (2.01±0.62) kb, the difference between two groups was significant (t=11.68, P<0.001). The correlation analysis showed that telomere length was positively correlated with mtDNA-CN (r=0.157, P=0.002) in the case group. Multivariate analysis showed that telomere length (OR=4.408, 95%CI: 3.012-6.452), age (OR=0.417, 95%CI: 0.284-0.613), BMI (OR=1.357, 95%CI: 1.162-1.584), monthly household income level (OR=0.656, 95%CI: 0.553-0.778) and work duration (OR=1.249, 95%CI: 1.100-1.417) were influencing factors of hypertension. The multiply interaction between telomere length and mtDNA-CN was significant on hypertension (OR=1.267, 95%CI: 1.094-1.468). Conclusions: The results suggest shorter telomere length is a risk factor of hypertension. There is a multiply interaction between telomere length and mtDNA-CN on hypertension. However, the association between mtDNA-CN and hypertension was not found.

[Research on potential interaction between mitochondrial DNA copy number and related factors on risk of hypertension in coal miners]

Objective: To investigate the effects of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in peripheral blood and related factors on the risk of hypertension in coal miners. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 378 coal miners with hypertension and 325 healthy coal miners recruited from Datong Coal Mine Group. A standard questionnaire was used to collect their general information, such as demographic characteristics, habits and occupational history. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed to detect the copy number of mtDNA. Logistic regression model was applied for identifying the related risk factors of hypertension and analyzing the interaction between mtDNA copy number and risk factors. Results: The prevalence of hypertension of high mtDNA copy number was lower than mtDNA copy numberin 0-5.67 group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.414). Alcohol drinking (OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.26-2.56), family history of hypertension (OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.20- 2.50), work shifts (OR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.48-0.99), education level (P=0.012) and family monthly income level (P=0.001) were related to the prevalence of hypertension. There were potential interactions between mtDNA copy number and alcohol drinking, family monthly income level, family history of hypertension, respectively. Alcohol drinking was a risk factor for hypertension [1.77 (1.25-2.50)]. Potential interactions between mtDNA copy number and alcohol drinking reduced the risk of hypertension (OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.07-1.35). Family history of hypertension was a risk factor for hypertension [1.81(1.26-2.59)]. Potential interactions between mtDNA copy number and family history of hypertension reduced the risk of hypertension (OR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.09-1.41). Family monthly income level was a protect factor for hypertension [0.55(0.46-0.66)]. Potential interactions between mtDNA copy number and family monthly income level increased the protection role of hypertension (OR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.86-0.94). Conclusion: mtDNA copy number variation was not significantly associated with the prevalence of hypertension in coal miners, but mtDNA copy number showed multiplication interaction on the prevalence of hypertension with alcohol drinking, family monthly income level as well as family history of hypertension and made their influences weaken.

Location and characterization of GAPDS in male reproduction

Sperm-specific glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDS) originates from spermatogenic cells of the human testis. A strong staining of GAPDS was detected in epididymal epithelium, especially in principal cells and basal cells of the epithelium. GAPDS also bound to the fibrous sheet of the sperm tail and inhibited the motility and penetration ability of sperms. The rat model showed that at postnatal day 28 the spermatogenic cells began to express GAPDS protein. By day 60 its expression decreased in spermatogenic cells while it increased in Sertoli cells. After sexual maturation (120 days) GAPDS protein was expressed in both Sertoli cells and elongated sperms. The expression of GAPDS gradually increased with age in the epididymis.

Evaluation of net primary productivity and its spatial and temporal patterns in southern China’s grasslands

The net primary productivity (NPP) of grassland ecosystems is an important indicator of the capacity for carbon (C) absorption. The Global Production Efficiency Model was adopted to simulate NPP in southern China’s grasslands and to analyse the temporal and spatial dynamics from 1981 to 2000. There was a high correlation between measured and simulated values (R2 = 0.84). Based on the data from 1981 to 2000, the mean annual NPP was 1082 g C m–2 year–1, and the highest value (1798 g C m–2 year–1) was in Hainan province, and the lowest value (500 g C m–2 year–1) was in south-western Tibet. The highest mean NPP values were in the permanent wetlands (1193 g C m–2 year–1) and savannas (1137 g C m–2 year–1); woody savannas had an intermediate value (1087 g C m–2 year–1), and the lowest NPP occurred in typical grasslands and open shrubs, the mean values were 709 and 689 g C m–2 year–1, respectively. Temporally, the total NPP in southern China’s grasslands slightly increased in the 20-year period, especially from 1981 to 1990. The mean annual total of NPP in the 20 years was 0.758 Pg C. Inter-annual variation in total NPP was driven mainly by mean annual temperature rather than mean annual precipitation. The results suggest that grassland ecosystems in southern China have a large C sink.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha increases epithelial barrier permeability by disrupting tight junctions in Caco-2 cells

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) on intestinal epithelial cell permeability and the expression of tight junction proteins. Caco-2 cells were plated onto Transwell microporous filters and treated with TNF-alpha (10 or 100 ng/mL) for 0, 4, 8, 16, or 24 h. The transepithelial electrical resistance and the mucosal-to-serosal flux rates of the established paracellular marker Lucifer yellow were measured in filter-grown monolayers of Caco-2 intestinal cells. The localization and expression of the tight junction protein occludin were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis, respectively. SYBR-Green-based real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of occludin mRNA. TNF-alpha treatment produced concentration- and time-dependent decreases in Caco-2 transepithelial resistance and increases in transepithelial permeability to the paracellular marker Lucifer yellow. Western blot results indicated that TNF-alpha decreased the expression of phosphorylated occludin in detergent-insoluble fractions but did not affect the expression of non-phosphorylated occludin protein. Real-time RT-PCR data showed that TNF-alpha did not affect the expression of occludin mRNA. Taken together, our data demonstrate that TNF-alpha increases Caco-2 monolayer permeability, decreases occludin protein expression and disturbs intercellular junctions.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 presenting as familial levodopa-responsive parkinsonism

A genetic analysis identified 2 patients, approximately one-tenth of our patients with familial parkinsonism, who had expanded trinucleotide repeats in SCA2 genes. The reduction of 18F-dopa distribution in both the putamen and caudate nuclei confirmed that the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system was involved in parkinsonian patients with SCA2 mutation.

Cytotoxic and novel compounds from Solanum indicum

Solavetivone (1), cytotoxic to OVCAR-3 cells with an IC(50) value of 0.1 mM, has been isolated from Solanum indicum. In addition, a novel solafuranone (2) and three known compounds, scopoletin, N-(p-trans-coumaroyl)tyramine, and N-trans-feruloyltyramine, were isolated for the first time from this plant. The structures of the above compounds were established by means of spectroscopic and X-ray analyses.

Liquid-phase parallel synthesis of ureas

An efficient and general liquid-phase method has been developed for the synthesis of a piperazine containing urea library. Reactions of the polymer bound carbamoyl chloride with primary or secondary amines afford ureas at ambient temperature. Desired compounds are liberated from the polymer support under mild conditions in high yields and high purity by simple precipitation and washings.

Transcription of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded nuclear antigen 1 promoter Qp is repressed by transforming growth factor-beta via Smad4 binding element in human BL cells

In Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected BL cells, the oncogenic EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA 1) gene is directed from the latent promoter Qp. Yeast one-hybrid screen analysis using the -50 to -37 sequence of Qp as the bait was carried out to identify transcriptional factors that may control Qp activity. Results showed that Smad4 binds the -50 to -37 sequence of Qp, indicating that this promoter is potentially regulated by TGF-beta. The association of Smad4 with Qp was further confirmed by supershift of EMSA complexes using Smad4-specific antibody. The transfection of a Qp reporter construct in two EBV(+) BL cell lines, Rael and WW2, showed that Qp activity is repressed in response to the TGF-beta treatment. This repression involves the interaction of a Smad3/Smad4 complex and the transcriptional repressor TGIF, as determined by cotransfection assay and coimmunoprecipitation analysis. Results suggest that TGF-beta may transcriptionally repress Qp through the Smad4-binding site in human BL cells.

Studies on the cytotoxic mechanisms of ginkgetin in a human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line

The cytotoxic effects of ginkgetin, a natural biflavone isolated from Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron, were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in three different human cell lines: ovarian adenocarcinoma (OVCAR-3), cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and foreskin fibroblast (FS-5). The concentrations of ginkgetin required to induce 50% death (EC50) in OVCAR-3, HeLa, and FS-5 were 3.0, 5.2, and 8.3 microg/ml, respectively. Morphological changes in cells and their nuclei, DNA fragmentation with a characteristic pattern of inter-nucleosomal ladder, and double-stranded DNA breaks were detected following treatment with 3 microg/ml of this biflavone for 24 h. Incubation with 5 microg/ml ginkgetin led to increased intracellular levels of hydrogen peroxide as early as 30 min. The cytotoxicity of ginkgetin was partially inhibited by pretreating cells with vitamin C, vitamin E or catalase. Catalase not only afforded the best protective effect among three antioxidants, but also reduced both the DNA fragmentation and double-stranded DNA breakage induced by ginkgetin. Moreover, the involvement of caspase(s) in ginkgetin-induced apoptosis was demonstrated by the activation of caspase 3 after drug treatment and the suppression of cell death by a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (z-VAD-fmk). However, the protective effects of z-VAD-fmk and catalase were not additive. Taken together, our results indicated that the apoptosis induced by ginkgetin (especially at 5 microg/ml) is mediated mainly through the activation of caspase(s) by the hydrogen peroxide generated possibly through autooxidation of this biflavone.

Combinatorial liquid-phase synthesis of structurally diverse benzimidazole libraries

An expedient liquid-phase synthesis for construction of the diverse benzimidazole libraries is described. Nucleophilic aryl substitution of poly(ethylene glycol)-supported 4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzoic acid 3 with several primary amines under basic conditions, followed by Zn/NH(4)Cl mediated nitro group reduction, gave the PEG bound diamines 5. Subsequent cyclization of immobilized o-phenylenediamine 5 using thiocarbonyldiimidazole (TCD) or thiophosgene in dichloromethane furnished benzimidazole-2-thiones 6. Treatment of 6 with alkyl halides and benzylic halides in the presence of triethylamine provided 1-substituted-2-alkylthio-5-carbamoylbenzimidazoles on the support. The desired products 8 were severed from the PEG under mild conditions in high yield and high purity.

Recent advances in liquid-phase combinatorial chemistry

In combination with high throughput screening, combinatorial organic synthesis of large numbers of pharmaceutically interesting compounds may revolutionize the drug discovery process. Although combinatorial organic synthesis on solid supports is a useful approach, several groups are focusing their research efforts on liquid-phase combinatorial synthesis by the use of soluble polymer supports to generate libraries. This macromolecular carrier, in contrast to an insoluble matrix, is soluble in most organic solvents and has a strong tendency for precipitation in particular solvents. Liquid-phase combinatorial synthesis is a unique approach since homogeneous reaction conditions can be applied, but product purification similar to the solid-phase method can be carried out by simple filtration and washing. This method combines the positive aspects of classical solution-phase chemistry and solid-phase synthesis. This review examines the recent applications (1995-1999) of soluble polymer supports in the synthesis of combinatorial libraries.

Blocking of cell proliferation, cytokines production and genes expression following administration of Chinese herbs in the human mesangial cells

In the hope of identifying agents of therapeutic value in immuoglobulin A nephropathy (IgA-N), we tested crude methanol extracts of 15 Chinese herbs for their effect on human mesangial cell proliferation. The results indicated that 4 out of the 15 crude extracts inhibited human cells proliferation activated by IL-1beta and IL-6. The extracts and their median inhibitory concentrations were as follows (in microg/ml): Ludwiga octovalvis (MLS-052), 49.9 +/- 1.8; Rhus semialata (MLS-053), 31.2 +/- 1.6; Tabernaemontana divaricata (MLS-054), 50.0 +/- 2.1; Amepelopsis brevipedunculata (MLS-059), 42.9 +/- 1.1. These findings indicate that human mesangial cells were most sensitive to MLS-053 treatment. These herbs also decreased interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production. Moreover, IL- 1beta mRNA expression was inhibited by Rhus semialata (R. semialata; MLS-053). It is unlikely that cytotoxicity was involved, because no cell deaths were observable. We hypothesize that the inhibitory mechanisms of these Chinese herbs may be related to the impairments of gene expression and production of cytokines in human mesangial cells. Plans are underway for the isolation of pure compounds from these Chinese herbs and the elucidation of their mechanisms of action.

Liquid phase synthesis of arylamines and its application to the benzimidazolone via nucleophilic aryl substitution

A method for soluble, inexpensive polymer-supported synthesis of aryl amines and benzimidazolone on the basis of nucleophilic aryl substitution (S(N)Ar) is described. This method involves a direct coupling reaction between resin bound aryl fluoride and amines at ambient temperature. The products are isolated in quantitative yields and excellent purity by simple precipitation and washing. This liquid phase method proves to be a useful tool for constructing combinatorial arylamine and benzimidazolone libraries.

Liquid phase parallel synthesis of guanidines

Combinatorial synthesis of N,N'-di(Boc)-Protected guanidines containing piperazine and pyrrolidine scaffolds has been developed. We initiate a preliminary study on the reactivity of several guanylating reagents with soluble polymer-bound diamines in liquid phase. Guanidines are liberated from the polymer support under mild conditions in high yields and high purity by simple precipitation and washings. This combinatorial liquid-phase methodology proves to be a useful tool for constructing guanidine libraries containing diamine scaffolds.

Liquid phase combinatorial synthesis of benzylpiperazines

A novel method for soluble, inexpensive polymer-supported synthesis of piperazine and piperidine libraries on the basis of nucleophilic benzylic substitution and N-acylation is reported. Disubstituted piperazine and piperidine derivatives, that are potential drug candidates, can be isolated in high yields and excellent purity by simple precipitation and washing. This liquid phase method proves to be a useful tool for constructing combinatorial libraries containing diamine moieties.

Cytotoxicity of curcuminoids and some novel compounds from Curcuma zedoaria

Bioassay-directed fractionation of an EtOH extract of Curcuma zedoaria led to isolation of an active curcuminoid, which was identified as demethoxycurcumin (2) by comparison of its 1H and 13C NMR spectra with literature data and by direct comparison with synthetic material. Curcumin (1) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (3) were also obtained. Curcuminoids (1-3) were synthesized and demonstrated to be cytotoxic against human ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 cells. The observed CD50 values of 1, 2, and 3 were 4.4, 3.8, and 3.1 microg/mL, respectively. Three additional novel compounds, 3, 7-dimethylindan-5-carboxylic acid (4), curcolonol (5), and guaidiol (6), were also isolated from the EtOH extract. The structures and relative stereochemistry of 4-6 were determined by spectroscopic methods and X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Chinese herbs as modulators of human mesangial cell proliferation: preliminary studies

In the hope of identifying agents of therapeutic value in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgA-N), we tested crude methanol extracts of 15 Chinese herbs for their effect on human mesangial cel proliferation in vitro. The results indicated that 7 out of the 15 crude extracts inhibited human mesangial cell proliferation activated by interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6. The extracts and their median inhibitory concentrations were as follows (in microg/ml): Selaginella tamariscina (MLS-032), 56.0 +/- 2.0; Ixeris chinensis (MLS-033), 62.7 +/- 1.7; Polygonum hypoleucum Ohwi (MLS-034), 25.0 +/- 1.5; Scutellaris rivularis (MLS-036), 39.6 +/- 1.1; Condonacanthus paucifiorus (MLS-042),63.6 +/- 2.6; Xanthium strumarium (MLS-043), 42.8 +/- 1.3; Daemonoropus margaritae (MLS-044), 56.1 +/- 1.9. These findings indicate that human mesangial cells were most sensitive to MLS-034 treatment. These herbs also decreased interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production. Moreover, TNF-alpha mRNA expression was inhibited by MLS-034. It is unlikely that cytotoxicity was involved, because no cell deaths were observable. We hypothesize that the inhibitory mechanisms of these Chinese herbs may be related to the impairments of gene expression and production of cytokines in human mesangial cells. Plans are underway for the isolation of pure compounds from these Chinese herbs and the elucidation of their mechanisms of action.

A tumor cell growth inhibitor from Polygonum hypoleucum Ohwi

Polygonum hypoleucum Ohwi (P. hypoleucum Ohwi) has been used as a Chinese medicine for a long time. In the present study, four anthraquinones, emodin, emodin 1-O-beta-D-glucoside (49A), physcion (62A), and physcion 1-O-beta-D-glucoside (50A) were identified from P. hypoleucum Ohwi and their inhibitory effects on various tumor cells proliferation were investigated. On a percentage basis, emodin had the highest suppressing activity on the various tumor cells proliferation. At 10 microg/ml, the percentage inhibition on K562 cells proliferation for emodin, 49A, 62A, and 50A were 97+/-3.4%, 18+7.3%, 24+/-3.6%, and 31+/-8.9%, respectively. However, inhibitory activities of 10 microg/ml of emodin, 49A, 62A, or 50A on Raji cells proliferation were 98+/-5.0%, 25+/-5.0%, 22+/-3.2%, and 28+/-4.3%, respectively. It was also found that the both C1 and C3 positions of emodin were important for antitumor action. The IC50s of emodin, 49A, 62A, and 50A on various tumor cells were also calculated. The IC50 of emodin on K562 cells was significantly lower than on Raji, HeLa, Calu-1, Wish, and Vero cells (1.5+/-0.2 vs. 2.8+/-0.4 microg/ml, P < 0.01 ;1.5+/-0.2 vs. 8.4+/-1.6 microg/ml; 1.5+/-0.2 vs. 8.9+/-1.0 microg/ml; 1.5+/-0.2 vs. 8.7+/-0.5 microg/ml; 1.5/-0.2 vs. 3.5+/-0.12 microg/ml; P < 0.001). The results indicated that K562 and Raji cells were more sensitive to emodin treatment. Cell viability test indicated that inhibitory effect of emodin on various tumor cell lines was not through direct cytotoxicity. It suggested P. hypoleucum Ohwi included a tumor cell growth inhibitor.

Suppressive effects of destruxin B on hepatitis B virus surface antigen gene expression in human hepatoma cells

Destruxin B, a cyclodepsipeptide was originally identified as a plant pathogen from the fungus, Alternaria brassicae. We examined the antiviral activity of destruxin B and found that it suppresses the expression of the hepatitis B viral surface antigen (HBsAg) gene in human hepatoma Hep3B cells which carry an integrated viral gene in its chromosome. In contrast, destruxin B shows no cytotoxic effect on the viability of the cells. Furthermore, it can be shown that destruxin B can reversibly suppress HBsAg production by Hep3B cells in a concentration-dependent manner with EC50 of 0.5 microM. Northern blot analysis indicates that the suppression of HBsAg gene expression by destruxin B is mainly at the mRNA level. Destruxin B not only suppresses the endogenously expressed HBsAg in the Hep3B cells but also suppresses the HBsAg produced either from the stable transfected HBV DNA in another human hepatoma HuH-7 cell line which carry no endogenous HBV genome. These results suggest that destruxin B may have future potential for development as a specific anti-HBV drug.

Selective cytotoxicity of ginkgetin from Selaginella moellendorffii

Bioassay-directed fractionation of an ethanolic extract of Selaginella moellendorffii has led to the isolation of a known biflavone, ginkgetin (1). A dose-dependent inhibition was observed with 1 on the growth of OVCAR-3 (human ovarian adenocarcinoma) cells with 50% inhibition occurring at 1.8 micrograms/mL. Nonbioactive fractions yielded four additional known biflavones, amentoflavone 7,4',7",4"'-tetramethyl ether, kayaflavone, podocarpusflavone A, and amentoflavone.

Syntheses and structure-activity relationships of taxoids derived from 14 beta-hydroxy-10-deacetylbaccatin III

A series of new taxoids derived from 14 beta-hydroxy-10-deacetylbaccatin III was synthesized by means of the beta-lactam synthon method. Most of the new taxoids thus synthesized possess excellent cytotoxicity against human ovarian (A121), non-small-cell lung (A549), colon (HT-29), and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines, and several of these taxoids show subnanomolar IC50 values which are severalfold to 1 order of magnitude better than those of paclitaxel and docetaxel. Modifications at the 3'- and 3'-N-positions exert marked effects on the activity. For the substituents at C-3', the cytotoxicity decreases in the order 2-furyl approximately 2-methyl-1-propenyl > or = 2-methylpropyl > (E)-1-propenyl > or = n-propyl > phenyl > > 2,2-dimethylpropyl. For the 3'-N substituents, the activity decreases in the order t-BuOCO > Ph > n-hexanoyl. A significant increase in the cytotoxicity against the doxorubicin-resistant human breast cancer cell line MCF7-R that expresses the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype is observed by the proper modification of the substituent at C-10. The observed remarkable effects of the substituents at C-10 on the activity against MCF7-R can be ascribed to the effective inhibition of the binding of these new taxoids to P-glycoprotein that is responsible for MDR.

Portal hypotensive effects of tetrandrine and verapamil in portal hypertensive rats

The portal hypotensive effects of tetrandrine and verapamil (both calcium-channel blockers) were assessed in portal hypertensive rats. Portal hypertension was induced by partial portal vein ligation in Sprague-Dawley rats. Both tetrandrine (4, 8, 16 and 24 mg kg-1) and verapamil (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg kg-1) induced dose-dependent decreases of portal venous pressure and mean arterial pressure after intravenous infusion. for example, infusion of tetrandrine (16 mg kg-1) induced a maximum reduction of portal venous pressure and mean arterial pressure approximately 1 min after the start of infusion. Portal venous pressure decreased from baseline (12.5 mmHg) to 10.0 mmHg, and mean arterial pressure from baseline (90 mmHg) to 80 mmHg. Heart rate decreased from 250 to 240 beats min-1. At 24 mg kg-1, tetrandrine reduced portal venous pressure and mean arterial pressure to 20.3 +/- 2.4% and 28.4 +/- 1.4% of baseline, respectively. Our results show that both tetrandrine and verapamil induce portal pressure reduction in portal hypertensive animals.

Role of oxidative DNA damage in hydroxychavicol-induced genotoxicity

Chewing betel quid has been linked to the development of oral cancer. In Taiwan, fresh Piper betle inflorescence is uniquely added to betel quid, and hydroxychavicol is the major phenolic components of P.betle inflorescence. In this study, we tested the mutagenic potential of hydroxychavicol in Salmonella typhimurium TA97, TA98, TA100 and TA102 with and without Aroclor-1254 induced S9 fraction. The results showed that hydroxychavicol was positive in S.typhimurium TA102 without metabolic activation. This increase in revertants was partially inhibited by catalase and superoxide dismutase. In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells, hydroxychavicol induced chromosome aberrations in a dose-dependent manner (10-50 microM) and the majority were chromosome-type aberrations. Hydroxychavicol also significantly increased the frequency of micronuclei in CHO-K1 cells up to 3-fold at a concentration of 40 microM. In addition, hydroxychavicol dose-dependently (0.1-20 microM) induced copper-dependent strand breaks in plasmid DNA. We further tested the oxidative DNA damage potential of hydroxychavicol by measuring 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) formation in CHO-K1 cells following an 18-h incubation and found that hydroxychavicol (6.25-100 microM) induced 8-OH-dG levels dose-dependently. The increase of 8-OH-dG formation was positively correlated (r = 0.79) with the hydroxychavicol-induced cytotoxicity. In conclusion, hydroxychavicol may exert its genotoxic potential through oxidative DNA damage.

New prenylflavones from the leaves of Epimedium saggitatum

Five new prenylflavones, yinyanghuo A (1), yinyanghuo B (2), yinyanghuo C (3), yinyanghuo D (4), and yinyanghuo E (5), along with six known flavonoids, chrysoeriol, quercetin, apigenin, apigenin 7,4'-dimethyl ether, kaempferol, and luteolin, were isolated from the leaves of Epimedium sagittatum. Their structures were determined from spectral analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 showed significant antiplatelet induced by arachidonic acid.

Two rare alkaloids from Pratia nummularia

Two rare alkaloids, 1-(2-,N-methylpiperidyl)-butan-2-one (1) and l-(2-N-methylpiperidyl)-pentan-2-one (2), were identified from the medicinal plant Pratia nummularia. The structure of 1 was elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods. Compound 2 was established by spectral comparison with synthetic material.

The novel desmethyldestruxin B2, from Metarhizium anisopliae, that suppresses hepatitis B virus surface antigen production in human hepatoma cells

We have examined the antiviral activity of a crude extract prepared from the culture medium of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. Eight active destruxins were identified which showed strong suppressive effect on the production of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in human hepatoma Hep3B cells. One new compound, desmethyldestruxin B2 [1], was isolated from M. anisopliae. This structure was determined based on its nmr and mass spectral data.

Revised Stereochemistry of So-Called Isoselagine and Spectroscopic Analysis of 6alpha-Hydroxylycopodine from Lycopodium serratum var. longipetiolatum

The structure of isoselagine, isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant LYCOPODIUM SERRATUM Thunb. var. longipetiolatum Spring, was shown to be identical with huperzine A ( 1) and to have an exocyclic double bond in the E -configuration from NOE data. In the process of extraction of isoselagine, we also isolated and identified another alkaloid, 6alpha-hydroxylycopodine (L. 20) ( 2) that was found to occur in this plant for the first time. The structure of L. 20 was previously determined mainly by the chemical means, and this is the first report on the analysis of its structure by (1)H- and (13)C-NMR with more advanced 2D-NMR techniques. The X-ray crystallography revealed the stereochemistry of 2 and confirmed its structure. The hemostatic properties of the isolated alkaloids were studied, but they showed no platelet aggregation activity.

[Clinical study of rapid bladder filling agent]

The Rapid Bladder Filling Agent (RBFA) was prepared with Polyporus umbellatus, Poria cocos and Furosemidum. The urinary volume and the best filling time of urinary bladder were observed with ultrasonography in 211 cases. The result showed that in experimental group the largest urinary volume in unit time was more than that in control group and shortest filling time was shorter (30.35 +/- 7.9 min) in comparing with control group (145.6 +/- 50.1 min). Clinical observation for 1180 cases proved that the RBFA had the effects of raising the quality of ultrasonographic examination and escalating work efficiency, shortening the waiting time of patients and relieving patients' suffering from excessive filling of urinary bladder. The effective time of the RBFA was fast but the duration was short. The RBFA had no adverse effect.

A clinical study of schizophrenic suicides. 42 cases in Taiwan

A clinical study of 25 male and 17 female schizophrenic suicides is presented. Jumping from a height was the most common method used. The 42 suicidal schizophrenics in Taiwan were compared with both 84 sex- and age-matched and 60 5-year illness course non-suicidal schizophrenic control groups. The suicidal schizophrenics were not significantly different from the non-suicidal counterparts of both control groups with regard to age, sex, ethnicity, religion, educational background, the presence of suicide cases in the family history, and the presence of insight, but were significantly different in characteristics of a history of previous suicide attempts, presence of psychotic symptoms during their final month, depression during their final month, a history of depression, a history of previous psychiatric hospitalizations, and the number of hospitalizations. We discuss the findings from this study and others in the literature in the context of the different clinical and socio-cultural backgrounds of these Taiwanese schizophrenic suicides.

Putative role of adenohypophysis in the osmoregulation of tilapia larvae (Oreochromis mossambicus; Teleostei): an ultrastructure study

Ultrastructure of the secretory cells in the adenohypophysis of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae hatched in fresh water or sea water was compared. Adenohypophysis of newly hatched larvae of tilapia is a short columnar body attached to the ventral floor of the diencephalon. The adenohypophysis is at its early differentiation stage, i.e., various types of secretory cells are still undistinguishable. Only part of the cells in the putative rostral pars distalis look like typical endocrine cells, containing well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and numerous secretory granules. The average size of secretory granules in freshwater-hatched larvae is significantly larger than those in seawater-hatched larvae (12,936 +/- 2854 nm2, N = 11 vs 3375 +/- 810 nm2, N = 10), suggesting some role of adenohypophysis in the osmoregulation of the early developmental stage of teleosts.