Solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation induces abnormal maturation and defective chemotaxis of dendritic cells.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light induces immunosuppression. Different evidences indicate that this phenomenon is mainly a consequence of the effect of UV light on skin dendritic cells (DC). To investigate the cellular and molecular basis of this type of immunosuppression, we assessed in vitro the effect of solar-simulated UV radiation on the phenotypic and functional characteristics of human monocyte-derived DC and Langerhans-like DC.

AM3 inhibits LPS-induced iNOS expression in mice.

We have analyzed the effect of a patented glycoconjugate of natural origin, AM3 (commercially available under the name Inmunoferon) in the expression of iNOS induced by administration of LPS in mice. We have observed that oral treatment with the drug daily for 6 days reduced the levels of expression of iNOS induced by an intravenous pulse of LPS. This effect was significant in the lungs and kidneys, but it was much more marked in the liver.

AM3 inhibits HBV replication through activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

In this report, we have analyzed the effect of AM3, a glycoconjugate of natural origin with immunomodulatory properties, which is available under the commercial name of Inmunoferon, on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in HBV-transfected cells. We found that AM3 inhibited HBV RNA expression as well as DNA synthesis and viral antigen expression by an indirect mechanism. We found that AM3 lacked intrinsic antiviral properties, and that the antiviral effect of the glycoconjugate was due to stimulation of secretion of molecules with antiviral properties by peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Enantioselective synthesis and biological activity of (3S,4R)- and (3S,4S)-3-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl- 4-butanolides in relation to PGE2.

Compounds 9 and 13 were synthesized, and their structures and stereochemistry were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. In competition binding experiments, specific [(3)H]-PGE(2) binding was significantly displaced by compound 9 and, to a lesser extent, by 13, in a dose-dependent manner. The biological properties of compound 9 were studied on HL-60 cells, and several effects were found related to those of PGE(2).

Photoprotective properties of a hydrophilic extract of the fern Polypodium leucotomos on human skin cells.

The effect of a hydrophilic extract of the fern Polypodium leucotomos (PLE) has been investigated in terms of photoprotection against UV-induced cell damage. PLE efficiently preserved human fibroblast survival and restored their proliferative capability when the cells were exposed to UVA light. This effect was specific and dose-dependent.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of a new compound containing an alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone group.

The biological activity of compound 9 obtained by introducing an alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone group into 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, 1, was studied for possible effects on HL-60 cells, murine splenocytes, and human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC). 9 induced apoptosis in the HL-60 cell line and has a clear capacity to inhibit proliferation induced in murine splenocytes and PBMC by different mitogenic agents with no apparent toxic side effects. 9 was synthesized from 1, and its structure and stereochemistry were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.