Tissue-Specific Tolerance to High-Temperature and Nutrient-Poor Conditions in a Canopy-Forming Macroalga, Surviving at an Ocean Warming Hotspot.

Most canopy-forming macroalgae have disappeared from temperate reefs in southern Japan, one of the ocean warming hotspots, but Sargassum nipponicum is surviving in this region. As this species' annual shoots emerge from holdfasts during summer, both plant components may be highly tolerant to warm and nutrient-poor conditions in this season. The present study examined the effects of temperature and nutrient conditions on holdfast growth, shoot emergence from holdfasts, and shoot growth in S. nipponicum samples collected in Tanegashima Island, southern Japan. The summer temperature in this region (30 °C) allowed holdfast growth and shoot emergence but inhibited shoot growth. Nutrient-poor conditions had limited effects on the first two parameters but suppressed shoot growth. These results suggested that during warm summers and under nutrient-poor conditions in southern Japan, shoots can emerge from S. nipponicum holdfasts but cannot further grow. Additionally, nutrient loading from a nearby river was higher at the only site dominated by S. nipponicum, than at the other sites where this species was absent on Tanegashima Island. This was observed especially between autumn and winter, implying that such a nutrient-rich environment may contribute to shoot growth in S. nipponicum and to the persistence of its population in the area.

Structure-activity relationship of anti-inflammatory meroterpenoids isolated from Dictyopteris polypodioides in RAW264 cells.

In this study, we explored anti-inflammatory compounds from the brown alga Dictyopteris polypodioides and isolated 7 meroterpenoids. Their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse macrophage cell line, RAW264. Yahazunol (1) exhibited similar nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory activity as zonarol (2), which has previously been shown to be an anti-inflammatory compound. Yahazunol (1), zonarol (2), and isozonarol (3) inhibited not only NO production but also inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-6, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 mRNA expression in RAW264 cells. The structure-activity relationships of the 11 compounds, including their synthetic analogs, revealed the significance of the hydroquinone moiety in the anti-inflammatory activity of these sesquiterpenoids in RAW264 cells. Diacetylated zonarol (9) exhibited an activity comparable to that of zonarol as a result of intracellular deacetylation. These results provide new insights into the anti-inflammatory activity of hydroquinone-containing natural products.

Establishment of "Ring-Size-Divergent" Synthetic Strategy: Divergent Synthesis, Stereochemical Assignments, and Biological Activity Studies of Nerolidol-Type Sesquiterpenoids and Feroniellins.

Biomimetic epoxide-opening cascade cyclizations of polyepoxides enable the efficient and rapid construction of polyether skeletons. In this study, we discovered a method for switching the cyclization mode from tetrahydrofuran to tetrahydropyran (THP) formation in epoxide-opening cascades of polyepoxides. The THP formation proceeded via an epoxonium-ion intermediate by simple heating in neutral water. Next, by expanding the switching reaction, we successfully established a "ring-size-divergent" synthetic strategy that enabled the synthesis of the five-, six-, and seven-membered ether rings from identical diepoxide cyclization precursors under simple acidic or neutral conditions. The "ring-size-divergent" synthetic strategy was applied to the short divergent synthesis of nerolidol-type sesquiterpenoids and feroniellins, resulting in the revision of the proposed stereochemistry of certain natural products and the determination of all of the absolute configurations. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activities of the synthetic samples were evaluated.

Asymmetric Total Syntheses, Stereostructures, and Cytotoxicities of Marine Bromotriterpenoids Aplysiol B (Laurenmariannol) and Saiyacenol A.

There are marine cytotoxic bromotriterpenoids, named the thyrsiferol family that are structurally characterized by some tetrahydropyran (THP) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) rings. The thyrsiferol family belongs to natural products that are often difficult to determine their stereostructures even by the current, highly advanced spectroscopic methods, especially in acyclic systems including stereogenic tetrasubstituted carbon centers. In such cases, it is effective to predict and synthesize the possible stereostructures. Herein, to elucidate ambiguous stereostructures and unassigned absolute configurations of aplysiol B, laurenmariannol, and saiyacenol A, members of the thyrsiferol family, we carried out their asymmetric chemical syntheses featuring 6-exo and 5-exo oxacyclizations of epoxy alcohol precursors and 6-endo bromoetherification of a bishomoallylic alcohol. In this paper, we report total assignments of their stereostructures through their asymmetric chemical syntheses and also their preliminary cytotoxic activities against some tumor cells. These results could not have been achieved without depending on asymmetric total synthesis.

Establishing a "Ring-Size-Divergent" Synthetic Strategy: Synthesis, Structural Revision, and Absolute Configuration of Feroniellins.

Feroniellin analogs isolated from Feroniella lucida possess a furanocoumarin skeleton connected to monoterpenic five- to seven-membered ethereal rings by an ether linkage and exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities. In this contribution, we intended to establish a "ring-size-divergent" synthetic strategy for the monoterpenic five- to seven-membered ethereal rings through the chemical sythesis of feroniellins. The short and comprehensive synthesis of feroniellins was achieved in only two steps from easily available bergamottin based on the "ring-size-divergent" strategy. In addition, these syntheses resulted in revision of the proposed structures for feroniellins A and B and the determination of all the absolute configurations of feroniellins; their preliminary anti-inflammatory activities were investigated as well.

4ß-Hydroxywithanolide E and withanolide E from Physalis peruviana L. inhibit adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells through modulation of mitotic clonal expansion.

Obesity is a risk factor for many diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and is related to the rising morbidity and mortality. Discovery of agents targeting adipogenesis, especially from natural sources, is important for the treatment of obesity. Here, we aimed to identify anti-adipogenic substances in methanol extracts of Physalis peruviana and to investigate their effect, along with underlying mechanisms. Activity-guided fractionation of the extract revealed 4ß-hydroxywithanolide E (HWE) and withanolide E (WE) as the adipogenesis inhibitors. Both compounds suppressed mRNA expression of central adipogenic transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α in the early stage of adipocyte differentiation. The inhibitory action of these two withanolides on adipogenesis was largely limited to this stage. The proliferation of preadipocytes was markedly suppressed by treatment with HWE and WE for 24 and 48 h in the differentiation medium, and cell-cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase was observed. Therefore, our results suggested that withanolides from P. peruviana to be novel anti-adipogenic compounds that modulate mitotic clonal expansion.

Fluorinated Kavalactone Inhibited RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation of RAW264 Cells.

Bone loss and bone-related disease are associated with the deregulation of osteoclast function, and therefore agents that affect osteoclastogenesis have attracted attention. The purpose of the present study was to discover modified kavalactone analogs as potential anti-osteoclastogenic agents. We assessed the effect of 26 analogs on osteoclast differentiation in vitro. The most potent compound, (E)-6-(2-fluorostyryl)-4-methoxy-2H-pyran-2-one (22), suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenic differentiation of RAW264 cells with IC50 values of 4.3 µM. A partial structure-activity relationship study revealed the importance of fluorine and its position within the 5,6-dehydrokawain skeleton. The results of a pit formation assay suggested that compound 22 prevents osteoclastic bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, compound 22 downregulated mRNA expression levels of RANKL-induced nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) and osteoclastogenesis-related genes. These results suggest that (E)-6-(2-fluorostyryl)-4-methoxy-2H-pyran-2-one scaffold could lead to the identification of new anti-resorptive agents.

Tithonia diversifolia-derived orizabin suppresses cell adhesion, differentiation, and oxidized LDL accumulation by Akt signaling suppression via PTEN promotion in THP-1 cells.

As a Japanese folk medicine, Tithonia diversifolia is used for cardiovascular disease prevention and health maintenance. We isolated T. diversifolia-derived orizabin based on the nitric oxide production inhibitory effect. This study aimed to consider orizabin as a novel functional compound with anti-atherosclerotic activity. Orizabin significantly inhibited the adhesion of THP-1 cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and suppressed the mRNA expression of adhesion molecules in HUVECs. In Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulated THP-1 cells, orizabin suppressed macrophage differentiation, CD36 expression (1% at 10 µM), and NFκB transcriptional activity. Furthermore, orizabin suppressed oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) uptake in macrophages and the Akt phosphorylation. On the contrary, we revealed that phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate 3-phosphatase (PTEN) mRNA and protein expression were promoted significantly by orizabin (mRNA, 270-fold at 10 µM). Our study presented the possibility that T. diversifolia-derived orizabin is novel anti-atherosclerotic compound via the suppression of Akt phosphorylation, and T. diversifolia may be effective as a new crop for vascular health maintenance. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this study, the differentiation of monocytes was suppressed without any toxicity, it was obvious in the image, and the oxLDL uptake in monocytes was clearly suppressed by orizabin. Our findings presented that T. diversifolia-derived compound orizabin specifically contributes to the promotion of PTEN expression and suppression of Akt signal in cells, and acts to suppress inflammation by suppression of NFκB transcriptional activity. As a component derived from food, it has a strong function and can be used to maintain the health for blood vessels. It is also a finding that deserves to expand production currently being carried out on a small scale. Furthermore, the promoting effect of PTEN known as a cancer suppressor in orizabin may result in further use for pharmaceuticals research. Orizabin can be safely used as a food-derived compound for maintaining human health.

Critical Switching of Cyclization Modes of Polyepoxides in Acidic Aqueous Media and Neutral Water: Synthesis and Revised Structure of a Nerolidol-Type Sesquiterpenoid.

Biomimetic epoxide-opening cascades of polyepoxides enable the efficient and rapid construction of polyether frameworks. Herein, we show that the epoxide-opening cascade cyclization that affords tetrahydrofuran products in acidic aqueous media produces tetrahydropyran (THP) in neutral water. THP formation proceeded by simply heating polyepoxides in neutral water and followed a different cyclization mode from those observed so far. The novel cascade cyclization in H2 O was applied to the synthesis of a new nerolidol-type sesquiterpenoid, resulting in revision of the proposed structure and determination of the absolute configuration.

Antioxidants from the Brown Alga Dictyopteris undulata.

An investigation of anti-oxidative compounds from the brown alga Dictyopteris undulata has led to the isolation and identification of isozonarol, isozonarone, chromazonarol, zonaroic acid and isozonaroic acid. Their structures were identified by comparison of MS and NMR spectra. Full NMR assignment and absolute configuration of isozonaroic acid are described. Isozonarol showed the most potent 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity among the compounds isolated.

Evaluation of Aculeatin and Toddaculin Isolated from Toddalia asiatica as Anti-inflammatory Agents in LPS-Stimulated RAW264 Macrophages.

Anti-inflammatory activity of aculeatin and toddaculin, which are coumarins with a similar structure isolated from Toddalia asiatica (L.) LAM., was evaluated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264 mouse macrophage cells. Both aculeatin and toddaculin significantly inhibited mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators and nitric oxide production. Furthermore, Toddaculin suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and inhibited LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB). However, aculeatin did not exhibit such effects, suggesting that aculeatin and toddaculin suppress LPS-induced inflammation of RAW264 cells via different mechanisms. The cellular uptake of these compounds was also evaluated. Toddaculin was detected in RAW264 cells after 4 and 24 h. However, aculeatin levels were not observed in RAW264 cells at all incubation intervals. These results indicate that de-epoxidation of a prenyl group can increase hydrophobicity of molecule and is thought to accelerate cellular uptake and/or interactions with the phospholipid bilayers of cell membranes.

Novel Method to Quantify ß-Glucan in Processed Foods: Sodium Hypochlorite Extracting and Enzymatic Digesting (SEED) Assay.

Some ß-glucans have attracted attention due to their functionality as an immunostimulant and have been used in processed foods. However, accurately measuring the ß-glucan content of processed foods using existing methods is difficult. We demonstrate a new method, the Sodium hypochlorite Extracting and Enzymatic Digesting (SEED) assay, in which ß-glucan is extracted using sodium hypochlorite, dimethyl sulfoxide, and 5 mol/L sodium hydroxide and then digested into ß-glucan fragments using Westase which is an enzyme having ß-1,6- and ß-1,3 glucanase activity. The ß-glucan fragments are further digested into glucose using exo-1,3-ß-d-glucanase and ß-glucosidase. We measured ß-glucan comprising ß-1,3-, -1,6-, and -1,(3),4- bonds in various polysaccharide reagents and processed foods using our novel method. The SEED assay was able to quantify ß-glucan with good reproducibility, and the recovery rate was >90% for food containing ß-glucan. Therefore, the SEED assay is capable of accurately measuring the ß-glucan content of processed foods.

Total Syntheses of Lepadiformine Marine Alkaloids with Enantiodivergency, Utilizing Hg(OTf)2 -Catalyzed Cycloisomerization Reaction and their Cytotoxic Activities.

The enantioselective total syntheses of lepadiformine marine alkaloids, azatricyclic natural products isolated from marine tunicates, were completed. These alkaloids have a unique chemical structure characterized by the trans-1-azadecalin (AB ring system) fused with the spirocyclic ring (AC ring system). Here we found that a cycloisomerization reaction from functionalized linear substrates to a 1-azaspiro[4.5]decane framework corresponding to the AC ring in lepadiformines is promoted by a catalytic amount of mercury(II) triflate (Hg(OTf)2 ). The total syntheses of (-)-lepadiformines A and B were achieved in 28 % and 21 % overall yields, respectively, through the novel cycloisomerization reaction. The syntheses of (+)- and (-)-lepadiformine C hydrochloride salts also enabled us to determine the absolute configuration of natural lepadiformine C. It has been found that a phenomenon of enantiodivergence occurs in lepadiformine alkaloids from a single species of marine tunicate, Clavelina moluccensis. The cytotoxic activities of synthesized lepadiformine hydrochloride salts and their synthetic intermediates were evaluated.

Synthesis of novel 5,6-dehydrokawain analogs as osteogenic inducers and their action mechanisms.

An imbalance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts can cause bone loss and bone-related disease. In a previous search for natural products that increase osteogenic activity, we found that 5,6-dehydrokawain (1) from Alpinia zerumbet promotes osteoblastogenesis. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated series of 5,6-dehydrokawain analogs. Our structure-activity relationships revealed that alkylation of para or meta position of aromatic ring of 1 promote osteogenic activity. Among the potential analogs we synthesized, (E)-6-(4-Ethylstyryl)-4-methoxy-2H-pyran-2-one (14) and (E)-6-(4-Butylstyryl)-4-methoxy-2H-pyran-2-one (21) both significantly up-regulated Runx2 and Osterix mRNA expression at 10µM. These osteogenic activities could be mediated by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Compounds 14 and 21 also inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of RAW264 cells. These results indicated that novel 5,6-dehydrokawain analogs not only increase osteogenic activity but also inhibit osteoclast differentiation, and could be potential lead compounds for the development of anti-osteoporosis agents.

5,6-Dehydrokawain from Alpinia zerumbet promotes osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation.

Bone homeostasis is maintained by balancing bone formation and bone resorption, but an imbalance between them is associated with various bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. We found that 5,6-dehydrokawain (DK) and dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK), which were isolated as promising compounds from Alpinia zerumbet rhizomes, promote differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. DK and DDK increased the alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. DK exerts larger effects than DDK. The gene expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osterix, which are essential transcription factors in the early period of osteoblast differentiation, was significantly increased by DK treatment. The mRNA level of distal-less homeobox 5 was also enhanced by DK treatment, and DK activated the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Therefore, DK may have clinical potential for preventing osteoporosis, and could be considered as a potential anabolic therapeutic agent.

Toddaculin, Isolated from of Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam., Inhibited Osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264 Cells and Enhanced Osteoblastogenesis in MC3T3-E1 Cells.

Osteoporosis with bone loss is widely recognized as a major health problem. Bone homeostasis is maintained by balancing bone formation and bone resorption. The imbalance caused by increased bone resorption over bone formation can lead to various bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoclasts are the principal cells responsible for bone resorption and the main targets of anti-resorptive therapies. However, excessive inhibition of osteoclast differentiation may lead to inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. Therefore, it is important to screen for new compounds capable of inhibiting bone resorption and enhancing bone formation. Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. has been utilized traditionally for medicinal purposes such as the treatment of rheumatism. Currently, the extract is considered to be a good source of pharmacological agents for the treatment of bone-related diseases, but the active compounds have yet to be identified. We investigated whether toddaculin, derived from Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam., affects both processes by inhibiting bone resorption and enhancing bone formation. Towards this end, we used pre-osteoclastic RAW 264 cells and pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. We found that toddaculin not only inhibited the differentiation of osteoclasts via activation of the NF-κB, ERK 1/2, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, but it also induced differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts by regulating differentiation factors. Thus, toddaculin might be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.