New estrogenic compounds isolated from Broussonetia kazinoki.

Two new and two known compounds were identified as estrogenic constituents from Broussonetia kazinoki. Their structures were elucidated as broussonin A (1), tupichinol C (2), kazinol U (3), and (+)-(2R) kazinol I (4). They showed estrogenic activity with ligand-binding activity of estrogen receptor, transcriptional activity of estrogen-responsive element-luciferase reporter genes.

Oxidative stress increases phosphorylation of IkappaB kinase-alpha by enhancing NF-kappaB-inducing kinase after transient focal cerebral ischemia.

The IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex is a central component in the classic activation of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway. It has been reported to function in physiologic responses, including cell death and inflammation. We have shown that IKK is regulated by oxidative status after transient focal cerebral ischemia (tFCI) in mice.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, a component of beehive propolis, is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an active ingredient of beehive propolis with a structure similar to phenolic acid. The estrogenic effects of propolis were previously demonstrated through the activation of an estrogen receptor. To identify the estrogenic properties of propolis, CAPE was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo methods.