Simultaneous quantification of phytohormones in fermentation extracts of Botryodiplodia theobromae by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

Fermentation broth and biomass from three strains of Botryodiplodia theobromae were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method, in order to quantify different phytohormones and to identify amino acid conjugates of jasmonic acid (JA) present in fermentation broths. A liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate was used as sample preparation. The separation was carried out on a C18 reversed-phase HPLC column followed by analysis via ESI-MS/MS.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant capacity of BM-21, a bioactive extract rich in polyphenolic metabolites from the sea Grass Thalassia testudinum.

The aqueous ethanol extract of Thalassia testudinum leaves (BM-21) is now being developed in Cuba as an herbal medicine due to its promising pharmacological properties. Although some interesting biological activities of BM-21 have already been reported, its chemical composition remains mostly unknown. Thus, we now describe the qualitative and quantitative analyzes of BM-21 using standard phytochemical screening techniques, including colorimetric quantification, TLC and HPLC analyses.

Anthratectone and naphthotectone, two quinones from bioactive extracts of Tectona grandis.

Two new quinones, (an isoprenoid quinone, and a dimeric anthraquinone) named naphthotectone and anthratectone, respectively, were isolated from bioactive leaf extracts from Tectona grandis. Their structures were determined by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The bioactivity profile of naphthotectone was assessed using the etiolated wheat coleoptiles bioassay in aqueous solutions at concentrations ranging from 10(-3) to 10(-5)M, as well as the standard target species lettuce, cress, tomato, and onion.

A C-Glycosylflavone from Piper ossanum, a Compound Conformationally Controlled by CH/π and Other Weak Intramolecular Interactions.

The structure of the known 2''-O-α-rhamnosyl-4''-O-methylvitexin (apigenin-8-C-α-rhamnosyl-(1→2)-β-4-O-methylglucopyranoside), isolated from the leaves of Piper ossanum, was revised to acacetin-8-C-neohesperidoside (acacetin-8-C-α-rhamnosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranoside or 2''-O-α-rhamnosyl-4'-O-methylvitexin) (1). The NMR data and theoretical calculations established the preferred conformation of 1, which is controlled by CH/π interactions. This phenomenon explains the unusual chemical shifts of some protons in the molecule, besides other weak intramolecular interactions such as the anomeric effect, the Δ2 effect, and several hydrogen bonds.

Polar alkaloids from the Caribbean marine sponge Niphates digitalis.

A method involving flash chromatography, semi-preparative phenylhexyl RP HPLC-DAD-ELSD combined with analytic polar-RP HPLC-DAD, was applied to separate and purify six highly nitrogenated bases and a bicyclic amidine alkaloid, the major components of the marine sponge Niphates digitalis. Their structures were identified as 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.

Characterization of three saponins from a fraction using 1D DOSY as a solvent signal suppression tool. Agabrittonosides E-F. Furostane saponins from Agave brittoniana Trel. spp. Brachypus.

A careful NMR analysis, especially by 1D TOCSY and 1D ROESY, of a refined saponin fraction allowed us to determine the structure of three saponins from a polar extract of Agave brittoniana Trel. spp. Brachypus leaves.

Isolation and phytotoxicity of terpenes from Tectona grandis.

A study was carried out on the allelopathic potential of four forest species, Tectona grandis, Aleurites fordii, Gliricidia sepium, and Maytenus buxifolia. The most active species, T. grandis, was selected to perform a phytochemical study.

Physico-chemical analysis of metronidazole encapsulation processes in Eudragit copolymers and their blending with amphiphilic block copolymers.

A physico-chemical analysis of metronidazole-Eudragit copolymers L100 and RLPO (a cationic polymeric matrix with an electrophilic character) was carried out in order to explore the drug-polymer interaction and its possible effects on the encapsulation and release profiles. An oil-in-oil encapsulation procedure was designed to obtain more intimate drug-matrix mixtures and to obtain a better insight into the details of the interaction. The encapsulation efficiency obtained in these cases was high (in the range of 85-95%), but the release rates were quite rapid.

[Steroidal saponins from the plant Agave brittoniana with activity against the parasite Trichomona vaginalis].

The genus Agave (Agavaceae), includes more than 300 species; around 16 of them show an homogeneous distribution throughout Cuba. Agave brittoniana (ssp. brachypus), is an endemic subspecies that grows in the central region of the country and its leaves are traditionally used in the treatment of parasitic diseases.

Bioactive apocarotenoids from Tectona grandis.

The bioactive fractions of Tectona grandis have yielded seven apocarotenoids, two of which have been isolated for the first time as natural products (tectoionols A and B). The chemical structures were determined through 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The absolute configuration of tectoionol A was determined using a modified Mosher methodology.

Physical chemistry behavior of enteric polymer in drug release systems.

We report an analysis based on the electrical impedance (EI) spectrum of the samples of enteric random copolymer poly-methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate as a function of pH of media. Important aspects of the charge transport and conformational processes in enteric polymer can be identified by mapping the complex impedance as a function of the frequency, which allows that some parallelism between titration and EI measurements can be obtained. However, the latter technique reveals details of this complex equilibrium that not appear using common titration methods.

Repair of UVB-damaged skin by the antioxidant sulphated flavone glycoside thalassiolin B isolated from the marine plant Thalassia testudinum Banks ex König.

Daily topical application of the aqueous ethanolic extract of the marine sea grass, Thalassia testudinum, on mice skin exposed to UVB radiation resulted in a dose-dependent recovery of the skin macroscopic alterations over a 6-day period. Maximal effect (90%) occurred at a dose of 240 microg/cm(2), with no additional effects at higher doses. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the plant extract resulted in the isolation of thalassiolin B (1).

Acquired angioedema associated with hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency.

Angioedema caused by C1 inhibitor deficiency is a rare disorder that may be either hereditary or acquired, the latter being mainly associated with lymphoproliferative disorders. A 51-year-old woman who had suffered from episodes of acute peripheral edema since she was 12 was diagnosed with hereditary angioedema at the age of 40 and remained stable with stanozolol. Due to a worsening of her symptoms she was reassessed and low levels of C1q and an abnormal lymphocyte count were detected.

Characterization of the fraction components using 1D TOCSY and 1D ROESY experiments. Four new spirostane saponins from Agave brittoniana Trel. spp. Brachypus.

A careful NMR analysis, especially 1D TOCSY and 1D ROESY, of two refined saponin fractions allowed us to determine the structures of four new saponins from a polar extract of the Agave brittoniana Trel. spp. Brachypus leaves.

Characterisation of immune mediator release during the immediate response to segmental mucosal challenge in the jejunum of patients with food allergy.

Background: Food allergy is a common complaint among patients with a broad spectrum of abdominal and extra-abdominal symptoms that must be distinguished from other more common non-immunological food intolerances.

Aims: To investigate whether human intestinal hypersensitivity reactions are associated with detectable release of inflammatory mediators from activated cells, which may serve as a biological marker of true allergic reactions.

Patients/methods: In eight patients with food allergy and seven healthy volunteers, a closed-segment perfusion technique was used to investigate the effects of jejunal food challenge on luminal release of tryptase, histamine, prostaglandin D(2), eosinophil cationic protein, peroxidase activity, and water flux.

Release of mast cell mediators into the jejunum by cold pain stress in humans.

Background & Aims: The central nervous system regulates gut functions via complex interactions between the enteric nervous and immune systems. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mast cell mediators are released into the human jejunal lumen during stress.

Methods: A closed-segment perfusion technique was used to investigate jejunal release of tryptase, histamine, prostaglandin D2, and water flux in response to the cold pressor test in 8 healthy subjects and 9 patients with food allergy.

Blood sample processing effect on eosinophil cationic protein concentration.

Background: Asthma is considered to be an inflammatory disease. The most important cell involved in the inflammation is the eosinophil. These cells and their mediators, such as eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), are potential markers of the inflammation's severity.

[Anaphylaxis caused by royal jelly].

Royal jelly is the food on which are fed and which causes them to develop into queen bees. It is claimed to have rejuvenating virtues for human beings. This report describes a 15-year-old atopic woman who presented, 15 minutes after the intake of royal jelly, local angioedema, generalised urticaria, dysphonia and bronchospasm.

[Anaphylaxis caused by human seminal fluid].

Anaphylaxis to human seminal fluid (HSF) is rare. We present an atopic woman with postcoital cutaneous and respiratory symptoms. Prick by prick to HSF was positive.

[Hereditary angioedema. Control and treatment in 7 cases].

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is due to a deficit of the C1 inhibitor (C1 INH) of a dominant autosomic inheritance. Seven patients are presented from a family with HAE, four of whom with poor prognosis due to the frequency and site of the angioedema. Prophylaxis was obtained with long-term danazol since antifibrinolytic drugs are not efficient in the prevention of outbreaks of angioedema.