New Cytotoxic 24-Homoscalarane Sesterterpenoids from the Sponge Ircinia felix

Two new 24-homoscalarane sesterterpenoids, felixins F (1) and G (2), were isolated from the sponge Ircinia felix. The structures of new homoscalaranes 1 and 2 were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, particularly with one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR, and, by comparison, the spectral data with those of known analogues. The cytotoxicity of 1 and 2 against the proliferation of a limited panel of tumor cell lines was evaluated and 1 was found to show cytotoxicity toward the leukemia K562, MOLT-4, and SUP-T1 cells (IC₅₀ ≤ 5.0 μM).     

Krempfielins Q and R,Two New Eunicellin-Based Diterpenoids from the Soft Coral Cladiella krempfi

Two new eunicellin-based diterpenoids, krempfielins Q and R (1 and 2), and one known compound cladieunicellin K (3) have been isolated from a Formosan soft coral Cladiella krempfi. The structures of these two new metabolites were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Anti-inflammatory activity of new metabolites to inhibit the superoxide anion generation and elastase release in N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl phenylalanine/cytochalasin B (FMLP/CB)-induced human neutrophil cells and cytotoxicity of both new compounds toward five cancer cell lines were reported.     

Anticoagulatory and antiinflammatory effects of astaxanthin in diabetic rats

Astaxanthin at 0.01 or 0.05% of the diet was supplied to diabetic rats for 12 wk. Astaxanthin intake significantly increased its deposit in plasma, and retained glutathione content, reduced the production of reactive oxygen species, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in blood and kidney of diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Astaxanthin treatments also significantly decreased plasma levels of C-reactive protein and von Willebrand factor in diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Astaxanthin intake at 0.05% significantly diminished plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and factor VII activities, enhanced antithrombin-III and protein C activities in circulation (P < 0.05). These results support that astaxanthin could attenuate diabetes associated coagulatory, oxidative, and inflammatory stress.     

Cladieunicellins K and L,New Eunicellin-Based Diterpenoids from an Octocoral Cladiella sp

Two new eunicellin-based diterpenoids, cladieunicellins K (1) and L (2), were isolated from an octocoral Cladiella sp. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity towards the MOLT-4 human leukemia.     

Screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with cobalt phthalocyanine for selective sulfur detection in cosmetic products

Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) films were deposited on the surface of a screen-printed carbon electrode using a simple drop coating method. The cyclic voltammogram of the resulting CoPc modified screen-printed electrode (CoPc/SPE) prepared under optimum conditions shows a well-behaved redox couple due to the (Co(I)/Co(II)) system. The CoPc/SPE surface demonstrates excellent electrochemical activity towards the oxidation of sulfur in a 0.01 mol·L(-1) NaOH. A linear calibration curve with the detection limit (D(L), S/N = 3) of 0.325 mg·L(-1) was achieved by CoPc/SPE coupled with flow injection analysis of the sulfur concentration ranging from 4 to 1120 mg·L(-1). The precision of the system response was evaluated (3.60% and 3.52% RSD for 12 repeated injections), in the range of 64 and 480 mg·L(-1) sulfur. The applicability of the method was successfully demonstrated in a real sample analysis of sulfur in anti-acne creams, and good recovery was obtained. The CoPc/SPE displayed several advantages in sulfur determination including easy fabrication, high stability, and low cost.     

Effect of Yam (Dioscorea alata Compared to Dioscorea japonica) on Gastrointestinal Function and Antioxidant Activity in Mice

ABSTRACT:  Effects of Chinese yam ( Dioscorea alata) and Japanese yam ( Dioscorea japonica ) on gastrointestinal functions including intestinal microflora and intestinal enzymes' activities, as well as antioxidant protection against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative damage, in Balb/cA mice were examined. In part I, mice were fed yam-supplemented diet for 4 or 8 wk, and killed with carbon dioxide. In part II, mice were fed yam-supplemented diet for 4 wk, and followed by intraperitoneal LPS treatment (i.p. 4 mg/kg bodyweight). The intake of Chinese yam and Japanese yam significantly changed intestinal microflora, in which the colony numbers of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were increased and the colony numbers of Clostridium perfringens were decreased ( P < 0.05). The intake of both Chinese and Japanese yams also significantly elevated the activity of leucine aminopeptidase and lipase ( P < 0.05), and the activities of sucrase and maltase were increased only in 20% yam-treated groups ( P < 0.05). The preintake of yam significantly alleviated subsequent LPS-induced oxidative injury by decreasing lipid oxidation level and fibronectin production and elevating superoxide dismutase activity ( P < 0.05). Both Chinese and Japanese yams contained dietary fibers, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which may contribute to the observed gastrointestinal function and antioxidant protection. These results suggest that both Chinese yam and Japanese yam were beneficial for intestinal health and oxidation prevention.     

Advanced Glycation End-Products Enhance Lung Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration

Effects of carboxymethyllysine (CML) and pentosidine, two advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), upon invasion and migration in A549 and Calu-6 cells, two non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines were examined. CML or pentosidine at 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 μmol/L were added into cells. Proliferation, invasion and migration were measured. CML or pentosidine at 4–16 μmol/L promoted invasion and migration in both cell lines, and increased the production of reactive oxygen species, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and transforming growth factor-β1. CML or pentosidine at 2–16 μmol/L up-regulated the protein expression of AGE receptor, p47^phox, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and fibronectin in test NSCLC cells. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 protein expression in A549 and Calu-6 cells was increased by CML or pentosidine at 4–16 μmol/L. These two AGEs at 2–16 μmol/L enhanced nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κ B) p65 protein expression and p38 phosphorylation in A549 cells. However, CML or pentosidine at 4–16 μmol/L up-regulated NF-κB p65 and p-p38 protein expression in Calu-6 cells. These findings suggest that CML and pentosidine, by promoting the invasion, migration and production of associated factors, benefit NSCLC metastasis.     

Norcembranoidal Diterpenes from the Cultured-Type Octocoral Sinularia numerosa

A known norcembranoidal diterpene, 5-episinuleptolide (1), along with a new analogue, 4α-hydroxy-5-episinuleptolide (2), were isolated from a cultured-type soft coral Sinularia numerosa. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods and by comparison of the data with those of the related metabolites. Cytotoxicity of metabolites 1 and 2 against a panel of tumor cells is also described. Compound 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity toward CCRF-CEM cells with an IC₅₀ value 4.21 μg/mL. Preliminary SAR (structure activity relationship) information was obtained from these two compounds.     

Immunostimulatory effect of Antrodia camphorata extract on functional maturation of dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are now recognised as the most potent professional antigen presenting cells (APCs) involved in initiating primary immune responses. The medicinal mushroom Antrodia camphorata (AC) is one of the most popular chemopreventive mushrooms in Taiwan. Polysaccharides of mushroom products are among emerging new agents that activate maturation and functions of DCs. The aim of this study is to investigate the immunomodulating activity of A. camphorata extract (ACW) on functional maturation of DCs. Compared with lipopolysaccharides (LPS), ACW effectively promoted the functional maturation of DCs in the expression of phenotypic characteristics and IL-12 production and chemotaxic activity. Moreover, ACW increased the phosphorylation of Akt, p38, and JNK/MAPKs in DCs. Specific inhibitors, SB203580 and LY94002, significantly blocked the ACW-induced up-regulation of costimulatory factor expression, IL-12 production. These findings suggest that ACW is a potent adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy and promotes Th1 immune responses.