Evaluation of the antiplasmodial efficacy of synthetic 2,5-diphenyloxazole analogs of compounds naturally derived from Oxytropis lanata

The persistent prevalence and dissemination of drug-resistant malaria parasites continue to challenge the progress of malaria eradication efforts. As a result, there is an urgent need to search for and develop innovative therapies. In this study, we screened synthetic 2,5-diphenyloxazole analogs from Oxytropis lanata. Among 48 compounds, 14 potently inhibited the proliferation of P. falciparum strains 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) and K1 (multidrug-resistant) in vitro, exhibited IC50 values from 3.38 to 12.65 μM and 1.27-6.19 μM, respectively, and were toxic to human foreskin fibroblasts at 39.53-336.35 μM. Notably, Compounds 31 (2-(2',3'-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(2″-hydroxyphenyl)oxazole) and 32 (2-(2',3'-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(2″-benzyloxyphenyl)oxazole) exhibited the highest selectivity indices (SIs) against both P. falciparum strains (3D7/K1), with values > 40.20/>126.58 and > 41.27/> 59.06, respectively. In the IC50 speed and stage-specific assays, Compounds 31 and 32 showed slow action, along with distinct effects on the ring and trophozoite stages. Microscopy observations further revealed that both compounds impact the development and delay the progression of the trophozoite and schizont stages in P. falciparum 3D7, especially at concentrations 100 times their IC50 values. In a 72-h in vitro exposure experiment at their respective IC80 in P. falciparum 3D7, significant alterations in parasitemia levels were observed compared to the untreated group. In Compound 31-treated cultures, parasites shrank and were unable to reinvade red blood cells (RBCs) during an extended 144-h incubation period, even after compound removal from the culture. In vivo assessments were conducted on P. yoelii 17XNL-infected mice treated with Compounds 31 and 32 at 20 mg/kg administered once daily for ten days. The treated groups showed statistically significant lower peaks of parasitemia (Compound 31-treated: trial 1 12.7%, trial 2 15.8%; Compound 32-treated: trial 1 12.7%, trial 2 14.0%) compared to the untreated group (trial 1 21.7%, trial 2 28.3%). These results emphasize the potential of further developing 2,5-diphenyloxazoles as promising antimalarial agents.

Phytochemical investigation of aerial parts of Woodsia ilvensis and its plasmin-inhibitory activity in vitro

The fern plant Woodsia ilvensis (L.) R. Br. belongs to the Woodsiaceae family and its leaves are used to treat diarrhea, soft-tissue injuries, and external injuries. Investigations of the compounds obtained from the plasmin-inhibitory-active extracts of W. ilvensis led to the isolation of two undescribed maleimide N-glycosides, an undescribed stilbenoid glycoside, and five undescribed acetylated flavonol bisdesmosides, together with 19 known compounds. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined using spectroscopy. The absolute configurations of the sugar moieties were determined via HPLC after acid hydrolysis. Among the isolated compounds, some flavonoids and stilbenoid glycosides exhibited plasmin-inhibitory activity.

Protein-Ligand Interaction Analyses with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Enhanced by Dissolution Triplet Dynamic Nuclear Polarization

Solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is a powerful method for the analysis of intermolecular interactions within a biomolecular system. However, low sensitivity is one of the major obstacles of NMR. We improved the sensitivity of solution-state ¹³C NMR for the observation of intermolecular interactions between protein and ligand using hyperpolarized solution samples at room temperature. Eutectic crystals composed of ¹³C-salicylic acid and benzoic acid doped with pentacene were hyperpolarized by dynamic nuclear polarization using photoexcited triplet electrons, and a ¹³C nuclear polarization of 0.72 ± 0.07% was achieved after dissolution. The binding of human serum albumin and ¹³C-salicylate was observed with several hundred times sensitivity enhancement under mild conditions. The established ¹³C NMR was applied for pharmaceutical NMR experiments by observation of the partial return of the ¹³C chemical shift of salicylate by competitive binding with other non-isotope-labeled drugs.

Rapid Virucidal Activity of Japanese Saxifraga Species-Derived Condensed Tannins against SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A Virus, and Human Norovirus Surrogate Viruses

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A virus (IAV), and norovirus are global threats to human health. The application of effective virucidal agents, which contribute to the inactivation of viruses on hands and environmental surfaces, is important to facilitate robust virus infection control measures. Naturally derived virucidal disinfectants have attracted attention owing to their safety and eco-friendly properties. In this study, we showed that multiple Japanese Saxifraga species-derived fractions demonstrated rapid, potent virucidal activity against the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain and multiple variant strains, IAV, and two human norovirus surrogates: feline calicivirus (FCV) and murine norovirus (MNV). Condensed tannins were identified as active chemical constituents that play a central role in the virucidal activities of these fractions. At a concentration of 25 μg/mL, the purified condensed tannin fraction Sst-2R induced significant reductions in the viral titers of the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain, IAV, and FCV (reductions of ≥3.13, ≥3.00, and 2.50 log₁₀ 50% tissue culture infective doses [TCID₅₀]/mL, respectively) within 10 s of reaction time. Furthermore, at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, Sst-2R induced a reduction of 1.75 log₁₀ TCID₅₀/mL in the viral titers of MNV within 1 min. Western blotting and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that Sst-2R produced structural abnormalities in viral structural proteins and envelopes, resulting in the destruction of viral particles. Furthermore, Saxifraga species-derived fraction-containing cream showed virucidal activity against multiple viruses within 10 min. Our findings indicate that Saxifraga species-derived fractions containing condensed tannins can be used as disinfectants against multiple viruses on hands and environmental surfaces. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2, IAV, and norovirus are highly contagious pathogens. The use of naturally derived components as novel virucidal/antiviral agents is currently attracting attention. We showed that fractions from extracts of Saxifraga species, in the form of a solution as well as a cream, exerted potent, rapid virucidal activities against SARS-CoV-2, IAV, and surrogates of human norovirus. Condensed tannins were found to play a central role in this activity. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the purified condensed tannin fraction at a concentration that exhibited some extent of virucidal activity was lower than that of 70% ethanol or 2,000 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution, which are popular virucidal disinfectants. Our study suggests that Saxifraga species-derived fractions containing condensed tannins can be used on hands and environmental surfaces as safe virucidal agents against multiple viruses.

Phytochemical investigation of Scutellaria scordiifolia and its trypanocidal activity

Scutellaria scordiifolia Fisch. ex Schrank is used to treat various inflammatory diseases and other ailments in traditional and contemporary medicine. In this study, 10 undescribed compounds, including a flavanone (1), four chrysin C-glycosides (2-5), a phenanthrene glucoside (6), four iridoid glucosides (7-10) and 31 known compounds were identified from an extract of the aerial parts of S. scordiifolia. The absolute configurations of sugars in C-glycosides were determined by comparing electric circular dichroism spectra with calculated data. The flavanones (1 and 17), flavonols (11-13), flavone (14), and some of the flavone glucuronides (15, 16) exhibited trypanocidal activities against Trypanosoma congolense. The activity data and quantitative HPLC analysis of flavonoids from the aerial parts of S. scordiifolia suggest that they may effectively treat diseases caused by the aforementioned trypanosomes. Other compounds such as novel iridoids and phenanthrene glycosides, which may be useful for chemophenetic and chemoecological discussions, were also identified.

Benzophenone Glucosides and B-Type Proanthocyanidin Dimers from Zambian Cassia abbreviata and Their Trypanocidal Activities

Two benzophenone glucosides (1 and 2), five flavan-3-ol dimers (5-9), and 17 known compounds (3, 4, and 10-24) were identified from the bark extract of Cassia abbreviata. The chemical structures display two points of interest. First, as an unusual characteristic feature of the ¹H NMR spectra of 1 and 2, the signals for the protons on glucosidic carbons C-2 are shielded as compared to those generally observed for glucosyl moieties. The geometrically optimized 3D structures derived from conformational analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that this shielding effect originates from intramolecular hydrogen bonds in 1 and 2. Additionally, 3-15 were identified as dimeric B-type proanthocyanidins, which have 2R,3S-absolute-configured C-rings and C-4-C-8″ linkages, as evidenced by X-ray crystallography and by NMR and ECD spectroscopy. These results suggest the structure-determining procedures for some reported dimers need to be reconsidered. The trypanocidal activities of the isolated compounds against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, T. b. gambiense, T. b. rhodesiense, T. congolense, and T. evansi were evaluated, and the active compounds were identified.

Isolation and evaluation of virucidal activities of flavanone glycosides and rosmarinic acid derivatives from Dracocephalum spp. against feline calicivirus

Feline calicivirus is one of the surrogate viruses of human norovirus. This study aimed to identify virucidal compounds, chemical constituents of plants from the genus Dracocephalum, which are rich in flavonoids and phenylpropanoid oligomers. Four undescribed compounds, including a flavanone glucoside, two stilbenoid glycosides, and a phenylpropanoid amide glycoside, as well as 17 known compounds, were isolated from the Mongolian plants Dracocephalum fruticulosum Stephan ex Willd., and D. nutans L. belonging to the family Lamiaceae. The structures of the compounds were determined based on NMR, MS, and electronic CD spectroscopic data. In addition to these 21 compounds, 15 previously reported compounds from D. foetidum Bunge in C.F. von Ledebour were included, and a total of 36 compounds were evaluated for their virucidal activities against feline calicivirus. Some of the flavanone glycosides and phenylpropanoid oligomers showed virucidal activities, and their structural features are discussed. The findings suggest that isosakuranetin glycosides and phenylpropanoid oligomers may have the potential for norovirus inactivation.

Evaluation of Mongolian compound library for potential antimalarial and anti-Toxoplasma agents

179 compounds in a Mongolian compound library were investigated for their inhibitory effect on the in vitro growth of Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii. Among these compounds, brachangobinan A at a half-maximal inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) of 2.62 μM and a selectivity index (SI) of 27.91; 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-O-methylphenyl)-5-(2″,5″-dihydroxyphenyl)oxazole (IC₅₀ 3.58 μM and SI 24.66); chrysosplenetin (IC₅₀ 3.78 μM and SI 15.26); 4,11-di-O-galloylbergenin (IC₅₀ 3.87 μM and SI 13.38); and 2-(2',5'-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-(2″-hydroxyphenyl)oxazole (IC₅₀ 6.94 μM and SI 11.48) were identified as potential inhibitors of P. falciparum multiplication. Additionally, tricin (IC₅₀ 12.94 μM and SI > 23.40) was identified as a potential inhibitor of T. gondii multiplication. Our findings represent a good starting point for developing novel antimalarial and anti-Toxoplasma therapeutics from Mongolian compounds.

Preoperative prognostic nutritional index predicts postoperative infectious complications and oncological outcomes after hepatectomy in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Background

In the surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), postoperative complications may be predictive of long-term survival. This study aimed to identify an immune-nutritional index (INI) that can be used for preoperative prediction of complications.

Patients and methods

Multi-institutional data from 316 patients with ICC who had undergone surgical resection were retrospectively analysed, with a focus on various preoperative INIs.

Results

Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III–V) were identified in 66 patients (20.8%), including Grade V complications in 7 patients (2.2%). Comparison of areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) among various INIs identified the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) as offering the highest predictive value for severe complications (AUC = 0.609, cut-off = 50, P = 0.008). Multivariate analysis revealed PNI <  50 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.22, P = 0.013), hilar lesion (OR = 2.46, P = 0.026), and long operation time (OR = 1.003, P = 0.029) as independent risk factors for severe complications. In comparing a high-PNI group (PNI ≥ 50, n = 142) and a low-PNI group (PNI <  50, n = 174), the low-PNI group showed higher rates of both major complications (27% vs. 13.4%; P = 0.003) and infectious complications (14.9% vs. 3.5%; P = 0.0021). Furthermore, median survival time and 1- and 5-year overall survival rates were 34.2 months and 77.4 and 33.8% in the low-PNI group, respectively, and 52.4 months and 89.3 and 47.5% in the high-PNI group, respectively (P = 0.0017).

Conclusion

Preoperative PNI appears useful as an INI correlating with postoperative severe complications and as a prognostic indicator for ICC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08424-0.

Synthesis and evaluation of trypanocidal activity of derivatives of naturally occurring 2,5-diphenyloxazoles

African trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic protozoan disease affecting the nervous system. Various natural products reportedly exhibit trypanocidal activity. Naturally occurring 2,5-diphenyloxazoles present in Oxytropis lanata, and their derivatives, were synthesized. The trypanocidal activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, T. b. gambiense, T. b. rhodesiense, T. congolense, and T. evansi. Natural product 1 exhibited trypanocidal activity against all the species/subspecies of trypanosomes, exhibiting half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of 1.1-13.5 μM. Modification of the oxazole core improved the trypanocidal activity. The 1,3,4-oxadiazole (7) and 2,4-diphenyloxazole (9) analogs exhibited potency superior to that of 1. However, these compounds exhibited cytotoxicity in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells. The O-methylated analog of 1 (12) was non-cytotoxic and exhibited selective trypanocidal activity against T. congolense (IC₅₀ = 0.78 µM). Structure-activity relationship studies of the 2,5-diphenyloxazole analogs revealed aspects of the molecular structure critical for maintaining selective trypanocidal activity against T. congolense.

POS0286 INCIDENCE OF MALIGNANCIES IN JAPANESE PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: DATA FROM A LARGE JAPANESE NATIONAL REGISTRY

Background:

Patients (pts) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of some malignancies vs the general population, and this can vary by region/race.1,2 Data on the epidemiology and impact of biological (b)DMARDs and targeted synthetic (ts)DMARDs, such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, on the incidence of malignancies in Japanese pts with RA are limited. The National Database of Rheumatic Diseases in Japan (NinJa) is one of the largest RA registries in Japan.

Objectives:

To evaluate the incidence of malignancies in Japanese pts with RA using NinJa registry data.

Methods:

This retrospective observational study analysed NinJa registry data for Japanese pts with RA aged ≥18 years with ≥1 data entry between 2013 (first JAK inhibitor approval for RA in Japan) and 2018. The overall cohort included all pts with RA, and two sub-cohorts were analysed: pts exposed and unexposed to bDMARDs (exposure defined as ≥1 bDMARD reported in database). Crude incidence rates (IRs) for malignancies (including non-melanoma skin cancer) were calculated as the number of events per 100 pt-years of follow-up (time between start of follow-up or the date of first bDMARD exposure [for bDMARD-exposed pts] and end of observation period, or withdrawal from database). The most recent data for incidence of malignancy in the Japanese general population (2013–2017 data from the National Cancer Center, Japan) were used to calculate standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) and age- and sex-adjusted standardised rates (ASRs) for malignancies. Cross-sectional (per calendar year) and cumulative analyses were performed for the overall cohort. Cumulative rates were calculated for sub-cohorts, and all cumulative analyses were repeated excluding pts exposed to JAK inhibitors (ie ≥1 JAK inhibitor reported in database).

Results:

Data were collected for 26 607 Japanese pts with RA from 2013–2018. In the cross-sectional analysis (Table 1), the SIR and ASR for malignancies in all pts with RA were generally consistent from 2013–2018. In the cumulative analysis, the SIR (95% CI) for malignancies from 2013–2018 was 0.97 (0.91, 1.03) in all pts with RA, and 0.93 (0.82, 1.04) and 0.99 (0.92, 1.07) in pts exposed and unexposed to bDMARDs, respectively (Figure 1). Adjusting for age/sex, the cumulative ASR (95% CI) for malignancies from 2013–2018 was 0.83 (0.76, 0.90) in all pts with RA, and 0.82 (0.69, 0.95) and 0.86 (0.77, 0.96) in pts exposed and unexposed to bDMARDs, respectively (Figure 1). In all cohorts, the cumulative SIR and ASR were similar when pts exposed to JAK inhibitors were excluded (Figure 1).

Table 1.

Cross-sectional analysis of the incidence of malignancies in Japanese pts with RA from 2013–2018

All RA2013 (N=13 423)2014 (N=15 584)2015 (N=15 751)2016 (N=16 107)2017 (N=15 994)2018(N=15 003)Total follow-up, PY13 35314 86614 82914 97014 74814 898Pts with events, n140164174168161211Crude IRa(95% CI)1.05(0.89, 1.24)1.10(0.95, 1.29)1.17(1.01, 1.36)1.12(0.97, 1.31)1.09(0.94, 1.27)1.42(1.24, 1.62)ASRa,b(95% CI)0.76(0.60, 0.93)0.76(0.62, 0.90)0.90(0.68, 1.11)0.88(0.68, 1.07)0.80(0.62, 0.98)0.88(0.74, 1.01)SIRb(95% CI)0.97(0.82, 1.14)1.01(0.86, 1.17)1.02(0.87, 1.18)0.88(0.75, 1.02)0.86(0.73, 1.00)1.10(0.95, 1.25)

aIR/ASR were calculated as number of events per 100 PY of follow-up

bData from a Japanese general population database of malignancy incidence from 2013–2017, provided by the Center for Cancer Control and Information Services, National Cancer Center, Japan

PY, pt-years

Conclusion:

The incidence of malignancies in Japanese pts with RA, registered in the NinJa database from 2013–2018, was similar to that in the Japanese general population. The SIR and ASR for malignancies were comparable in pts exposed and unexposed to bDMARDs. In all cohorts, rates did not increase when pts exposed to JAK inhibitors were included.

References:

[1] Dougados et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2014; 73: 62-68.

[2] Parikh-Patel et al. Cancer Causes Control 2009; 20: 1001-1010.

Acknowledgements:

Study sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Medical writing support was provided by Christina Viegelmann, CMC Connect, and funded by Pfizer Inc.

Disclosure of Interests:

Toshihiro Matsui Speakers bureau: Astellas, Ayumi, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eli Lilly, Ono, Pfizer Inc, Takeda, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Consultant of: Pfizer Inc, Grant/research support from: Chugai, Naonobu Sugiyama Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Shigeyuki Toyoizumi Employee of: Pfizer R&D Japan, Fujio Matsuyama Consultant of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: CRECON Medical Assessment Inc, Tatsunori Murata Consultant of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: CRECON Medical Assessment Inc, Yukitomo Urata Speakers bureau: Asahi Kasei, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Pfizer Inc, Consultant of: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Chugai, Pfizer Inc, Kimito Kawahata Speakers bureau: Pfizer Inc, Consultant of: Pfizer Inc, Grant/research support from: Pfizer Inc, Shigeto Tohma Speakers bureau: Astellas, Ayumi, Chugai, Ono, Pfizer Inc, Takeda, Consultant of: Pfizer Inc

Biological activity evaluations of chemical constituents derived from Mongolian medicinal forage plants and their applications in combating infectious diseases and addressing health problems in humans and livestock

Mongolian nomadic people possess traditional knowledge of wild plants that grow in their areas of habitation. Many of these are forage plants in nature and are consumed by livestock. However, these plants are known to have medicinal and/or toxic properties. To establish a scientific understanding of the plants, and in turn, offer sound knowledge on their applications and effective use, it is essential to collect data pertaining to the chemical constituents of each plant. Therefore, the first objective of this study was to identify and determine the structural constituents of the forage plants that were available to our research group. Furthermore, in an attempt to demonstrate the biological activities of the isolated chemical compounds, we focused on solving some of the social issues affecting Mongolian communities, including protozoan diseases affecting livestock, vectors of infectious diseases, and the general health of humans and their livestock. The results of the chemical constituents derived from Mongolian medicinal plants and their biological activities that were studied in the recent decade are also described herein.

Hyaluronidase and degranulation inhibitors from the edible roots of Oenanthe javanica including seric acids F and G that were obtained by heating

Oenanthe javanica is a vegetable grown in East Asia and Australia in which the roots and aerial parts are boiled together to make certain traditional dishes. Nineteen compounds (1-19) were isolated from O. javanica roots and the chemical structures of 2 new norlignans were determined. The inhibitory effects of the compounds on hyaluronidase and degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells were evaluated to determine antiallergic and antiinflammation activities. Saponins (2-4) and the new norlignan seric acid G (12) were among the active compounds identified. Seric acid G (12), a methoxy derivative of seric acid F (11), was obtained as an interconverting mixture of 3:1 trans-cis isomers. Seric acids F and G (11, 12) were derived from seric acids C (10) and E, respectively, by decarboxylation and dehydration reactions that occurred during heating. It was confirmed by HPLC analysis that all eleven of the O. javanica cultivars contained seric acid C (10).

Statins bring the prognostic impact only in peripheral artery disease patients with elevated c-reactive proteins -subanalysis from multicenter registry-

Introduction

Recent trials demonstrated favorable effects of statins on the clinical prognosis, partly through anti-inflammatory properties, in patients with coronary artery disease. However, this favorable effect has not been fully verified in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We hypothesized that statins exert different prognostic effects depending on the degrees of inflammation at the time of endovascular therapy (EVT).

Methods

This study is a subanalysis from the Toma-Code Registry that is a Japanese prospective cohort of 2,321 consecutive patients with PAD treated by endovascular therapy in hospitals from 2014 to 2016. After the exclusion of patients without information of C-reactive protein (CRP) at the time of index EVT, 2,039 patients including 1,039 statin users and 1,000 statin non-users were ultimately analyzed. The patient enrolled were divided into 4 categories depending on CRP level at the time of EVT; Low-CRP (&lt;0.1 mg/dL), Intermediate-low-CRP (0.1–0.3 mg/dL), Intermediate-High-CRP (0.3–1.0 mg/dL), and High-CRP (&gt;1.0 mg/dL). A composite of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and major amputation as the primary endpoint of this study was compared between statin users and non-users in each CRP category.

Results

The composite endpoint occurred in 255 patients during the observation period. Overall, statin users had a significantly lower event rate than non-users (Log-rank test: P&lt;0.001). However, there were no significant difference in the event rates between statin users and non-users in the Low-, and Intermediate-Low-CRP categories. Only in the Intermediate-High- and the High-CRP categories, statin users showed a significantly lower event rates than non-users (P=0.02 and P=0.008, respectively, Figures). Additionally, multivariate Cox regression analysis in the High-CRP group revealed that statin use was independently associated with the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.67 [95% confidence interval: 0.45–0.99]), even after the adjustment of covariants.

Conclusion

Statins may exert a favorable prognostic effect in PAD patients with highly elevated CRP, but not in those with low to moderate CRP level.

Event free survival

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Prostaglandin D2 metabolite is not a useful clinical indicator for assessing atopic dermatitis

Prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂ ) plays an important role in atopic dermatitis (AD), and 11,15-dioxo-9α-hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tetranorprostan-1,20-dioicacid (PGDM) is a major metabolite of PGD₂ . We investigated the relationship between urinary PGDM levels and severity of paediatric AD. In total, 31 patients with AD and 21 healthy controls (HCs) without AD were recruited, and urinary PGDM levels were measured. Of the 31 patients with AD, 14 were reassessed for urinary PGDM after topical steroid therapy. There was no difference in urinary PGDM levels between patients with AD and HCs. Although there was a significant positive correlation between the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index and the serum level of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), the urinary PGDM levels did not correlate with either SCORAD or serum TARC. Moreover, both SCORAD and serum TARC were significantly improved by topical steroid therapy; however, urinary PGDM levels were not changed. In conclusion, the level of urinary PGD₂ metabolites in children with AD is substantially the same as that in HCs even if the disease is severe.

Biological Properties, Bioactive Constituents, and Pharmacokinetics of Some Capsicum spp. and Capsaicinoids

Pepper originated from the Capsicum genus, which is recognized as one of the most predominant and globally distributed genera of the Solanaceae family. It is a diverse genus, consisting of more than 31 different species including five domesticated species, Capsicum baccatum, C. annuum, C. pubescen, C. frutescens, and C. chinense. Pepper is the most widely used spice in the world and is highly valued due to its pungency and unique flavor. Pepper is a good source of provitamin A; vitamins E and C; carotenoids; and phenolic compounds such as capsaicinoids, luteolin, and quercetin. All of these compounds are associated with their antioxidant as well as other biological activities. Interestingly, Capsicum fruits have been used as food additives in the treatment of toothache, parasitic infections, coughs, wound healing, sore throat, and rheumatism. Moreover, it possesses antimicrobial, antiseptic, anticancer, counterirritant, appetite stimulator, antioxidant, and immunomodulator activities. Capsaicin and Capsicum creams are accessible in numerous ways and have been utilized in HIV-linked neuropathy and intractable pain.

Isolation and evaluation of trypanocidal activity of sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, and lignans in Artemisia sieversiana collected in Mongolia

Artemisia sieversiana is an annual herbaceous plant distributed throughout Central and East Eurasia and is regarded as an undesirable forage plant in Mongolia. It affects livestock, so information about its chemical composition is needed. We isolated three new sesquiterpenoids (1-3) and known compounds from A. sieversiana and investigated their activities. The absolute configuration of 1 was established using single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography, and its configuration differed from those of reported compounds with similar structures. Two additional new sesquiterpenoids (2 and 3) with similar structures were identified, and their configurations were determined. The trypanocidal activities of the isolated compounds (1-18) against Trypanosoma congolense and the pathogen responsible for fatal trypanosomosis in animals were estimated. Flavonoids and lignans were identified as active compounds with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.9 to 90.2 µM.

Saxifraga spinulosa-Derived Components Rapidly Inactivate Multiple Viruses Including SARS-CoV-2

Novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A virus (IAV), and norovirus (NV) are highly contagious pathogens that threaten human health. Here we focused on the antiviral potential of the medicinal herb, Saxifragaspinulosa (SS). Water-soluble extracts of SS were prepared, and their virus-inactivating activity was evaluated against the human virus pathogens SARS-CoV-2 and IAV; we also examined virucidal activity against feline calicivirus and murine norovirus, which are surrogates for human NV. Among our findings, we found that SS-derived gallocatechin gallate compounds were capable of inactivating all viruses tested. Interestingly, a pyrogallol-enriched fraction (Fr 1C) inactivated all viruses more rapidly and effectively than did any of the component compounds used alone. We found that 25 µg/mL of Fr 1C inactivated >99.6% of SARS-CoV-2 within 10 s (reduction of ≥2.33 log₁₀ TCID₅₀/mL). Fr 1C resulted in the disruption of viral genomes and proteins as determined by gel electrophoresis, electron microscopy, and reverse transcription–PCR. Taken together, our results reveal the potential of Fr 1C for development as a novel antiviral disinfectant.

A new hexenoic acid glycoside with cytotoxic activity from the leaves of Psychotria luzoniensis

A new hexenoic acid glycoside (1) together with known compounds, flavonol glycosides (2-4), iridoid glycoside (5), megastigmane glycoside (6), and amino acid (7) were isolated from the leaves of P. luzoniensis by resin column chromatography and preparative HPLC. Their structures were determined based on spectroscopic analysis, including HRFABMS and NMR (¹H and ¹³C, ¹H-¹H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) data. All compounds tested for cytotoxicity were active (IC₅₀ < 50 μM) with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.97 to 32.85 μM against human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, compared to etoposide (IC₅₀ 1.19 μM).

Hyaluronidase inhibitory saponins and a trypanocidal isoflavonoid from the aerial parts of Oxytropis lanata

A chemical examination of an extract from the aerial part of Oxytropis lanata led to the isolation and identification of 36 compounds, including saponins, isoflavonoids, oxazoles, and glycosides. The three among them were previously unreported oleanane-type saponins. In trypanocidal screening, 5,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone showed inhibitory activity against Trypanosoma congolense (IC₅₀ = 10.5 μM), the causative agent of African trypanosomosis in animals; this activity was similar to that of active compounds from the roots of this plant. O. lanata is known to be a traditional medicinal plant in Mongolia for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The anti-hyaluronidase effect of saponins 3, 5, 8, and 9, (IC₅₀ = 0.15-0.22 mM) was stronger than that of sodium cromoglicate, which was used as a reference drug (IC₅₀ = 0.37 mM). The chemical structures of the new saponins were determined based on HRFABMS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, ¹H-¹H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and ROESY spectroscopic data along with chemical procedures.

Indirubin promotes adipocyte differentiation and reduces lipid accumulation in 3T3‑L1 cells via peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ activation

The peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ (PPARγ) plays an important role in insulin sensitivity and adipocyte differentiation. It is known as ligand‑receptor that improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Several kinds of indigo plant have been already used to treat diabetes in oriental traditional medicine, but its mechanism has not been clarified yet. To investigate the effect of indirubin, which is a component of Polygonum tinctorium on the cell differentiation and adipprocess in 3T3‑L1 cells, 3T3‑L1 cells were cultured to determine the effect of cell differentiation and glucose uptake with indirubin. As a result, Indirubin compound enhanced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3‑L1 cells similar to rosiglitazone. This effect was terminated by cotreatment with GW9662, a PPARγ antagonist. In mature 3T3‑L1 adipocytes, the lipid droplet size and accumulation were reduced by this compound. The basal and insulin‑stimulated glucose uptakes were also significantly increased. In addition, indirubin treatment significantly enhanced estrogen level by 1.64‑fold with mature adipocytes which can be attributed to its aromatase activity. Conclutionaly, this finding suggested that indirubin is a potential anti‑diabetic compound for type 2 diabetes mellitus by promoting adipocyte differentiation and glucose uptake via PPARγ.

Cytohistology of morule in cribriform-morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Cribriform-morular variant (CMV) is a rare variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. It frequently occurs in association with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), although some cases are sporadic. Herein, we report a case of CMV and analyse morule cytohistology.

CASE REPORT

The patient was a 47-year-old woman with no familial history of FAP. A 3.0-cm unifocal mass was identified in the left thyroidal lobe. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed papillary clusters of atypical cells with nuclear grooves, which was suspected to be conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma. Histologically, the tumour comprised a papillary and cribriform growth of atypical cells with cytoplasmic accumulation and nuclear translocation of b-catenin. In addition, frequent morule formation was identified.

DISCUSSION

In this case, we performed morule analysis through correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), and revealed its ultrastructure. Although CMV is a rare form of thyroid carcinoma, it should be considered along with its distinct clinicopathological characteristics.

Inhibitory Effects of Phenylpropanoid Derivatives from Oenanthe javanica on Antigen-Stimulated Degranulation in RBL-2H3 Cells

Two diacyldaucic acids (1 and 2), an α,β-unsaturated γ-lactone-type lignan (3) and its derivatives (4-6), and 12 known compounds were isolated from a traditional East Asian vegetable, Oenanthe javanica. The absolute configuration of 1 was validated by obtaining (+)-osbeckic acid through acid hydrolysis. The absolute configurations of 3-5 were determined by comparing their experimental and computed ECD data. The conclusion was supported by applying the phenylglycine methyl ester method to 3. Compound 6 was obtained as an interconverting mixture of isomers in a 3:1 trans- cis ratio. Several water-soluble components (1, 3, and 6) showed concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on antigen-stimulated degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells without producing any direct cytotoxicity against RBL-2H3 or HeLa cells.

Acylated Lignans Isolated from Brachanthemum gobicum and Their Trypanocidal Activity

Eight isovaleryllignans (1-4 and 8-11), three isovalerylphenylpropanoids (5-7), three known lignans (12-14), and four known compounds were isolated from an extract of the aerial part of Brachanthemum gobicum. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on NMR and MS data analyses. The enantiomers of compounds 1-3, 5, 8, and 9 were isolated using chiral-phase HPLC, and the absolute configurations of 1a/1b-3a/3b, 5a/5b, 8a/8b, and 9a/9b were elucidated from their optical rotations and ECD spectra; the other lignans were assumed to be racemic or scalemic by chiral-phase HPLC analyses and optical rotation data. Some of the acylated lignans (racemic mixtures) (1-4, 8, 9, and 12-14) exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against Trypanosoma congolense, the causative agent of nagana disease in animals.

[Complete Remission of Advanced Gastric Cancer with Tumor Embolism in the Right Gastric Vein Treated with Radical Resection after Chemotherapy]

A 74-year-old man presented to our hospital with the chief complaint of epigastric pain; upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 7-cm-sized type 3 gastric cancer in the lesser curvature of the lower part of the stomach. Abdominal contrast computed tomography revealed a tumor embolus in the right gastric vein; the preoperative diagnosis was cT4a(SE) N3aH0P0M0, cStage ⅢC. Because the cancer could spread during surgical manipulation, performing a safe radical resection was difficult; therefore, we decided to initiate chemotherapy. The patient received 3 courses of trastuzumab plus CapeOX, which led to reduction of the primarylesion, peri-gastric lymph node, and right gastric vein tumor embolus. Partial remission was achieved after chemotherapy; therefore, distal gastrectomy, D2 lymph node dissection, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction were performed. Histopathological examination did not reveal viable tumor cells in the primarylesion, lymph nodes, or tumor embolus, and the histological effect was Grade 3. Currently, the patient is alive without relapse at 9 months post operation. Advanced gastric cancer accompanied with tumor embolism in the gastric vein is commonly observed in patients with liver metastasis and in those with severely progressed state of cancer; many of these patients have poor prognosis. Preoperative chemotherapymaybe effective in cases in which tumor embolism in the gastric vein is identified through preoperative diagnostic imaging.

Flavonoids isolated from the flowers of Pulsatilla flavescens and their anti-piroplasm activity

Pulsatilla species are known as "Yargui", and their flowers are traditionally used in Mongolia as a tonic and for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. By chemical investigation of P. flavescens flowers, 21 flavonoids, including a new chalcone C-glucoside, chalconaringenin 2'-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-5'-β-D-glucopyranoside, and two new flavanone C-glucosides, (2R)- and (2S)-naringenin 8-β-D-glucopyranosyl-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, were isolated. The absolute configurations of the seven flavanone glucosides were elucidated by ECD spectra. For the isolated compounds, inhibitory activity against Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, which cause fatal diseases in horses, was estimated. Although most of the isolated chalcone and flavanone derivatives did not show any anti-piroplasm activity, all the isolated flavone and flavonol derivatives showed moderate effects against B. caballi and/or T. equi.

Inhibitory effects of Sanguisorba officinalis root extract on HYBID (KIAA1199)-mediated hyaluronan degradation and skin wrinkling

OBJECTIVES

Hyaluronan (HA), an important constituent of extracellular matrix in the skin, has many biological activities such as hydration that contributes to firmness and bounciness of the skin. We have reported that reduction in HA in the papillary dermis and over-expression of HYBID (HYaluronan Binding protein Involved in hyaluronan Depolymerization, alias KIAA1199 or CEMIP), a key molecule for HA degradation in skin fibroblasts, are implicated in facial skin wrinkling in Japanese and Caucasian women. However, little or no information is available for substances which inhibit the HYBID-mediated HA degradation.

METHODS

Inhibition of Sanguisorba officinalis root extract and ziyuglycoside I, one of the components of Sanguisorba officinalis root extract, to the HYBID-mediated HA degradation was assessed by size-exclusion chromatography of HA depolymerized by stable transfectants of HYBID in HEK293 cells (HYBID/HEK293 cells) or normal human skin fibroblasts (Detroit 551 cells and NHDF-Ad cells). The HYBID mRNA and protein expression was examined by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting in the skin fibroblasts treated with Sanguisorba officinalis root extract, and size distribution of newly produced HA was evaluated by preparing metabolically radiolabelled HA. A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study was carried out in the 21 healthy Japanese women, who were topically treated with the formulation containing Sanguisorba officinalis root extract or the placebo on each side of the face including crow's foot area.

RESULTS

Sanguisorba officinalis root extract, but not ziyuglycoside I, abolished HYBID-mediated HA degradation by HYBID/HEK293 cells. Sanguisorba officinalis root extract also inhibited HYBID-mediated HA degradation in skin fibroblasts by down-regulating HYBID mRNA and protein expression. Although control untreated skin fibroblasts produced polydispersed HA, the cells treated with Sanguisorba officinalis root extract produced only high-molecular-weight HA. Treatment with Sanguisorba officinalis root extract-formulated lotion significantly improved skin elasticity, and reduced skin wrinkling scores at the outer eye corner compared with the placebo formulation.

CONCLUSION

Sanguisorba officinalis root extract showed an anti-HYBID-mediated HA degradation activity and anti-wrinkle activity on human facial skin, which is accompanied by the improvement in elasticity. Our study provides the possibility of a new strategy to inhibit HYBID-mediated HA degradation for anti-wrinkle care.

Production cross sections of Mo, Nb and Zr radioisotopes from α-induced reaction on natZr

Cross sections of α-induced reactions on natural zirconium were measured up to 50 MeV using the stacked-foil technique, activation method and high resolution γ-ray spectrometry. The production cross sections of ^93m,99Mo, ^{90g,92m,95g,95m,96}Nb and ^88,89g,95Zr were determined and compared with other experimental data measured earlier and result of theoretical calculations. The integral thick target yield of ⁹⁹Mo was deduced from the measured cross section data.

[Bilateral Metastatic Lung Tumor with Different Primary Organs]

A 72-year-old woman with a history of surgery for left breast cancer was found to have sigmoid colon cancer and solitary pulmonary tumor of left upper lobe. We diagnosed adenocarcinoma of the unknown origin by a transbronchial biopsy. We performed left upper segmentectomy and sigmoidectomy. Left pulmonary tumor was diagnosed metastatic lung tumor from breast cancer. A right pulmonary tumor was confirmed by chest computed tomography(CT) after sigmoidectomy. It was also considered to be metastasis from breast cancer and treated with vinorelbine ditartrate. Since no effect was observed by chemotherapy, tumor was surgically removed by wedge resection. Right pulmonary tumor was pathologically diagnosed as metastasis from sigmoid colon cancer. In suspicious case of pulmonary metastases from double cancer, the possibility of different lesions from different primary site should be kept in mind.

Randomized phase III and extension studies: efficacy and impacts on quality of life of naldemedine in subjects with opioid-induced constipation and cancer

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of naldemedine (a peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonist) for opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in subjects with cancer was demonstrated in the primary report of a phase III, double-blind study (COMPOSE-4) and its open-label extension (COMPOSE-5). The primary end point, the proportion of spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) responders, was met. Here, we report results from secondary end points, including quality of life (QOL) assessments from these studies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In COMPOSE-4, eligible adults with OIC and cancer were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive once-daily oral naldemedine 0.2 mg (n = 97) or placebo (n = 96) for 2 weeks, and those who continued on to COMPOSE-5 received naldemedine for 12 weeks (n = 131). Secondary assessments in COMPOSE-4 included the proportion of complete SBM (CSBM) responders, SBM or CSBM responders by week, and subjects with ≥1 SBM or CSBM within 24 h postinitial dose. Changes from baseline in the frequency of SBMs or CSBMs per week were assessed at weeks 1 and 2. Time to the first SBM or CSBM postinitial dose was also evaluated. In both studies, QOL impact was evaluated by Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM) and PAC-QOL questionnaires.

RESULTS

Naldemedine improved bowel function for all secondary efficacy assessments versus placebo (all P ≤ 0.0002). The timely onset of naldemedine activity versus placebo was evidenced by median time to the first SBM (4.7 h versus 26.6 h) and CSBM (24.0 h versus 218.5 h) postinitial dose (all P < 0.0001). In COMPOSE-4, significant differences between groups were observed with the PAC-SYM stool domain (P = 0.045) and PAC-QOL dissatisfaction domain (P = 0.015). In COMPOSE-5, significant improvements from baseline were observed for overall and individual domain scores of PAC-SYM and PAC-QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Naldemedine provided effective and timely symptomatic relief from OIC and improved the QOL of subjects with OIC and cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION ID: www.ClinicalTrials.jp: JAPIC-CTI-132340 (COMPOSE-4) and JAPIC-CTI-132342 (COMPOSE-5).

[Pulmonary Pleomorphic Carcinoma Relapsed after Surgery Surviving Long-term by Chemotherapy and Nivolumab]

A 60'-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of nodular shadow found at mass screening. We diagnosed the tumor as non-small cell lung cancer by transbronchial biopsy. Chest computed tomography showed a tumor shadow of 3 cm in diameter with cavity. Right middle lobectomy was performed and the pathological diagnosis was pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung. The tumor recurrence was found at 10 months after surgery, and was treated with cisplatin, docetaxel plus bevacizumab for 6 cycles. A complete remission was achieved, but regrowth at 5 months after chemotherapy was noted. The patient was treated with nivolumab following carboplatin, gemcitabine plus bevacizumab 3 cycles. A good partial response is continuing 2 years and 5 months after confirming recurrence.

A case of small intestinal neuroendocrine carcinoma diagnosed using double-balloon endoscopy with long-term survival

Neuroendocrine neoplasms, including neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), are rare epithelial tumors with a predominant neuroendocrine differentiation. Compared with NETs, NECs have been reported to be rarer and have a poorer prognosis. We present a rare case of small bowel NEC diagnosed using double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) and the long-term survival accomplished via intensive therapy. DBE revealed an ulcerative tumor in the deep jejunum, and biopsy specimens showed large and highly dysplastic tumor cells; immuno-histological synaptophysin and chromogranin A tests were positive, and the Ki-67 index was more than 90%. Partial intestinal resection without complete lymph node dissection was performed and, postoperatively, chemotherapy was administered. The patient was observed for 3 years after chemotherapy, and complete remission was maintained.

Flavonoid and Galloyl Glycosides Isolated from Saxifraga spinulosa and Their Antioxidative and Inhibitory Activities against Species That Cause Piroplasmosis

Eight new flavonoid-based 3'-O-β-d-glucopyranosides (1-8) and three new galloyl glucosides (9, 11, 12), were isolated from the aerial parts of Saxifraga spinulosa, along with 25 known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Most of the isolated compounds exhibited potent DPPH radical-scavenging activities. Further, their inhibitory activities were evaluated against Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Babesia caballi, and Theileria equi, protozoan parasites that cause piroplasmosis in livestock. The results indicated that several of these compounds showed growth-inhibitory effects on such organisms that cause piroplasmosis.

Towards a unified model of neutrino-nucleus reactions for neutrino oscillation experiments

A precise description of neutrino-nucleus reactions will play a key role in addressing fundamental questions such as the leptonic CP violation and the neutrino mass hierarchy through analyzing data from next-generation neutrino oscillation experiments. The neutrino energy relevant to the neutrino-nucleus reactions spans a broad range and, accordingly, the dominant reaction mechanism varies across the energy region from quasi-elastic scattering through nucleon resonance excitations to deep inelastic scattering. This corresponds to transitions of the effective degree of freedom for theoretical description from nucleons through meson-baryon to quarks. The main purpose of this review is to report our recent efforts towards a unified description of the neutrino-nucleus reactions over the wide energy range; recent overall progress in the field is also sketched. Starting with an overview of the current status of neutrino-nucleus scattering experiments, we formulate the cross section to be commonly used for the reactions over all the energy regions. A description of the neutrino-nucleon reactions follows and, in particular, a dynamical coupled-channels model for meson productions in and beyond the [Formula: see text](1232) region is discussed in detail. We then discuss the neutrino-nucleus reactions, putting emphasis on our theoretical approaches. We start the discussion with electroweak processes in few-nucleon systems studied with the correlated Gaussian method. Then we describe quasi-elastic scattering with nuclear spectral functions, and meson productions with a [Formula: see text]-hole model. Nuclear modifications of the parton distribution functions determined through a global analysis are also discussed. Finally, we discuss issues to be addressed for future developments.