1H NMR-based metabolomic analysis coupled with reversed-phase solid-phase extraction for sample preparation of Saposhnikovia roots and related crude drugs

¹H NMR-based metabolomics has been applied in research on food, herbal medicine, and natural products. Although excellent results were reported, samples were directly extracted with a deuterated solvent (e.g., methanol-d₄ or D₂O) in most reports. As primary metabolites account for most of the results, data for secondary metabolites are partially reflected. Consequently, secondary metabolites tend to be excluded from factor loading analysis, serving as a significant unfavorable feature of ¹H NMR-based metabolomics when investigating biologically active or functional components in natural products and health foods. Reversed-phase solid-phase extraction column (RP-SPEC) was applied for sample preparation in ¹H NMR-based metabolomics to overcome this feature. The methanol extract from Saposhnikoviae radix (SR), an important crude drug, was fractionated with RP-SPEC into 5% methanol-eluting fractions, and the remaining fraction was collected. Each fraction was subjected to ¹H NMR-based metabolomics and compared to results from conventional ¹H NMR-based metabolomics. Based on principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), the 5% methanol fraction and conventional method reflected the amount of saccharides such as sucrose on the PC1/PLS1 axes, and wild and cultivated samples were discriminated along those axes. The remaining fraction clearly distinguished SR from Peucedanum ledebourielloides root. The compounds responsible for this discrimination were deemed falcarindiol derivatives and other unidentified secondary metabolites from the s-plot on PLS-DA. The secondary metabolites from original plants were, therefore, presumed to be concentrated in the remaining fraction by RP-SPEC treatment and strongly reflected the species differences. The developed series is considered effective to perform quality evaluation of crude drugs and natural products.

Botanical origin and chemical constituents of commercial Saposhnikoviae radix and its related crude drugs available in Shaanxi and the surrounding regions

Saposhnikoviae radix (SR) is described in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia as a crude drug derived from the root of Saposhnikovia divaricata Schischkin (Umbelliferae). According to Flora of China, the root of Peucedanum ledebourielloides K. F. Fu is used as a regional substitute for SR. Therefore, we surveyed the botanical origin of the drug used in China, especially Shaanxi and the surrounding regions, through nucleotide sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA. As a result, several samples from Shaanxi () and Shanxi () provinces were identified as Peucedanum ledebourielloides. To prevent this substitute from being distributed as genuine SR, we developed a thin-layer chromatography analysis condition to enable a specific compound of this species to be easily detected. The specific compound was identified as xanthalin, based on 1D- and 2D-NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry data. The established TLC conditions were as follows-extraction solvent, n-hexane; applied volume, 5 µL; chromatographic support, silica gel; developing solvent, n-hexane:ethyl acetate:acetic acid (20:10:1); developing length, 7 cm; detection, UV (365 nm); R _f value, 0.4 (blue fluorescence; xanthalin).

Effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum fermented milk on Helicobacter pylori and serum pepsinogen levels in humans

Helicobacter pylori infection is an important risk factor for gastric diseases. Some probiotics are useful for suppressing H. pylori infection. Bifidobacterium bifidum YIT 4007 can improve the experimental gastric injury in rats and the disease stages on the gastric mucosa in peptic ulcer patients. We evaluated the fermented milk using a clone (BF-1) having the stronger ability to survive in the product than this parent strain to clarify the in vitro suppressive effect of BF-1 on H. pylori and the in vivo efficacy of BF-1 fermented milk on H. pylori and gastric health. In the mixed culture assay of BF-1 and H. pylori, the number of pathogens was decreased such that it was not detected after 48 h in the Brucella broth with a decrease in pH values. In the cell culture experiment with human gastric cells, the H. pylori infection-induced IL-8 secretion was suppressed by the preincubation of BF-1. In a human study of 12-wk ingestion (BF-1 group, n = 40; placebo group, n = 39) with a randomized double-blind placebo-control design, the H. pylori urease activity and gastric situation were evaluated using a urea breath test (UBT) and the serum pepsinogen (PG) levels as biomarkers for inflammation or atrophy, respectively. In the H. pylori-positive subjects, the difference (DeltaUBT) of the UBT value from the baseline value in the BF-1 group (n = 34) was lower than that in the placebo group (n = 35) at 8 wk. The baseline UBT values showed a negative correlation with DeltaUBT values at 8 and 12 wk in the BF-1 group but not in the placebo. In the PG-positive subjects classified by the PG test method, the BF-1 group was lower in DeltaUBT values than the placebo group at 8 and 12 wk. In the active gastritis class by PG levels, the BF-1 group was lower in their DeltaUBT values than the placebo at 8 and 12 wk. The PG I levels in the BF-1 group were lower than the placebo at 12 wk. The PG II levels in the BF-1 group did not change during the ingestion period, but the placebo was increased. The PG I/II ratios slightly decreased from baseline at 12 and 20 wk in the BF-1 and placebo groups. These patterns were also observed in the H. pylori-positive subjects. The improving rates of upper gastrointestinal symptomatic subjects and total symptom numbers in the BF-1 group were higher than those in the placebo. These results indicate that BF-1 fermented milk may affect H. pylori infection or its activity, gastric mucosal situation, and the emergence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Antitumor effects of the intravesical instillation of heat killed cells of the Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on the murine orthotopic bladder tumor MBT-2

PURPOSE

To characterize the potential of heat killed Lactobacillus casei, Shirota strain (LC9018), as an alternative to bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for treating patients with bladder cancer we investigated the antitumor effects of intravesical instillation of LC9018 in the MBT-2 orthotopic bladder tumor implantation model in C3H/He mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LC9018 or BCG, Tokyo 172 strain, was instilled once daily for 10 days starting on the day after orthotopic implantation of MBT-2. Tumor appearance and mean bladder weight on day 21 after tumor implantation were evaluated. Moreover, we investigated the augmentation of local cellular immunity in bladder mucosa by immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Intravesical LC9018 instillation significantly reduced the rate of tumor appearance in 8 of 38 subjects (p <0.001) and mean tumor growth plus or minus standard deviation with a bladder weight of 37 +/- 49 mg. (p <0.001) compared with tumor appearance in 41 of 58 subjects and mean bladder weight 146 +/- 183 mg. in controls. BCG had no significant antitumor activity in the orthotopic implantation model. Intravesical instillation of LC9018 augmented the local expression of antitumor cytokine messenger RNA (interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and induced the infiltration of neutrophils surrounded by macrophages that phagocytosed LC9018 cells at the bladder mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that LC9018 is potentially more potent and safer as a therapeutic agent than BCG for superficial bladder tumors. Furthermore, the antitumor effect of LC9018 is exerted via the augmentation of local cell mediated antitumor immunity.

Sex-dependent toxicity of a novel acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitor, YIC-C8-434, in relation to sex-specific forms of cytochrome P450 in rats

YIC-C8-434 is a novel inhibitor of acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT). To clarify the toxicity of YIC-C8-434, the compound was given orally to Sprague-Dawley rats for 28 days at 0, 4, 20, 100, or 500 mg/kg/day. The toxicity of the drug differed significantly between male and female rats. In female rats treated at 500 mg/kg, many symptoms including moribund condition, suppression of weight gain and food consumption, abnormal blood chemistry, and decreases in organ weights (thymus, ovaries, and uterus) were observed. In male rats by contrast, no significant toxicity was observed at any dose. After a single administration of YIC-C8-434 at 500 mg/kg, female rats had a higher blood concentration of the compound than male rats. Little elimination of YIC-C8-434 was observed in female rats on analysis of drug-elimination kinetics. Furthermore, the metabolism of YIC-C8-434 was analyzed using rat hepatic microsomal preparations from both sexes. Consistent with the observations in vivo, hepatic microsomes from male rats better metabolized YIC-C8-434 than those from females. In addition, the metabolism of YIC-C8-434 by hepatic microsomes from male rats was blocked by SKF525A, a P450 inhibitor. Inhibition experiments using anti-rat CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2B1, CYP2C11, CYP2E1, CYP3A2, and CYP4A1 antisera indicated that CYP3A2 played the predominant role in the metabolism of YIC-C8-434 in rats. Since there is less CYP3A2 in the liver of female than male rats, the involvement of CYP3A2 in YIC-C8-434 metabolism has implications for the sex-related metabolic activity and toxicity of YIC-C8-434.

Antimicrobial activity of intraurethrally administered probiotic Lactobacillus casei in a murine model of Escherichia coli urinary tract infection

The antimicrobial activity of the intraurethrally administered probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota against Escherichia coli in a murine urinary tract infection (UTI) model was examined. UTI was induced by intraurethral administration of Escherichia coli strain HU-1 (a clinical isolate from a UTI patient, positive for type 1 and P fimbriae), at a dose of 1 x 10(6) to 2 x 10(6) CFU in 20 microl of saline, into a C3H/HeN mouse bladder which had been traumatized with 0.1 N HCl followed immediately by neutralization with 0.1 N NaOH 24 h before the challenge infection. Chronic infection with the pathogen at 10(6) CFU in the urinary tract (bladder and kidneys) was maintained for more than 3 weeks after the challenge, and the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and myeloperoxidase activity in the urine were markedly elevated during the infection period. A single administration of L. casei Shirota at a dose of 10(8) CFU 24 h before the challenge infection dramatically inhibited E. coli growth and inflammatory responses in the urinary tract. Multiple daily treatments with L. casei Shirota during the postinfection period also showed antimicrobial activity in this UTI model. A heat-killed preparation of L. casei Shirota exerted significant antimicrobial effects not only with a single pretreatment (100 microg/mouse) but also with multiple daily treatments during the postinfection period. The other Lactobacillus strains tested, i.e., L. fermentum ATCC 14931(T), L. jensenii ATCC 25258(T), L. plantarum ATCC 14917(T), and L. reuteri JCM 1112(T), had no significant antimicrobial activity. Taken together, these results suggest that the probiotic L. casei strain Shirota is a potent therapeutic agent for UTI.

Effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid on behavioral impairment and neuronal cell death after forebrain ischemia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), an antioxidant and/or 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, on ischemia-reperfusion injury behavioral pharmacologically and histologically in vivo. First, the antioxidant activity of NDGA was evaluated in vitro by measuring the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in rat brain homogenate. Second, the effect of NDGA on learning and memory impairment induced by rat four-vessel occlusion transient ischemia was investigated with the Morris water-maze task. Third, the effect of NDGA on pyramidal cell loss in the hippocampus after transient ischemia was examined. NDGA inhibited the production of TBARS with an IC(50) of 0.1 microM, and significantly attenuated postischemic learning and memory impairment at 10 mg/kg. Furthermore, consecutive 4-day administration of NDGA at 10 mg/kg significantly reduced the postischemic neuronal death. NDGA was found to be potent and effective as an anti-ischemia-reperfusion injury agent in terms of behavioral pharmacology and histology. The present results suggest that NDGA has beneficial effects on behavioral deficits and histological injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion.

Structure-activity relationships of N-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-n-octyloxycinnamoyl)-N'-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)piperazine and analogues as inhibitors of acyl-CoA: cholesterol O-acyltransferase

A novel series of acyl-CoA: cholesterol O-acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors were synthesized from a lead compound, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-7-phenylhept-1-en-3-one (1, Yakuchinone B) through a modification of three regions (A, B, C) in the molecule. In this study, the compounds prepared were tested for in vitro inhibitory activity on microsomal ACAT from the liver of rats and for in vivo hypocholesterolemic activity in rats given a high cholesterol diet. N-(3,5-Dimethoxy-4-n-octyloxycinnamoyl)-N'-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)piperazine (45), which belongs to the amide compounds, has finally been discovered. Compound 45 inhibited rat hepatic ACAT in a more striking manner than CI-976, an amide compound ACAT inhibitor, and it exhibited a high level of hypocholesterolemic activity in vivo. Since 45 strongly inhibited both microsomal ACAT prepared from HepG2 (a cell line derived from human hepatocarcinoma) and Caco2 (a cell line derived from human colon adenocarcinoma), there is speculation that 45 might have the ability to inhibit ACAT in both the human intestine and liver independent of the difference in the distribution of ACAT isozymes. On the other hand, 45 did not induce adrenotoxicity in subacute toxicity studies in rats. These results suggest that it has promise for development as a new therapeutic agent for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.

Suppressive effects of bifidobacteria on lipid peroxidation in the colonic mucosa of iron-overloaded mice

The antioxidative effects of live bifidobacteria on lipid peroxidation in the colonic mucosa were investigated. Bifidobacterium bifidum strain Yakult, which has been used for production of fermented milk, most effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation catalyzed by ferrous iron in liposomes among 10 species of bifidobacteria from human intestinal flora. Oral administration of B. bifidum strain Yakult for 2 wk significantly decreased the level of lipid peroxide (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) in the colonic mucosa of iron-overload mice (Fe 0.07% in diet). The iron concentrations in plasma and cecum contents were not affected by administration of B. bifidum strain Yakult. Bifidobacterium bifidum strain Yakult had no chelating or incorporating activity for ferrous iron in vitro. Therefore, the antioxidative effect of B. bifidum strain Yakult in the colonic mucosa was not thought to be based on the removal of ferrous iron from the reaction system of lipid peroxidation. These results suggested that B. bifidum strain Yakult protected the colonic mucosa from oxidative injury without inhibiting iron absorption.

Effect of oligofucose derivatives on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats

This study attempted to enhance the anti-ulcer activity of fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus TOKIDA by chemical modification with a hydrophobic group. The suitable number of fucose residues in the effective compound was also clarified to obtain a compound of constant quality. Degraded fucoidans were coupled with several hydrophobic groups via Schiff bases, and their anti-ulcer activities were determined by acetic acid-induced ulcer models in rats. Size-fractionated oligofucose was also modified and assayed for anti-ulcer activity. Among the modified oligofucoses, only the oligofucose-dodecylaniline combination (OFDA) significantly promoted ulcer healing. The effective dose was 0.2 mg/kg/d. The most suitable number of fucose residues in the compound for the anti-ulcer activity was determined to be around 12. We succeeded in enhancing the anti-ulcer activity of Cladosiphon fucoidan by modification with dodecylaniline. The activity of this compound was comparable or greater than that of typical anti-ulcer agents. By determination of the optimal OF chain length for the anti-ulcer activity of OFDA, it became possible to obtain OFDA of constant quality.

Enhancement of natural killer cytotoxicity delayed murine carcinogenesis by a probiotic microorganism

Regulation of innate immunity may be an effective means of cancer control. Delaying cancer onset is regarded as an important mode of action in cancer prevention. We have been investigating the chemopreventive mechanisms of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS), a probiotic strain. In this study, we evaluated the effect of LcS on tumor onset and the involvement of natural killer (NK) cells using a 3-methylcholanthrene-induced carcinogenesis model. C3H/HeN mice were divided into three groups, according to treatment: vehicle-treated, treated with vehicle only; control, 3-methylcholanthrene treated; LcS, 3-methylcholanthrene and LcS treated. 3-Methylcholanthrene was injected intradermally at 7 weeks of age. LcS was mixed into the diet (0.05%, w/w), which the mice were fed from the day of 3-methylcholanthrene injection onward. Tumor incidence was observed weekly. Profiles of splenic NK cells, in vitro cytotoxicity and the proportion, in the early stage of carcinogenesis were analyzed at 5 weeks after the injection. The tumor suppressive effect of LcS was also evaluated in a beige mouse model that is genetically deficient in NK cells. LcS delayed tumor onset and reduced tumor incidence in the results with C3H/HeN mice (P< 0.05). More specifically, tumor incidence in the control group was 33% at 6 weeks after the injection and 83% at 11 weeks as opposed to 0 and 42%, respectively, in the LcS group. NK cell cytotoxicity was significantly higher than in the control group, and the number of NK cells also increased in the LcS group of C3H/HeN mice. However, LcS failed to suppress tumorigenesis in the beige mouse. These findings suggest that enhancement of the cytotoxicity of NK cells by LcS delays tumor onset.

Modified irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) administration schedule improves induction of delayed-onset diarrhea in rats

PURPOSE

Clinically, diarrhea is the major dose-limiting toxicity of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11). Using a rat model, we attempted to decrease the incidence of delayed-onset diarrhea by modifying the administration schedule of CPT-11, and studied the pharmacokinetics in this model in relation to the incidence of diarrhea.

METHODS

CPT-11 (total dose, 240 mg/kg) was administered intravenously (i.v.) to rats according to various schedules, and the incidence of delayed-onset diarrhea was monitored.

RESULTS

Administration of CPT-11 at a dose of 60 mg/kg once daily for four consecutive days induced severe diarrhea, while at 30 mg/kg twice daily at an interval of 9 h (daily dose 60 mg/kg) for four consecutive days alleviated the diarrheal symptoms, and at 30 or 40 mg/kg once daily for eight or six consecutive days, respectively. diarrhea was hardly induced. With the first schedule, mucosal impairment of the cecal epithelium was observed, including wall thickening, edema, decrease in crypt number and size, and formation of pseudomembrane-like substance, whereas these changes were less severe with the second schedule and were hardly observed with the other two schedules. The areas under the plasma and cecal tissue concentration-time curves (AUCpla and AUCcec), the maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) and the biliary excretions of CPT-11 and its metabolites, 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) and SN-38 glucuronide (SN-38G) in rats depended on the daily dose of CPT-11. Exceptionally, CPT-11 Cmax was significantly lower and SN-38 AUCcec was larger in the animals treated at 30 mg/kg twice daily than in those treated at 60 mg/kg once daily.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that the duration of exposure to both CPT-11 and SN-38 of the intestinal epithelium and CPT-11 plasma Cmax are closely related to the incidence and severity of CPT-11-induced delayed-onset diarrhea in rats.

Diarylheptanoids suppress expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules on human vascular endothelial cells

Diarylheptanoids possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, the mechanism of their action is not fully understood. In this study, we found that three diarylheptanoids, 1-(3, 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-phenylhept-1-en-3-one (YPE-01), yakuchinone B and demethyl-yakuchinone B, reduced the adhesion of both human monocytic cell line U937 and human eosinophilic cell line EoL-1 cells to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In addition, they suppressed interleukin-1beta- or TNF-alpha-induced expression of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on the surface of the endothelial cells. Since YPE-01 reduced both VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 mRNA induction in TNF-alpha-stimulated endothelial cells, diarylheptanoids appeared to suppress adhesion molecule expression at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, YPE-01 suppressed both VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 mRNA induction as well as edema in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-inflamed mice ears in vivo. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of diarylheptanoids is, at least in part, due to their suppressive effect on the surface expression of inducible adhesion molecules in endothelial cells, and subsequent leukocyte adhesion.

Identification and developmental expression of inhibitor of caspase-activated DNase (ICAD) in Drosophila melanogaster

DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis, is regulated by a specific nuclease called caspase-activated DNase (CAD) and its inhibitor (ICAD). When cell lysates from Drosophila S2 cells were chemically denatured and the denatured proteins were removed after dialysis, the supernatant inhibited Drosophila CAD (dCAD). To identify the inhibitor, we tested recombinant DREP-1, which was previously identified using the Drosophila EST data base and found it also inhibited dCAD DNase. An antibody against DREP-1 inhibited the ICAD activity in the S2 cell extracts, confirming the identification of DREP-1 as a Drosophila homolog of ICAD (dICAD). The recombinant DREP-1/dICAD was cleaved at a specific site by human caspase 3 as well as by extracts prepared from S2 cells undergoing apoptosis. Biochemical fractionation and immunoprecipitation of dICAD from S2 cell extracts indicated that dICAD is complexed with dCAD in proliferating cells. The expression of the caspase-resistant form of dICAD/DREP-1 in a Drosophila neuronal cell line prevented the apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Northern hybridization and the immunohistochemical analyses revealed that the expression of the dICAD gene is developmentally regulated.

A major metabolite of aceclofenac, 4'-hydroxy aceclofenac, suppresses the production of interstitial pro-collagenase/proMMP-1 and pro-stromelysin-1/proMMP-3 by human rheumatoid synovial cells

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

We examined the effects of aceclofenac and its metabolites on the production of pro-collagenase-1/pro-matrix metalloproteinase-1 (proMMP-1), pro-gelatinase A/proMMP-2, pro-stromelysin-1/proMMP-3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) by rheumatoid synovial cells.

MATERIALS

Synovial cells were obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

TREATMENT

Cultures of confluent cells were treated with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)(1 ng/ml) and/or test drugs (0.3-30 microM) for 48 h.

METHODS

Production of proMMPs and TIMP-1 was monitored by Western blotting or gelatin zymography. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was measured by an enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

4'-Hydroxy aceclofenac, a major metabolite of aceclofenac, down-regulated both basal and IL-1beta-induced production of proMMP-1 and proMMP-3 at a concentration sufficient to suppress PGE2 production without modulating proMMP-2 or TIMP-1, whereas aceclofenac itself had no marked effect on the production of proMMPs.

CONCLUSIONS

Down-regulation of proMMP-1 and proMMP-3 production by 4'-hydroxy aceclofenac may contribute to the therapeutic effect of aceclofenac on rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Properties of fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus tokida in gastric mucosal protection

To elucidate the anti-ulcer potential of Cladosiphon fucoidan, anti-peptic activity, bFGF stabilizing activity and inflammatory properties of this and related substances were investigated. Anti-peptic activity was observed with this and other sulfated polysaccharides such as dextran sulfate, carrageenan, and Fucus fucoidan. However, non-sulfated polysaccharides such as mannan and dextran did not exert the anti-peptic activity. The loss of bFGF bioactivity was prevented by all sulfated polysaccharides tested except chondroitin sulfate, at pH 7.4 and at pH 4.0. At pH 2.0, only heparin protected the bFGF activity. The generation of superoxide by macrophages and PMNs was stimulated by dextran sulfate, carrageenan, and Fucus fucoidan, whereas Cladosiphon fucoidan, heparin and chondroitin did not. Dextran sulfate, carrageenan, and Fucus fucoidan also stimulated the secretion of TNFalpha from macrophages, while Cladosiphon fucoidan did not. Thus, Cladosiphon fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide without inflammatory action. These results suggest that Cladosiphon fucoidan is a safe substance with potential for gastric protection.

Inhibitory effect of oral administration of Lactobacillus casei on 3-methylcholanthrene-induced carcinogenesis in mice

The present study was designed to determine whether tumor induction by 3-methylcholanthrene (MC), a carcinogenic hydrocarbon, can be inhibited by oral administration of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LC). C3H/HeN mice were divided into four groups and assigned to the following treatments: treated with MC and given control or LC-containing diet; treated with vehicle only and given control or LC-containing diet. MC (1 mg) was injected intradermally at 7 weeks of age and the tumor incidence was monitored; LC was mixed into a diet at a concentration of 0.05% (w/w) and the diet was fed from the day of MC injection throughout the study. Spleen cells were analyzed for the immune parameters at 12 and 16 weeks after the MC injection. Oral feeding of mice with LC reduced tumor incidence (P < 0.05). MC treatment lowered the in vitro response to concanavalin A (Con A) of spleen cells, the secretion of interleukin-2 in spleen cell culture after stimulation of the cells with Con A and the proportions of CD3+ CD4+ and CD8 + splenic cells. However, the analysis of the spleen cells obtained from the mice treated with MC and given the LC-containing diet revealed that these disrupted host immune parameters were maintained at the level of normal controls. These results suggest that oral feeding of mice with LC inhibits MC-induced tumorigenesis by modulating the disrupted host immune responses during MC carcinogenesis.

Immunomodulatory function of lactic acid bacteria

Using mice, we found that oral administration of Bifidobacterium breve YIT4064 (B. breve) activated the humoral immune system, augmented anti-rotavirus IgA production or anti-influenza virus (IFV) IgG production and protected against rotavirus infection or influenza infection, respectively. Furthermore, when the B. breve was given to infants from an infant home, there was a significant reduction of the frequency of rotavirus shedding in stool samples during the administration of the bacteria. It was also found, again using mice, that oral administration of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) stimulated type 1 helper T (Th1) cells, activated the cellular immune system and inhibited incidence of tumors and IgE production. These results demonstrated that these two strains of lactic acid bacteria modulated the different immune systems each in its own way and prevented against various diseases.

In vivo and in vitro evidence of blood-brain barrier transport of a novel cationic arginine-vasopressin fragment 4-9 analog

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport and metabolism of a novel arginine-vasopressin fragment 4-9 [AVP(4-9), isoelectric point; (pI) = 9.2] analog, that is, cationic AVP(4-9) (C-AVP(4-9), PI = 9.8), were examined in vivo and in vitro. At 45 min after an i.v. administration to mice, the cerebrum-to-plasma concentration ratios of (35)S-labeled AVP(4-9) and (125)I-labeled C-AVP(4-9) were 0.103 and 0.330 ml/g cerebrum, respectively, and the BBB permeation clearances were 1.47 x 10(-4) and 3.10 x 10(-4) ml/min/g cerebrum, respectively. In the in vitro study using mouse brain capillary endothelial cells immortalized by SV40 infection (MBEC4), the acid-resistant binding values of (35)S-labeled AVP(4-9) and (125)I-labeled C-AVP(4-9) to MBEC4 at 120 min were 0.93 and 1.95 microliter/mg protein (as the cell/medium ratios), respectively. (35)S-labeled AVP(4-9) showed two-phase saturable acid-resistant binding, and its half-saturation constants (K(D)) were 3.8 nM (high affinity) and 45.7 microM (low affinity). (125)I-labeled C-AVP(4-9) showed single-phase saturable acid-resistant binding, with a K(D) value of 16.4 microM. The acid-resistant binding of (125)I-labeled C-AVP(4-9) was significantly dependent on temperature and medium osmolarity. The acid-resistant binding of (125)I-labeled C-AVP(4-9) was inhibited by dancylcadaverine, phenylarsine oxide (endocytosis inhibitors), 2,4-dinitrophenol (a metabolic inhibitor), and AVP(4-9), poly(L-lysine), and protamine (cationic substances), but not by poly(L-glutamic acid) (an anionic peptide) and the V(1) and V(2) vasopressin receptor antagonists. In addition, the conversion of C-AVP(4-9) to AVP(4-9) in the cerebral homogenate was confirmed by HPLC and mass spectrometry. The present results demonstrate that C-AVP(4-9) is transported through the BBB more effectively than AVP(4-9), via absorptive-mediated endocytosis, and that C-AVP(4-9) is converted to the neuroactive parent peptide, AVP(4-9), in the cerebrum.

The role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in the antitumor effect of intrapleural injection of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota in mice

The involvement of several cytokines in the antitumor effect induced by intrapleural (i.pl.) injection of heat-killed cells of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LC 9018) in mice was investigated. Injection of LC 9018 i.pl. into Meth A fibrosarcoma (Meth A)-bearing mice not only significantly prolonged the survival of the mice, but also effectively inhibited the accumulation of malignant pleural fluid in the thoracic cavity. In the thoracic cavity of tumor-bearing mice treated with LC 9018, we observed large amounts of several cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1beta, interferon (IFN)-gamma, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Both anti-IFN-gamma and anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments partially diminished the antitumor activity of LC 9018 in vivo, while the treatment of anti-IL-1beta mAb did not influence the survival of the mice. However, anti-TNF-alpha mAb treatment completely abolished the antitumor effect of LC 9018 in vivo, suggesting that in this model LC 9018 has a survival-prolonging effect involving certain cytokines. Moreover, i.pl. injection of mouse recombinant TNF-alpha into Meth A-bearing mice pretreated with anti-TNF-alpha mAb partially restored the survival-enhancing effect of LC 9018. These results led us to conclude that TNF-alpha induced by i.pl. injection of LC 9018 plays an important role in the antitumor effect of LC 9018 in vivo.

Effects of arginine-vasopressin fragment 4-9 on rodent cholinergic systems

Arginine-vasopressin fragment 4-9 (AVP4-9) has been demonstrated in animal studies to facilitate learning and memory. To clarify the mechanisms of this facilitation, we focused on the effects of AVP4-9 on rodent cholinergic systems. AVP4-9 (0.1 microM) enhanced the basal and the high-potassium-evoked acetylcholine (ACh) release from rat hippocampal slices (122.4 and 120.0% of control, respectively) in the presence of 1.3 mM calcium (physiological level) at 60 min after the incubation at 37 degrees C. The AVP4-9-stimulated basal ACh release was inhibited by a V1-selective antagonist ([(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopentamethylene propionic acid)1, O-methyl-Tyr2, Arg8] vasopressin), but not by a V2-selective antagonist ([adamantaneacetyl1, O-ethyl-D-Tyr2, Val4, aminobutyryl6, Arg8,9]-vasopressin). In addition, AVP4-9 did not affect the basal ACh release under the calcium-free condition at 37 degrees C or in the presence of 1.3 mM calcium at 4 degrees C. However, AVP4-9 facilitated the passive-avoidance response of scopolamine (a cholinergic blocker)-induced memory-deficient mice. These findings demonstrate that AVP4-9 stimulates ACh release via mediation by V1-like vasopressin receptors, and shows dependence on calcium ion and temperature. The results also suggest that the mechanism of the facilitative effects of AVP4-9 on learning and memory consist of the observed stimulation of cholinergic systems and other parallel pathways that would not be inhibited by cholinergic blocking.

Immunomodulatory function of lactic acid bacteria

Using mice, we found that oral administration of Bifidobacterium breve YIT4064 (B. breve) activated the humoral immune system, augmented anti-rotavirus IgA production or anti-influenza virus (IFV) IgG production and protected against rotavirus infection or influenza infection, respectively. Furthermore, when the B. breve was given to infants from an infant home, there was a significant reduction of the frequency of rotavirus shedding in stool samples during the administration of the bacteria. It was also found, again using mice, that oral administration of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) stimulated type 1 helper T (Th1) cells, activated the cellular immune system and inhibited incidence of tumors and IgE production. These results demonstrated that these two strains of lactic acid bacteria modulated the different immune systems each in its own way and prevented against various diseases.

Inhibitory effect of Cladosiphon fucoidan on the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human gastric cells

We studied the inhibitory effect of Cladosiphon fucoidan on the attachment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a gastroduodenal pathogen, to human gastric cell lines. The bacterial binding in these cell lines was inhibited more by Cladosiphon fucoidan (IC50 = 16-30 mg/mL), than by the fucoidan from Fucus (IC50 > 30 mg/mL). Dextran sulfate, another sulfated polysaccharide, did not inhibit the binding at all. Pre-incubating the bacterial suspension with fucoidans reinforced the inhibitory ability of these components, and reduced the IC50 value of Cladosiphon fucoidan to approximately 1 mg/mL. However, the binding was not inhibited by pre-treatment of gastric cells with these components. It was also shown that this fucoidan blocks both Leb- and sulfatide-mediated attachment of H. pylori to gastric cells. Furthermore, fucoidan-binding proteins were found on the H. pylori cell surface by Western blot analysis. Thus, the inhibitory effect exerted by Cladosiphon fucoidan on binding between H. pylori and gastric cells might result from the coating with this component of the bacterial surface.

Effects of prolyl endopeptidase inhibitors and neuropeptides on delayed neuronal death in rats

We investigated the effects of the prolyl endopeptidase inhibitors 1-[1-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-prolyl]prolinal (Z-Pro-Prolinal) and N-benzyloxycarbonyl-thioprolyl-thioprolinal-dimethylaceta l (ZTTA) on delayed neuronal death induced by four-vessel-occlusion transient ischemia in rats. We also examined the effects of [pGlu4, Cyt6, ArgS]vasopressin (vasopressin-(4-9)) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on the delayed neuronal death. Furthermore, we investigated the role of vasopressin receptors in the effects of vasopressin and prolyl endopeptidase inhibitors. Z-Pro-Prolinal, vasopressin-(4-9) and TRH protected pyramidal cells in the CA1 subfield of the rat hippocampus from delayed neuronal death after 10-min ischemia. The effect of vasopressin-(4-9) was abolished by vasopressin receptor antagonists. The effect of Z-Pro-Prolinal was also abrogated by the antagonists. These results suggest that the neuroprotective effect of prolyl endopeptidase inhibitors is mediated by neuropeptides such as [Arg8]vasopressin and TRH, and indicate the involvement of vasopressin receptors in the neuroprotective effect of vasopressin-(4-9) and prolyl endopeptidase inhibitors.

Hydrolytic activity is essential for aceclofenac to inhibit cyclooxygenase in rheumatoid synovial cells

To investigate the mechanisms of action underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug aceclofenac in humans, we studied the metabolism of aceclofenac in detail in primary cultured synovial cells of 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Aceclofenac and 4'-hydroxyaceclofenac are the major compounds in human blood after the administration of aceclofenac, but they had no inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase (COX) activity or COX expression in the rheumatoid synovial cells. In contrast, aceclofenac and 4'-hydroxyaceclofenac reduced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by the rheumatoid synovial cells. We also observed that aceclofenac and 4'-hydroxyaceclofenac were hydrolyzed into the COX inhibitors diclofenac and 4'-hydroxydiclofenac, respectively, by the rheumatoid synovial cells. However, the hydrolytic activity differed markedly among the cell preparations. Because the suppressive potency of aceclofenac and 4'-hydroxyaceclofenac against the PGE2 production was proportionally correlated with the hydrolytic activity in rheumatoid synovial cell preparations, we suggest that the suppressive effects of aceclofenac and 4'-hydroxy aceclofenac on PGE2 production are facilitated by the hydrolytic activity in rheumatoid synovial cells.

Lactic acid bacterium potently induces the production of interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma by mouse splenocytes

We previously have reported that the lactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS), shows marked antitumor activities and an ability to modify immune responses. In this study, we examined whether LcS can induce the production of interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), which are important cytokines for antitumor and antimicrobial immunity, from murine splenocytes in vitro in order to clarify the mechanisms of its immune modification. Stimulation by LcS induced a marked production of IL-12 by X-ray-irradiated splenocytes (X-irr-Spl). The production of IL-12 by X-irr-Spl was independent of the presence of nylon wool column-passed splenocytes (NW-Spl). IFN-gamma was produced by splenocytes by the stimulation with concanavalin A (Con A). LcS showed a synergistic stimulatory effect on the ConA-induced production of IFN-gamma. In addition, X-irr-Spl were required for the IFN-gamma; production by NW-Spl treated with LcS. The IFN-gamma production was reduced by anti-IL-12 antibody treatment. NW-Spl produced IFN-gamma following treatment with recombinant IL-12. Thus, we confirmed that IFN-gamma production by splenocytes was the result of the production of IL-12 from X-irr-Spl stimulated by LcS. Furthermore, in BALB/c mice, the oral administration of viable LcS augmented the production of IFN-gamma but not that of IL-4 or IL-5 by splenocytes. Thus, we suggested that LcS primarily activated X-irr-Spl, probably macrophages, and these cells secreted IL-12. The IL-12 induced by LcS stimulated the production of IFN-gamma.

Structural study of fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus TOKIDA

A structural study was carried out on a fucoidan isolated from the brown seaweed Cladosiphon okamuranus. The polysaccharide contained fucose, glucuronic acid and sulfate in a molar ratio of about 6.1 : 1.0 : 2.9. The results of Smith degradation showed that this polysaccharide has a linear backbone of 1-->3-linked alpha-fucopyranose with a half sulfate substitution at the 4-positions, and a portion of the fucose residues was O-acetylated. The data obtained from partial acid hydrolysis, a methylation analysis and NMR spectra indicated that the alpha-glucuronic acid residue is linked to the 2-positions of the fucose residues, which were not substituted by a sulfate group. These results indicated that the average structure of this fucoidan is as follows: -[(-->3Fuc-4(+/-OSO3-)alpha1-)5-->3[GlcA alpha1-->2]Fuc alpha1-]n-. (Half of each fucose residue was sulfated. One O-acetyl ester was present in every 6 fucose residues.)

Suppressive effects of the oral administration of Lactobacillus casei on type II collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1 mice

We investigated the effects of the oral administration of the viable bacterium Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS), on the development of type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice. Male DBA/1 mice were immunized with an emulsion of 100 microg of CII and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The mice were then given orally a suspension of LcS or distilled water (DW) during the experiment. We observed the development of CIA in the mice, and determined the in vivo and ex vivo CII-specific immune responses in the control and LcS-administered mice. In the control mice, we observed the onset of arthritis at the 27th day after the CII-immunization, and then the severity of CIA developed gradually. In the tested mice, the LcS-treatment reduced the incidence and the development of CIA and the levels of antibody to CII in serum compared with the control mice. The CII-specific IgG2a and IgG2b antibodies in serum were also down regulated in the tested mice. The administration of this bacterium also inhibited delayed-type hypersensitivity response to CII in DBA/1 mice immunized with CII and CFA. The orally administered-LcS suppressed the CII-specific secretion of interferon-gamma from splenocytes ex vivo. From these results, we concluded that the oral administration of LcS was able to modify the humoral and cellular immune responses to CII, and these modifications could result in the reduction of the development of CIA in DBA/1 mice.

Anti-inflammatory effect of YPE-01, a novel diarylheptanoid derivative, on dermal inflammation in mice

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of YPE-01, a novel diarylheptanoid derivative in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIAL

In the in vitro study, rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-1) cells were used. For the in vivo study, ICR and ddY mice (male, 7 weeks old) were used.

TREATMENT

In the in vitro study, the supernatant of RBL-1 cells lysate was incubated with 50 microM arachidonic acid (AA) and 0.01-100 microM test drugs for 15 min. RBL-1 cells were preincubated with 0.01-100 microM test drugs for 10 min before incubation with 0.5 microM calcium ionophore A23187 for 10 min. In the in vivo study, YPE-01 (0.1-3 mg/ear) was applied to the ear of mice at the same time as a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) application or 1 h before an AA application.

METHODS

In the in vitro study, the amounts of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and leukotrienes were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and an enzyme immunoassay, respectively. In the in vivo study, a circular tissue sample from the ear of the mice was weighed. Statistical analysis was done using Dunnett's test.

RESULTS

YPE-01 inhibited the 5-lipoxygenase activity (IC50, 0.28 microM) and the leukotriene B4 (IC50, 0.035 microM) and C4 (IC50, 0.046 microM) production by RBL-1 cells without any inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity in vitro. The topical application of YPE-01 significantly suppressed both the AA- and TPA-induced ear edemas in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

YPE-01 is a selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor with a suppressive effect against dermal inflammation.

The effect of oral feeding of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on immunoglobulin E production in mice

We investigated the effect of oral feeding of heat-killed Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on immunoglobulin E (IgE) production in mice. The strain was orally administered to BALB/c mice that had been preinjected intraperitoneally with ovalbumin, and the level of IgE in serum was determined. Results indicated that the oral feeding of L. casei strain Shirota was effective in inhibiting IgE production in serum, and the IgE production in response to ovalbumin was significantly inhibited in the mice. The in vitro production of IgE by the spleen cells from mice fed L. casei strain Shirota in response to restimulation with ovalbumin was inhibited in contrast to that of spleen cells from the control group. We also examined the pattern of cytokine production by spleen cells from mice fed L. casei strain Shirota followed by restimulation with ovalbumin in vitro. In the mice fed L. casei strain Shirota, the production by the spleen cells of Th1 cell-associated cytokines, such as interferon-gamma and interleukin-2, was higher than that by the spleen cells from the control group. In contrast, the production of Th2 cell-associated cytokines, such as interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10, by spleen cells in the group fed L. casei strain Shirota was lower than that by the cells from the control group. Furthermore, the interleukin-12 production of the spleen cells from mice fed L. casei strain Shirota was also higher than that of the control group.

Cytotoxic agents active against mucinous adenocarcinoma of the ovary

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate cytotoxic agents active for mucinous adenocarcinoma of the ovary (MACO) which is considered to be intrinsically platinum-resistant. We first conducted in vitro chemosensitivity tests assessing cytotoxic activities of various anti-cancer agents against MACO using a cell line, designated OMC-3, established from ascites of a patient with histologically pure MACO. The most active single agent was SN-38 (active substance of CPT-11 in vivo). The second most potent agent was mitomycin-C (MMC) followed by doxorubicin (DOX). In vivo chemo-sensitivity test of agents on OMC-3 transplanted into Balb/c nude mice demonstrated that MMC was most potent, followed by DOX. Moreover, a combination of CPT-11 and MMC exhibited the highest anti-tumor activity in this animal model. Cisplatin was found to be ineffective in both the in vitro and in vivo experimental system. Clinical trial with a combination of MMC and CPT-11 are justified in patients with MACO.

Intravenous administration of irinotecan elevates the blood beta-glucuronidase activity in rats

7-Ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) is the active metabolite of an anticancer drug, irinotecan (CPT-11). Severe late diarrhea is the dose-limiting toxic effect of CPT-11. This diarrhea has been examined regarding biliary excretion and deconjugation of SN-38 glucuronide by the enzyme beta-glucuronidase (beta-GL) in intestinal microflora. Prompted by the enzymological and structural similarity of CPT-11 to organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides, we studied the effect of CPT-11 on blood beta-GL activity in rats. The i.v. injection of CPT-11 in rats significantly elevated their plasma beta-GL activity (with phenolphthalein glucuronide as a substrate) at doses of 10 and 40 mg/kg, with peak activity observed 2-3 h after administration. SN-38 lactone and carboxylate had no effect on the plasma beta-GL level. The enhancement of the activity was also observed in serum using SN-38 glucuronide as a substrate. The serum beta-GL levels showed a close correlation between these substrates. The enhancement of plasma (serum) beta-GL activity is suggested to be a result of the release of beta-GL from liver microsomes. Serum and microsomal carboxylesterase were not significantly affected by CPT-11 administration.

Effects of oral administration of soybean lecithin transphosphatidylated phosphatidylserine on impaired learning of passive avoidance in mice

Soybean lecithin transphosphatidylated phosphatidylserine (SB-tPS) was investigated for its effect on the impaired learning of a passive avoidance task by mice induced by scopolamine or cycloheximide. SB-tPS (240, 360, 480 mg/kg) administered orally significantly prolonged the step-through latency shortened by scopolamine. SB-tPS (240 mg/kg) administered orally also prolonged the step-through latency shortened by cycloheximide. These results suggest that the effect of SB-tPS on the impaired learning behavior may be related not only to the cholinergic system but also the serotonergic system.

Activation of distinct caspase-like proteases by Fas and reaper in Drosophila cells

The cytoplasmic region of Fas, a mammalian death factor receptor, shares a limited homology with reaper, an apoptosis-inducing protein in Drosophila. Expression of either the Fas cytoplasmic region (FasC) or of reaper in Drosophila cells caused cell death. The death process induced by FasC or reaper was inhibited by crmA or p35, suggesting that its death process is mediated by caspase-like proteases. Both Ac-YVAD aldehyde and Ac-DEVD aldehyde, specific inhibitors of caspase 1- and caspase 3-like proteases, respectively, inhibited the FasC-induced death of Drosophila cells. However, the cell death induced by reaper was inhibited by Ac-DEVD aldehyde, but not by Ac-YVAD aldehyde. A caspase 1-like protease activity that preferentially recognizes the YVAD sequence gradually increased in the cytosolic fraction of the FasC-activated cells, whereas the caspase 3-like protease activity recognizing the DEVD sequence was observed in the reaper-activated cells. Partial purification and biochemical characterization of the proteases indicated that there are at least three distinct caspase-like proteases in Drosophila cells, which are differentially activated by FasC and reaper. The conservation of the Fas-death signaling pathway in Drosophila cells, which is distinct from that for reaper, may indicate that cell death in Drosophila is controlled not only by the reaper suicide gene, but also by a Fas-like killer gene.

Effect of oral administration of Lactobacillus casei on alloxan-induced diabetes in mice

The effect of Lactobacillus casei (LC) on the onset of alloxan (AXN)-induced diabetes in 7-week-old BALB/c mice were examined. It was observed that the mice given a diet containing 0.1% or 0.05% LC or orally administered LC showed significantly decreased incidence of diabetes induced by intravenous injection of AXN and that the plasma glucose level was slightly lower than that in the control group. The body weight in the LC-treated groups was higher than that in the control group, although the food intake weights were almost the same. Pathological analysis revealed that the AXN-induced disappearance of insulin-secreting beta-cells in the islets of Langerhans was strongly inhibited in the LC-treated groups. It was also shown that the serum nitric oxide level was maintained at a normal level in LC-treated mice, whereas the level in the control group was increased by AXN administration. Taken together, these findings suggest that oral administration of LC to AXN-treated BALB/c mice contributed to the reduction of diabetes and the increase in plasma glucose level.

Plasma pharmacokinetics of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) after intravenous administration of SN-38 and irinotecan (CPT-11) to rats

We studied the plasma pharmacokinetics of the lactone form and the carboxylate form of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38), the active metabolite of irinotecan (CPT-11), after intravenous bolus administrations of each form of SN-38 and of CPT-11 to rats. After the SN-38 lactone injection, SN-38 lactone was predominant at first, and then the lactone to the carboxylate concentration ratio (LC ratio) was maintained from 30 to 90 min after the injection. The carboxylate was predominant throughout the period after the carboxylate dosing. Model-dependent analyses showed that the SN-38 lactone had greater plasma clearance and a greater distribution volume than the carboxylate. The CPT-11 administration resulted in a predominant plasma SN-38 lactone concentration. The contribution of the SN-38 lactone AUC to the total SN-38 AUC (57%) was independent of the dose of CPT-11. These results suggest that it is possible to estimate the SN-38 lactone concentration and AUC from the total SN-38 concentration without separate determination of the lactone and carboxylate. Our results showed that both SN-38 lactone and CPT-11 administration gave the predominant SN-38 lactone in plasma; however, only CPT-11 could sustain the lactone concentration at a high level, which is necessary for antitumor activity.

Activity of cytotoxic agents against clear cell carcinoma of the ovary which is intrinsically platinum-refractory

The aim of the present study was to evaluate cytotoxic agents active for clear cell carcinoma of the ovary (OCCA) which is intrinsically platinum-resistant. We first conducted in vitro chemosensitivity tests assessing antitumor activities of Various agents against OCCA using two cell lines (HAC-2 and KK) established from ascites of patients with pure OCCA. The most potent single agent was SN-38 (active substance of CPT-11 in vivo) in both cell lines. The second most potent agent was mitomycin-C (MMC) followed by doxorubicin (DOX) in HAC-2 and DOX followed by MMC in KK, respectively. In vivo chemosensitivity test of agents on HAC-2 transplanted into BALB/C nude mice demonstrated that MMC was most potent, followed by DOX and CPT-11. Moreover, a combination of CPT-11 and MMC exhibited the highest anti-tumor activity in this animal model. Cisplatin, etoposide, and paclitaxel were found to be ineffective in either the in vitro or in vivo experimental system. Clinical trial with a combination of MMC and CPT-11 are warranted in patients with OCCA.

Prevention of onset in an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus model, NOD mice, by oral feeding of Lactobacillus casei

The effect of Lactobacillus casei (LC) on the onset of diabetes in an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus model, nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, were examined. From the age of 4 weeks, female NOD mice were fed a diet of either standard laboratory chow (n = 12) or the same chow containing 0.05% weight heat-killed cells of LC (n = 12), and the onset of diabetes was thereafter recorded. The incidence of diabetes in the control group (10/12) was significantly higher than that in the LC-treated group (3/12) (p < 0.01). Pathological analysis in the LC-treated group revealed strong inhibition of the disappearance of insulin-secreting beta cells in Langerhans islets caused by autoimmune disease. The proportion of CD45R+ B-cells in the spleen was increased and that of CD8+ T-cells in spleen cells was decreased in the LC-treated group. Analysis of cytokine production revealed lower interferon-gamma production in the LC-treated group compared to the control group, while the interleukin (IL)-2 production was higher. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10 in the LC-treated group were somewhat higher than in the control group. Taken together, these findings clearly demonstrated that oral feeding of LC to NOD mice effectively inhibited the occurrence of diabetes and regulated the host immune response.

Simultaneous determination of the lactone and carboxylate forms of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38), the active metabolite of irinotecan (CPT-11), in rat plasma by high performance liquid chromatography

We established a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous determination of the lactone and carboxylate forms of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38), the active metabolite of the antitumor drug irinotecan (CPT-11), in rat plasma. Plasma samples were pretreated with chilled MeOH and zinc sulfate to precipitate protein, and were then directly injected into the HPLC system. Chromatography was carried out with a Puresil C18 column (particle size 5 microns), and the mobile phase consisted of 0.1 M ammonium acetate buffer (pH 5.5) and acetonitrile (70/30, v/v) containing 20 mM of tetra-n-pentylammonium bromide. The column effluent was monitored with a spectrofluorometer (excitation wavelength 380 nm, emission wavelength 540 nm). The method was valid for SN-38 lactone (5-2500 ng/ml) and carboxylate (5-1000 ng/ml).

Aceclofenac blocks prostaglandin E2 production following its intracellular conversion into cyclooxygenase inhibitors

Aceclofenac, 2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl) amino] phenylacetoxyacetic acid, is a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. We investigated the effects of aceclofenac on prostaglandin E2 production by several kinds of human cells. Aceclofenac inhibited interleukin-1beta-induced prostaglandin E2 production by human rheumatoid synovial cells, but had no inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenase-1 or cyclooxygenase-2 activities by itself. We also observed that part of the aceclofenac was converted into diclofenac, the cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, when aceclofenac was incubated with human rheumatoid synovial cells. Aceclofenac was also converted into diclofenac and 4'-hydroxy diclofenac by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes. 4'-Hydroxy diclofenac suppressed prostaglandin E2 production specifically by blocking cyclooxygenase-2 activity. These findings suggested that aceclofenac can be metabolized to cyclooxygenase inhibitors (diclofenac and/or 4'-hydroxy diclofenac) by these inflammatory cells. Although detailed examinations in non-inflammatory cells remain to be studied, we concluded that aceclofenac is shown to be a new type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which is intracellulary converted into active metabolites that inhibit the prostaglandin E2 production.

Antidiabetic effects of an oral administration of Lactobacillus casei in a non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) model using KK-Ay mice

The antidiabetic effects of Lactobacillus casei (LC) on a non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) model, KK-Ay mice, were investigated. The oral administration of LC to male 4-week-old KK-Ay mice, or raising the mice on a 0.05% LC-containing diet significantly decreased the plasma glucose at 8 to 10 weeks of age compared with the control group. The body weights of the LC-treated groups were lower than those of the control group, although the food intake was nearly the same in all groups. Phenotypic analysis of spleen cell surface markers revealed that the increase in CD4+ T cells at 12 weeks was significantly inhibited by the oral treatment with LC. Cytokine production, especially that of interferon-gamma and interleukin 2, was also inhibited in the oral LC-treated group. The plasma insulin levels of the LC-treated groups were also lower than those of the control group, and the insulin binding potential of red blood cells in the LC-treated mice was augmented more than that in the control group. Taken together, these findings led us to conclude that the oral administration of LC in the NIDDM model mice, KK-Ay, was involved in the decrease in the plasma glucose level and modified the host immune responses.

Facilitation of passive avoidance response by newly synthesized cationized arginine vasopressin fragment 4-9 in rats

The effects of a newly synthesized cationized arginine vasopressin fragment 4-9 analogue (C-AVP-(4-9)) on learning and memory in rats were studied by the passive avoidance test. C-AVP-(4-9) and its parent peptide, arginine vasopressin fragment 4-9 (AVP-(4-9)), a well known potent neuropeptide, were subcutaneously injected 1.5 hr prior to the retention test. The most effective doses of C-AVP-(4-9) and AVP-(4-9) were 8.6 x 10(-2) and 1.3 nmol/kg, respectively. To evaluate the distribution of C-AVP-(4-9) in the control nervous system (CNS), apparent tissue-plasma concentration rations (Kp.app) of intravenously administered radioiodinated C-AVP-(4-9) (125I-C-AVP-(4-9)) in the CNS in mice were determined. At the apparent steady state of plasma concentration of 125I-C-AVP-(4-9), the Kp.app values of the 125I-C-AVP-(4-9) in the cerebrum, cerebellum and spinal cord were over 12 times higher than that of the vascular space marker which slightly penetrates the BBB. Moreover, the rat cerebral homogenate converted C-AVP-(4-9) into its parent peptide AVP-(4-9). These results suggest that the potent effects of C-AVP-(4-9) on learning and memory may be due to AVP-(4-9) generated as a result of distribution and metabolism of peripherally administered C-AVP-(4-9) in the CNS.

Effects on antitumor activity and cytokine production in the thoracic cavity by intrapleural administration of Lactobacillus casei in tumor-bearing mice

The effects Lactobacillus casei YIT9108 (LC 9018) on antitumor activity and cytokine production in Meth A fibrosarcoma (Meth A)-bearing BALB/c mice were examined. Intrapleural (i.pl.) administration of LC 9018 was effective in prolonging the survival of Meth A-bearing mice, and frequently cured mice of the tumor. However, the results also indicated that the effect of LC 9018 was in part inhibited in mice treated with anti-CD3 or anti-CD8 antibody, but not affected in anti-CD4 antibody-treated mice. In contrast, LC 9018 had little effect on Meth A-bearing SCID or nude mice. These results demonstrated that CD8+ T cells participated in prolonging the survival of Meth A-bearing mice. Moreover, the examination of the production of several cytokines revealed that the production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-6 was, in particular, augmented in the exudated fluid of the thoracic cavity in BALB/c mice injected with LC 9018 i.pl. These results suggested that i.pl. administration of LC 9018 induced those cytokines which had the potential to activate the thoracic macrophages or proliferate the thoracic lymphocytes to the cytotoxic T cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that the prolonging effects on survival by i.pl. administration of LC 9018 depended on CD8+ T cells, and the i.pl. administration of LC 9018 into i.pl. Meth A-bearing mice induced several cytokines which participated in the subsequent immunoresponses.

Structure of a galactan from cell walls of Bifidobacterium catenulatum YIT4016

A structural study was carried out on a galactose-rich polysaccharide fraction isolated from cell walls of Bifidobacterium catenulatum YIT4016 after N-acetylmuramidase digestion. The polysaccharide contained galactose and glucosamine in a molar ratio of 16.9:1.0. Data obtained by 13C NMR spectroscopy showed that the backbone chain of this polysaccharide is composed of galactofuranose residues, while the branches consist of galactopyranosyl residues. Furthermore, the data obtained from NaIO4 oxidation, partial methanolysis and methylation analysis indicated that this polysaccharide consists of a trisaccharide repeating unit having the following structure: [sequence: see text]

Structural studies on a cell wall polysaccharide from Bifidobacterium longum YIT4028

The major fraction of rhamnogalactan was isolated from the cell wall of Bifidobacterium longum YIT4028 by treatment with N-acetylmuramidase. This polysaccharide was composed of rhamnose and galactose in a molar ratio of about 2:3. The 13C NMR spectrum indicated that it contained a pentasaccharides repeating unit. This observation, and the results of Smith degradation, partial acid hydrolysis and methylation analysis led to the conclusion that its structure is [formula: see text]