A new lignan from Pandanus tectorius.

A new lignan, named (8S, 8'S)-2,2',3,3'-tetramethoxy-4'-hydroxy-epoxylignan-4-O-ß-D-glucoside (1), together with eight known compounds (2-9), was isolated from the leaves of P. tectorius. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral characteristics and comparison with the data of literatures. Besides, the absolute configuration of 1 was established by using ECD calculations. The cytotoxicity of 1 in vitro against three selected tumor cell lines (A549, HeLa and MCF-7) was evaluated by MTT assay. The results showed that compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cell with IC50 value of 19.30 ± 4.46 µM.

Chlomultiols A-L, sesquiterpenoids from Chloranthus multistachys and their anti-inflammatory activities.

Twelve undescribed sesquiterpenoids, named chlomultiols A-L, involving three lindenane sesquiterpenoid dimers, three eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, three guaiane sesquiterpenoids, and three cadinane sesquiterpenoids, along with four known compounds, were obtained from the whole plant of Chloranthus multistachys. Their structures were determined through spectroscopic techniques (HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). In addition, the absolute and relative configurations of the undescribed compounds were established by using single crystal X-ray crystallography, NOESY and CD spectroscopy. The inhibitory effects of chlomultiols A-M on the production of nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide were evaluated. Chlomultiols A-C, and chlomultiols K-L showed moderate anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 values of 3.34 ± 0.73, 15.06 ± 1.08, 13.13 ± 3.99, 6.63 ± 1.11, and 16.16 ± 1.88 µM, respectively.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization enhances expression of Nm23-H1 and TIMP-2 in the tumor tissue of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) on expression of nm23-H1 and TIMP-2 in the tumor tissue and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODOLOGY: Seventy-two patients with resectable HCC were randomized into two equal groups with 36 patients in each: TACE before surgical resection of HCC (Group A) and direct surgical resection of HCC (Group B). All samples were subjected to pathological examination and immunohistochemical staining using nm23-H1 and TIMP-2 antibodies. Expression level and distribution of nm23-H1 and TIMP-2 in tumor and adjacent tissue were assessed. Extrahepatic metastasis and survival time of patients in both groups were evaluated through 36 months follow-up. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumor tissues from patients in Group A had a higher positive expression of nm23-H1 than Group B (chi2=15.52, p<0.01). Group A also showed a higher positive expression of TIMP-2 than Group B (chi2=9.00, p<0.05). Patients in Group A had a longer mean survival time (36 vs. 28 months in Groups A and B, respectively) and higher survival rate (chi2=5.734, p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative TACE enhances the expression of metastasis suppressors nm23-H1 and TIMP-2, and may potentially inhibit metastasis of HCC and increase the survival time of patients with the resectable HCC.

A comparative study of damage to liver function after TACE with use of low-dose versus conventional-dose of anticancer drugs in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To study liver function damage after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with use of low-dose versus conventional-dose anticancer drugs in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODOLOGY: One hundred and twelve patients with unresectable HCC were randomly divided into two groups to receive superselective TACE. Patients in group A (n=52) received low-dose anticancer drugs: mitomycin C (MMC) 2-8 mg, epirubicin (EPI) 5-10 mg and carboplatin (CBP) 100mg were used. Patients in group B (n=60) were given conventional-dose of anticancer drugs (MMC 10 mg, EPI 40 mg, CBP 300 mg). Lipiodol-anticancer drugs emulsion was injected into the feeding arteries of tumors followed by gelatin sponge (GS) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles embolization. Liver function was evaluated with Child-Pugh scores, total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) before TACE, three days, one week (wk) and four wk after procedures. RESULTS: In both groups, TBIL, ALT, and Child-Pugh scores increased (P < 0.001 or P < 0.05) and ALB decreased (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01) three days and one wk after TACE. The different between the parameters obtained four wk after the procedure and baseline parameters was not significant in group A (P > 0.05). In group B, however, significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in all parameters except ALT. CONCLUSIONS: Superselective TACE with use of low-dose anticancer drugs induces transient impairment in liver function, but use of conventional-dose anticancer drugs can cause lasting, more serious worsening of liver function.