Enhanced chemosensitization in multidrug-resistant human breast cancer cells by inhibition of IL-6 and IL-8 production.

Drug resistance remains a major hurdle to successful cancer treatment. Many mechanisms such as overexpression of multidrug-resistance related proteins, increased drug metabolism, decreased apoptosis, and impairment of signal transduction pathway can contribute multidrug resistance (MDR). Recent studies strongly suggest a close link between cytokines and drug resistance.

Degraded limonoids from Melia azedarach.

Two new degraded limonoids, azedararide and 12alpha-acetoxy fraxinellone, were isolated together with two known degraded limonoids, fraxinellone and fraxinellonone, as ichthyotoxic substances from the root bark of Melia azedarach. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical means.