Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 are elevated in human preterm laboring uterine myometrium and exacerbate uterine contractility†.

Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP2/9) have previously been shown to be elevated in serum and amniotic fluid from women undergoing preterm birth. We performed experiments to determine the effects of MMP2/9 on uterine contraction and birth timing. Pregnant mice were injected daily with 50 mg/kg of SB-3CT or vehicle control beginning on gestational day 14-18 to determine if MMP2/9 inhibition would affect parturition timing.

Cytotoxic limonoids from Brazilian Melia azedarach.

Three new C-seco limonoids (1-3) and one new tetracyclic limonoid (4) were isolated from a methanol extract of the ripe fruits of Melia azedarach collected in Curitiba, Brazil, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis and comparison of spectral data with those of the previously known compounds. Among the limonoids isolated in the present study, compounds 3 and 4 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against HeLa S3 cancer cells, whereas 1 and 2 showed weak cytotoxicity.