Two new guaiane-type sesquiterpenes from Curcuma wenyujin.

Two new guaiane-type sesquiterpenes, wenyujinolides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Curcuma wenyujin, together with 10 known compounds. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods (IR, ESIMS, HRESIMS, ECD, 1D and 2D NMR) and comparison of their NMR data with literatures. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for the inhibition of NO production in LPS induced RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Cytotoxic depsidones and xanthones from Garcinia esculenta Y. H. Li.

Six new compounds, including two depsidones garciculendepsidones A and B (1 and 2), one prenylated xanthone garciculenxanthone (3) and three dimeric xanthones bigarciculenxanthones A-C (4-6), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Garcinia esculenta Y. H. Li. Their structures were elucidated based on comprehensive analyses of spectral data, including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD calculation. All the isolates were tested for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines (myeloid leukemia HL-60, lung cancer A-549 cells, hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721, breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and colon cancer SW480), among them, compounds 3-5 displayed cytotoxic potential, especially garciculenxanthone (3) had the lowest IC50 value of 8.2 µm for lung cancer A-549 cells.

Serratene triterpenoids from Lycopodium cernuum L. as α-glucosidase inhibitors: Identification, structure-activity relationship and molecular docking studies.

Phytochemical investigation of Lycopodium cernuum L. afforded seven undescribed serratene triterpenoids named 3ß, 21ß-dihydroxyserra-14-en-24-oic acid-3ß-(5'-hydroxybenzoate) (1), 3ß, 21ß, 24-trihydroxyserrat-14-en-3ß-(5'-hydroxyl benzoate) (2), 3ß, 14α, 15α, 21ß-tetrahydroxyserratane-24-methyl ester (3), 3ß, 14α, 21ß-trihydroxyserratane-15α-(4'-methoxy-5'-hydroxybenzoate)-24-methyl ester (4), 3ß, 14α, 21ß-trihydroxyserratane-15α-(4'-methoxy-5'-hydroxybenzoate) (5), 3ß-hydroxy-21ß-acetate-16-oxoserrat-14-en-24-oic acid (6), 3ß, 21ß-dihydroxy-16α, 29-epoxyserrat-14-en-24-methyl ester (7), together with eleven known compounds (8-18), whose chemical structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis of HRESIMS, 1D NMR, 2D NMR and comparison between the literature. All compounds were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity for the first time. The results showed that compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 13, 15, and 16 were among the most potent α-glucosidase inhibitors, with IC50 values ranging from 23.22 ± 0.64 to 50.65 ± 0.82 µM. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies indicated that the combined properties of the 5-hydroxybenzoate moiety at C-3, ß-OH at C-21, COOH- at C-24, and Δ14,15 groups enabled an increase in the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect. In addition, molecular docking studies showed that the potential inhibitors mainly interact with key amino acid residues in the active site of α-glucosidase through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces.

Novel abietane diterpenoids from Salvia prionitis.

Two hitherto unknown highly modified abietane diterpenoids, namely salviapritin A (1) and salviapritin B (2), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Salvia prionitis, together with 17 known compounds. Their chemical structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods (ESIMS, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and by comparison of their NMR data with those of related analogues. Salviapritin A is the first example of a trinorabietane diterpenoid possessing an acenaphthylene skeleton from the Salvia genus. Additionally, a plausible biogenetic pathway for salviapritin B is proposed. [Formula: see text].

New Iboga-Type Indole Alkaloids from Tabernaemontana divaricata.

Two hitherto unknown iboga-type indole alkaloids, namely (3R)-7,19-di-epi-3-methoxytabernoxidine (1) and (3R,19R)-19-hydroxy-3-(2-oxopropyl)voacangine (2), together with eight known alkaloids (3-10), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Tabernaemontana divaricata. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation, single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and circular dichroism spectrum.

Aristolane-type Sesquiterpenoids from Nardostachys chinensis and Revised Structure of Aristolanhydride.

Four hitherto unknown aristolane-type sesquiterpenes, including one novel 8,9-secoaristolane, namely secoaristolenedioic acid (1), two aristolone derivatives, namely 1α,2ß-dihydroxyaristolone (2), 9-epidebilon (3), and one rare aristolane-chalcone hybrid, namely 3'-hydroxynardoaristolone A (4) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. In addition, the structure of aristolanhydride, recently isolated from the same species, was corrected by reanalysis of the published NMR data.

Clinical significance of beta-catenin and matrix metalloproteinase-13 in synovial tissue of osteoarthritis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis has been proved by numerous animal experiments and human specimen trials. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) play important roles in pathological process of osteoarthritis, and they may be related with each other. OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression levels of β-catenin and MMP-13 in the synovial tissue of osteoarthritis, and to investigate the relationship between β-catenin and MMP-1 in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. METHODS: Synovial tissues were obtained from the 54 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty or knee arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment surgery and 12 healthy patients suffering from amputation caused by trauma. The samples were divided into non-, mild-, medium-and severe-osteoarthritis groups based on advanced Mankin scores. The expression levels of β-catenin and MMP-13 in the synovial tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and correlation analysis was conducted. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemistry results showed that MMP-13 was negative in the non-osteoarthritis group, positive in 5 (50%) samples in the mild-osteoarthritis group, positive in 11 (65%) samples in the medium-osteoarthritis group and positive in 23 (85%) samples in the severe-osteoarthritis group. β-Catenin was positive in 1 (8%) sample in the non-osteoarthritis group, positive in 7 (70%) samples in the mild-osteoarthritis group, positive in 14 (82%) samples in the medium-osteoarthritis group and positive in 25 (93%) samples in the severe-osteoarthritis group. The expression levels of β-catenin and MMP-13 in the synovial tissues presented a positive correlation (r=0.806, P ＜ 0.001), and the levels increased with joint degeneration becoming severe. These results imply that there is a significant increase in the expression levels of β-catenin and MMP-13 in the synovial tissues of osteoarthritis compared with the non-osteoarthritis group, and β-catenin and MMP-13 exert effects in development of osteoarthritis. Beta-catenin and MMP-13 are closely associated with pathological changes such as cartilage degeneration and synovial inflammation, thus providing new theoretical direction and experimental basis for targeted gene therapy of osteoarthritis.

Derrisisoflavones H-K and One Isoflavan Derivative from Derris robusta.

Four hitherto unknown prenylated isoflavonoids, named derrisisoflavones H-K (1-4) and one new isoflavan, namely 6-hydroxyisosativan (5), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Derris robusta. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic studies. To our knowledge, derrisisoflavones J (3) and K (4) are the first examples of hydroxyethylated isoflavonoid.

Hybridaphniphyllines A and B, Daphniphyllum alkaloid and iridoid hybrids suggestive of Diels-Alder cycloaddition in Daphniphyllum longeracemosum.

Two Daphniphyllum alkaloid and iridoid hybrids with the hitherto unknown decacyclic fused skeletons, hybridaphniphyllines A and B, along with one diamino Daphniphyllum alkaloid, daphnicyclidin I, were isolated from dried stems and leaves of Daphniphyllum longeracemosum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of daphnicyclidin I was deduced by the CD exciton chirality method. A biogenetic pathway for 1 and 2 involving natural Diels-Alder cycloaddition is proposed.

A randomized controlled trial of intensity-modulated radiation therapy plus docetaxel and cisplatin versus simple intensity-modulated radiation therapy in II-III stage esophageal carcinoma / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy and toxicity of intensity- modulated radiation therapy plus chemotherapy (IMRT-TP) with simple intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 170 eligible patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma were recruited prospectively from September 2004 to April 2008 and randomly divided into IMRT-TP group and IMRT group. Two groups were treated with IMRT of 6MV-X. The radiation dose was 60 Gy in 30 fractions in IMRT-TP group and 66 Gy in 30 fractions in IMRT group. The regimen of chemotherapy consisted of docetaxel and cisplatin in IMRT-TP group for 2 cycles.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 170 patients, 160 completed the trial, including 75 patients of IMRT-TP group and 85 of IMRT group. As compared to IMRT group, total recurrence rate [69.3% (52/75) vs. 84.7% (72/85), P=0.020] and local recurrence rate [50.7% (38/75) vs. 67.1% (57/85), P=0.035] decreased in IMRT-TP group, the 5-year overall survival (29.3% vs. 15.3%, P=0.031) and 5-year recurrence free survival (24.0% vs. 10.6%, P=0.015) increased in IMRT-TP group. While severe side effect ratio increased obviously in IMRT-TP group [54.7% (41/75) vs. 4.7% (4/85), P=0.000].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As compare to simple IMRT, IMRT plus docetaxel and cisplatin can decrease the local recurrence rate, prolong the overall survival and regression-free survival, but bring more side effects.</p>

Application of simplified intensity modulated radiation therapy in gastric cancer after operation / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To elucidate the application and the dosimetry characteristic of the simplified intensity modulated radiation therapy (sIMRT) for gastric cancer after operation, and to compare the dose distribution with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and three-dimension conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve patients with gastric cancer after operation were enrolled in this study. 3D-CRT plan, 5-field IMRT plans (20 degree, 80 degree, 180 degree, 280 degree, 340 degree) and 5-field sIMRT plans (20 degree, 80 degree, 180 degree, 280 degree, 340 degree) were performed for each patient. The conformal index (CI), heterogeneity index (HI) of the planning target volume (PTV) and the dose of normal organs were analyzed with the dose volume histogram (DVH). The total MU and treatment time were also compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sIMRT and IMRT plans had comparable CI (sIMRT>IMRT>3D-CRT), and showed better dose conformity but worse homogeneity than 3D-CRT. The percentage of volume receiving 20 Gy, 25 Gy, 30 Gy and 40 Gy by liver were significantly lower in sIMRT than that in 3D-CRT, and comparable to IMRT. All the dose volumes to kidneys with sIMRT were still significantly lower as compared to 3D-CRT, and comparable to IMRT. The sIMRT plan was better than IMRT plan in total MU and treatment time.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>sIMRT has comparable dose distribution in patients with gastric cancer to IMRT, but is significantly better than 3D-CRT. Treatment time of sIMRT is the shortest. So sIMRT technique can be applied more simply.</p>

Spin accumulation assisted by the Aharonov-Bohm-Fano effect of quantum dot structures.

: We investigate the spin accumulations of Aharonov-Bohm interferometers with embedded quantum dots by considering spin bias in the leads. It is found that regardless of the interferometer configurations, the spin accumulations are closely determined by their quantum interference features. This is mainly manifested in the dependence of spin accumulations on the threaded magnetic flux and the nonresonant transmission process. Namely, the Aharonov-Bohm-Fano effect is a necessary condition to achieve the spin accumulation in the quantum dot of the resonant channel. Further analysis showed that in the double-dot interferometer, the spin accumulation can be detailedly manipulated. The spin accumulation properties of such structures offer a new scheme of spin manipulation. When the intradot Coulomb interactions are taken into account, we find that the electron interactions are advantageous to the spin accumulation in the resonant channel.

[Effect of mycophenolate on expression of MCP-1 and fibronectin in human mesangial cells induced by high glucose].

AIM: To investigate the effect of high glucose and mycophenolate (MMF) on the expression of MCP-1 in human mesangial cells (HMCs) and fibronectin (FN). METHODS: The HMCs were divided randomly into five groups: control group (5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (30 mmol/L glucose), mannitol group (5 mmol/L glucose and 25 mmol/L mannitol), high glucose+MMF-10 group (30 mmol/L glucose plus 10 µg/mL mycophenolate) and high glucose+MMF-100 group (30 mmol/L glucose plus 100 µg/mL mycophenolate). We detected the levels of MCP-1 and fibronectin in each group at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. The expression levels of the MCP-1 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR, and the protein expression of MCP-1 and fibronectin was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the levels of the MCP-1 and FN in high glucose group were significantly increased with the expression peak at 48 h (P<0.01). The MMF with different concentration could inhibit the expression of MCP-1 and FN in time- and dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Mycophenolate could inhibit the expressions of MCP-1 and FN in human mesangial cells and it might be expected to delay the development and progression of glomerular sclerosis and interstitial fibrosis.

Chlorantholides A-F, eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones from Chloranthus elatior.

Six eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones, named chlorantholides A-F, were isolated from the ethanol extract of Chloranthus elatior (Chloranthaceae) together with 12 known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, and their absolute configurations were studied by the CD exciton chirality method. The structure of a recently reported eudesmanolide from Chloranthus anhuiensis: 8ß-hydroxy-1-oxoeudesma-3,7(11)-dien-12,8-olide, was also revised as 8ß-hydroxy-2-oxoeudesma-3,7(11)-dien-12,8-olide (chlorantholide D).

Two new xanthones from Swertia angustifolia.

Two new xanthones, angustins A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Swertia angustifolia together with six known compounds (3-8). The structures of these two xanthones were elucidated by extensive analysis of the spectroscopic data. In addition, compounds 3 and 6-8 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Application of fast-track surgery in the management of patients with esophageal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the influence of fast-track surgery in perioperative period on the clinical outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 117 patients with esophageal cancer between January 2011 and June 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Sixty-three cases (study group) were treated with fast-track surgery and 54 cases(control group) were treated according to routine protocol in the perioperative period.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The operative time, time to drainage tube removal, and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the study group than those in the control group(all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the medical cost was lower(P<0.05). The overall postoperative complication rate was 7.9% in the study group and 24.1% in the control group(P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fast-track surgery in the perioperative period for patients with esophageal cancer can promote bowel function recovery and decrease morbidity.</p>

Pterisolic acids A-F, new ent-kaurane diterpenoids from the fern Pteris semipinnata.

Six new ent-15-oxokauran-19-oic acid derivatives, named pterisolic acids A-F (1-6), were isolated from the ethanol extract of the fern Pteris semipinnata (Pteridaceae), and the structures of these new ent-kauranoids were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic studies and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

A new antitumour ansamitocin from Actinosynnema pretiosum.

A new compound of ansamitocin was isolated from the extracts of fermentation medium of mutant strain HGF052 derived from Actinosynnema pretiosum ssp. aurantium ATCC 31565, and identified as N-demethyl-desepoxy-9-methoxy-maytansinol (1) on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods. Bioassay results showed that compound 1 had cytotoxic activity against HL-60 and BEL-7402 cell lines.

PPAR-gamma agonist inhibits Ang II-induced activation of dendritic cells via the MAPK and NF-kappaB pathways.

The renin-angiotensin system exerts a profound regulatory effect on the functional features of dendritic cells (DCs), thus suggesting a new target of angiotensin II (Ang II) action in the immune system. This study analyzed whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) activation in DCs regulated Ang II-induced activation of DCs and exploited the possible molecular mechanisms, especially focused on the signaling pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB). Ang II stimulation of human monocyte-derived DCs resulted in an intermediate state of DC maturation and function via modulating the balance of the negative or positive regulation of the signaling pathways of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB, but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, pretreatment of DCs with the PPAR-gamma agonist pioglitazone reverted these effects of Ang II on DCs via suppression of the MAPK and NF-kappaB signaling pathways at least in part. Collectively, our data support the notion that PPAR-gamma activation in human DCs inhibits the activation of DCs induced by Ang II, with which involves the regulation of MAPK and NF-kappaB signaling pathways. These findings may support the important role of these mediators in the regulation of DC-mediated inflammatory and immunologic processes.

Three dimensional conformal radiotherapy with late course accelerated hyper-fractionation for ad- vanced esophageal carcinoma / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective To evaluate the results and toxic effects in three dimensional radiotherapy (3DCRT)with late course accelerated hyper-fractionation for advanced esophageal carcinoma.Methods From December 2001 to December 2003,115 patients were randomly divided into two groups:in 3DCRT group,55 patients were given late course accelerated hyper-fractionation radiotherapy to a total close of 66 Gy (2.0 Gy per fraction,5 times per week;to a dose of 36 Gy were changed into 1.5 Gy/f,2 f/d).In CF group,60 patients were given late course accelerated hyper-fractionation radiotherapy to a total dose of 66 Gy.Results The 1-, 2-,3-,4-year survival rates in 3DCRT group were 63.6 %, 50.9 %, 38.2 %, 30.9 % compared to 58.3 %, 38.3 %,33.3 %,23.3 % in CF group(X~2=4.44,P=0.031),and local control rates in 1-,2-,3-,and 4- years in 3DCRT group were 72.7 %,58.1%,47.2 % and 36.3 %,compared to 53.3 %,40 %,28.3 %,and 20 %(X~2=5.33,P=0.013)in CF group.However,in the 3DCRT group,the incidence of acute esophagitis was similar to CF group; hematogenous toxic and acute bronchitis were similar between the two groups. Late course lung injury in CF group was higher than that in 3DCRT group.Conclusion 3DCRT is able to improve the local control rate and survival rate,and unable to improve acute and late radiation toxie effects.