Nematocidal activity of isoquinoline alkaloids against a species of diplogastridae.

We examined the nematocidal activity of various isoquinoline alkaloids. The method of evaluating nematocidal activity involved the microscopic examination of the state of larvae after the compound was administered to determine the minimum lethal concentration (MLC). In addition, cytotoxic activity (IC50) was examined using HL-60 culture cells.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor-promoting effects of cucurbitane glycosides from the roots of Bryonia dioica.

Seven new triterpene glycosides, bryoniosides A-G (1-7), have been isolated along with two known triterpene glycosides, cabenoside D (8) and bryoamaride (9), from a methanol extract of the roots of Bryoniadioica. The structures of 1-7 were determined on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods. Six compounds, 2, 3, 5, and 7-9, and 11 compounds, 1-9, bryodulcosigenin (10), and bryosigenin (11), respectively, were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammation (1 microg/ear) in mice and on Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation induced by TPA.

Eupha-7,9(11),24-trien-3beta-ol ("antiquol C") and other triterpenes from Euphorbia antiquorum latex and their inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus activation.

The structures of three triterpene alcohols isolated from the latex of Euphorbia antiquorum were established to be eupha-7,9(11),24-trien-3beta-ol (2; antiquol C), 19(10-->9)abeo-8alpha,9beta,10alpha-eupha-5,24-dien-3beta-ol (3; antiquol B), and 24-methyltirucalla-8,24(24(1))-dien-3beta-ol (4; euphorbol) on the basis of spectroscopic methods. Compounds 3 and 4 have previously been assigned the erroneous structures of 10alpha-cucurbita-5,24-dien-3alpha-ol and 24-methyleupha-8,24(24(1))-dien-3beta-ol, respectively. Compounds 2-4 and four other known compounds isolated from the latex, euphol (1), lemmaphylla-7,21-dien-3beta-ol (5), isohelianol (6), and camelliol C (7), showed potent inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation induced by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA).

Drug metabolic activity of cultured hepatocytes can synchronize with bile acid concentration in the medium.

The regulation of drug metabolic activity of cultured hepatocytes can be applied to the evaluation of pharmacokinetics, analysis of drug delivery and the bioartificial liver system. It is very difficult to maintain the drug metabolic activity mediated by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 3A. Recently we found that the CYP3A aminopyrine N-demethylase (AMND) activity of hepatocytes cultured on collagen surface oscillated with culture time.

Validity and reproducibility of histologic diagnosis and grading for adult soft-tissue sarcomas.

Soft-tissue sarcomas in adults show great variations in histologic type and grade. A valid and reproducible prognostication system is needed to select patients with soft-tissue sarcomas who could benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. This study was conducted to assess the validity and reproducibility of diagnosis of the histologic type, MIB-1 grade, and mitosis grade, as well as of the 3 components of these grading systems.

Long-term tensile bond durability of two different 4-META containing resin cements to dentin.

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the tensile bond durability of two different types of 4-META containing resin cements over a period of 3 years.

Methods: Ten bovine dentin specimens were tested for tensile bond strengths with each of the following materials: Super Bond C&B: unfilled methyl methacrylate (MMA)/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin cement, MASA Bond (experimental material): filled dimethacrylate resin cement at 1 day, 6 months, 1 and 3 years. The mean bond strengths were compared statistically by two-way ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD test (P<0.

Evaluation of thermal cycling and mechanical loading on bond strength of a self-etching primer system to dentin.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro durability and fracture modes of the tooth-resin interface following thermal cycling, fatigue load cycling (FLC) and micro-tensile bond strength testing (MTBS).

Methods: Twenty-four human molars were divided into two groups. In group A, coronal dentin was ground flat with #600-grit SiC paper, Clearfil Linerbond.

Assay of nematocidal activity of isoquinoline alkaloids using third-stage larvae of Strongyloides ratti and S. venezuelensis.

We examined the effects of isoquinoline alkaloids in vitro in an effort to identify a treatment for Strongyloides stercoralis larva migrans in humans. Infective third-stage larvae of S. ratti and S.

FK506 enhanced osteoblastic differentiation in mesenchymal cells.

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is a bone-derived growth factor capable of promoting the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into osteogenic lineage pathways. Recently, immunosuppressants were reported to cause a moderate increase in osteoblastic differentiation in a rat osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cell line. If immunosuppressants can induce osteoblastic differentiation, it will be useful for bone tissue transplantation.

Expression of the cell cycle regulator p27(Kip1) in normal squamous epithelium, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Immunohistochemistry and functional aspects of p27(Kip1).

Background: Abnormality of cell cycle regulators and tumor suppressors, such as cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (cdkIs), has been reported in malignant tumors. The current study was undertaken to examine the involvement of a cdkI, p27(Kip1) (p27), in the neoplastic process of the uterine cervical epithelium.

Methods: Immunohistochemical staining of p27 was performed in samples of normal cervical tissue (30 samples), cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CINs; 17 samples), and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; 25 samples).

Circadian profile of Per gene mRNA expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, and pineal body of aged rats.

Aging alters circadian components such as the free-running period, the day-to-night activity ratio and photic entrainment in behavioral rhythms, and 2-deoxyglucose uptakes and neuronal firing in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). A core clock mechanism in the mouse SCN appears to involve a transcriptional feedback loop in which Period (Per) and Cryptochrome (Cry) genes play a role in negative feedback. The circadian rhythm systems include photic entrainment, clock oscillation, and outputs of clock information such as melatonin production.

Growth inhibition and differentiation of pancreatic cancer cell lines by PPAR gamma ligand troglitazone.

Introduction: Ligand activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) results in growth inhibition and differentiation of various cancer cells.

Aims: We determined whether the PPAR gamma ligand, troglitazone, inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells and clarified the underlying mechanisms with a special focus on restriction point control of the late G1 phase of the cell cycle.

Methodology: Nine pancreatic cancer cell lines were used to study a variety of troglitazone effects on cell growth by MTT assay, on cell cycle by flow cytometry, on cell cycle regulating factors of late G1 phase by Western and Northern blotting and CDK2 kinase assay, and on morphology by collagen gel culture and electron-microscopy.

Triterpenoid saponins from Mollugo spergula.

Two novel triterpenoid saponins belonging to a modified hopane group, spergulin A [3-O-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl 4-sulphate)-spergulagenin A] (1) and spergulin B [3-O-[alpha-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl]-spergulatriol] (4) were isolated from the aerial part of Mollugo spergula along with spergulacin (2) and spergulacin A (3). Their structures and relative stereochemistry were determined by a combination of 2D-NMR (COSY, TOCSY, HETCOR, NOESY and HMBC) and HR-FAB-MS analysis coupled with strategic chemical and enzymatic transformations.

Cycloartane triterpenoids from the aerial part of Bryonia dioica.

A novel triterpenoid isolated from the non-saponifiable lipid of the aerial part extract of white bryony (Bryonia dioica) was established to be 3beta-hydroxy-27-norcycloartan-24-one based on spectroscopic methods. Isolation and identification of other known cycloartane triterpenoids and sterols also are described.

Expression of the novel transcription factor OASIS, which belongs to the CREB/ATF family, in mouse embryo with special reference to bone development.

The OASIS gene, which encodes a novel CREB/ATF family member, was isolated from long-term cultured astrocytes that were employed as an in vitro gliosis model. In the present study, we examined the expression pattern of the OASIS gene in the developing mouse embryo by in situ hybridization histochemistry and compared it with the expression of osteogenesis markers. OASIS mRNA expression was most strongly detected in preosteoblasts of the outer bony cortex of the ribs.

Upregulation of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only peptide harakiri in spinal neurons of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.

DNA fragmentation and activation of caspase-1, implicating involvement of apoptosis, have been reported in the spinal cord of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and transgenic mouse models of ALS. Because BH3-only members of the Bcl-2 family have pro-apoptotic activity, we examined the expression of the BH3-only peptide harakiri (Hrk) in the spinal cord of ALS patients. In situ expression of Hrk mRNA and immunoreactivity against the Hrk peptide were verified in the spinal neurons.

Flavonoids from Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora hairy root cultures.

Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora hairy roots were induced from axenic young plants by direct infection with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. The chemical constituents were then investigated after mass culture. The isoflavone, licoagroisoflavone and the coumestan, licoagroside C, were isolated along with seven known flavonoids.

Up-regulation of p27Kip1 by progestins is involved in the growth suppression of the normal and malignant human endometrial glandular cells.

Progestins are known to suppress the growth of normal human endometrial glands and endometrial carcinomas possessing PRs. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of progestin-induced growth inhibition, the expression and functional involvement of p27Kip1 (p27), a cyclin-dependent-kinase inhibitor, was investigated using cultured normal endometrial glandular cells and endometrial carcinoma cell lines (Ishikawa; PR-positive, KLE; PR-negative). Growth of the normal endometrial glandular cells and Ishikawa cells was suppressed by treatment with progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate, respectively, in association with an increase in p27 protein expression.

Bonding amalgam to enamel: shear bond strength and SEM morphology.

Statement Of Problem: Most studies of amalgam bonding have used dentin as the substrate. There is little data on bonding to enamel.

Purpose: This study evaluated the shear bond strength of amalgam to enamel with the use of 3 resin cements, 1 resin-modified glass ionomer lining cement, and 2 dentin bonding agents.

Fargosides A-E, triterpenoid saponins from Holboellia fargesii.

Five new triterpenoid saponins, fargosides A, B, C, D, and E, were isolated from the roots of Holboellia fargesii. The structures of fargosides A-E were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence and found to be 3beta,20alpha-dihydroxy-29-norolean-12-en-28-oic acid 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3beta,20alpha,24-trihydroxy-29-norolean-12-en-28-oic acid 23-O-beta-D-fucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), 3beta,23-dihydroxy-30-norolean-2,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyluronic acid-(1-->3)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (3), 3beta,23-dihydroxy-30-norolean-12,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid 3-O-methyl beta-D-glucopyranosyluronate-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (4), and 3beta,23-dihydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid 3-O-methyl beta-D-glucopyranosyluronate-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (5), respectively.

Nematocidal activities of thiabendazole and ivermectin against the larvae of Strongyloides ratti and S. venezuelensis.

With the aim of developing therapeutic agents for strongyloidosis, the disease caused by infection with Strongyloides stercoralis, we established a novel assay technique using S. ratti and S. venezuelensis as models for S.

Constituents of compositae plants. 2. Triterpene diols, triols, and their 3-o-fatty acid esters from edible chrysanthemum flower extract and their anti-inflammatory effects.

The n-hexane soluble and the nonsaponifiable lipid fractions of the edible flower extract of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) were investigated for triterpene diol and triol constituents. These triterpenes occur as the 3-O-fatty acid esters in the n-hexane soluble fraction from which 26 new and 6 known fatty acid esters were isolated and characterized. From the nonsaponifiable lipid fraction, 24 triterpene diols and triols were isolated, of which 3 were new compounds: (24S)-25-methoxycycloartane-3beta,24-diol (11), (24S)-25-methoxycycloartane-3beta,24,28-triol (22), and 22alpha-methoxyfaradiol (23).

Low asialoglycoprotein receptor expression as markers for highly proliferative potential hepatocytes.

Development of a reliable method to isolate highly proliferative potential hepatocytes will provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of liver regeneration, as well as proving crucial for the development of a biohybrid artificial liver. The aim of this study is to isolate highly proliferative, e.g.

Demonstration of focal p53 expression without genetic alterations in endometriotic lesions.

Their monoclonal origin (as indicated by recent investigations) indicates the neoplastic nature of most endometriotic lesions. p53, a representative tumor suppressor, regulates cell proliferation, and genetic alterations in p53 are involved in carcinogenesis in a wide variety of human cancers. The aim of this study was to examine endometriotic lesions for p53 expression and genetic alterations in p53.

New triterpenoid saponins from Maesa tenera.

Two new triterpenoid saponins, maetenosides A and B were isolated from the aerial parts of Maesa tenera and were respectively defined as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl camelliagenin A 22-O-angelate (1) and 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)][beta-o-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl camelliagenin A 22-O-angelate (2). Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic methods.