Sonneralignan A, a new lignan from the fruit of mangrove .

A new lignan, sonneralignan A (), along with two known lignan compounds, (+)-lariciresinol-9---D-glucopyranoside () and (-)isolariciresinol-9---D-glucopyranoside () were isolated from the n-butanol extract of the mangrove fruit. The structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectral analysis. The evaluation of activity showed that compound exhibited significant anti-aging activity, which extended the mean lifespan of by up to 19.

Safety and efficacy of thalidomide in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia: a randomized clinical trial.

Thalidomide induces γ-globin expression in erythroid progenitor cells, but its efficacy on patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) remains unclear. In this phase 2, multi-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, we aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of thalidomide in TDT patients. A hundred patients of 14 years or older were randomly assigned to receive placebo or thalidomide for 12 weeks, followed by an extension phase of at least 36 weeks.

The Involvement of the Chemokine RANTES in Regulating Luminal Acidification in Rat Epididymis.

Background: A complex interplay between different cell types in the epithelium leads to activation of the luminal acidifying capacity of the epididymis, a process that is crucial for sperm maturation and storage. Basal cells sense the luminal angiotensin II (ANG II) and stimulate proton secretion in clear cells through nitric oxide (NO). Our previous study has shown the chemokine regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) was expressed in the F4/80 positive macrophages of human epididymis.

Detection of Hb A and Hb Constant Spring (HBA2: c.427T>C) by Capillary Electrophoresis in a Patient with Hb H-Hb CS Disease.

Hb A (α2δ2) is one of the key components looked for in hemoglobinopathies screening programs. Therefore, quantitative and accurate method for Hb A value determination is essential for routine screening. Here, we report a case of Hb A and Hb Constant Spring (Hb CS, HBA2: c.

[The function of ERα in male reproductive system].

Estrogen receptors (ERs), including two sub-types ERα and ERβ, belong to the steroid hormone superfamily of nuclear receptors. ERα distributes in the male reproductive system and plays a crucial role in the regulation of male reproduction through estrogen-dependent and -independent ways. In this article, we mainly reviewed the molecular structure, mode of action and location of ERα in the male reproductive system, and explored the mechanism of ERα in regulating the male reproductive system by analyzing different animal models of disrupted ERα.

Different locations of RANTES and its receptors on mouse epididymal spermatozoa.

Our previous study showed that the chemokine regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) originating from the mouse epididymis bound to the midpiece of luminal spermatozoa. The present study was undertaken to investigate the association between RANTES and epididymal spermatozoa and to determine whether the association is mediated by the RANTES receptors CCR1, CCR3 or CCR5. The use of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that RANTES secreted by apical and narrow cells of mouse epididymal ducts was associated with luminal spermatozoa.