Photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: baseline perimetric results and visual outcomes.

Purpose: To investigate whether the baseline mean deviation (MD) of Humphrey perimetry has a predictive value for visual improvement after photodynamic therapy (PDT) for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 40 eyes of 39 PCV patients (28 men, 11 women) who underwent PDT. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 42 months.

Effects of anthocyanidin derivative (HK-008) on relaxation in rat perfused mesenterial bed.

Anthocyanins, which are responsible for a variety of bright colors (including red, blue, and purple) in fruits, vegetables, and flowers, are consumed as dietary polyphenols. Anthocyanin-containing fruits are thought to decrease coronary heart disease and are used in anti-diabetic preparations. Diabetes is associated with a variety of cardiovascular complications that may be mediated by endothelial dysfunction, and so this study was designed mainly to characterize the influence of a synthesized anthocyanidin derivative (HK-008) over acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation in mesenteric arterial beds isolated from rats.

In vitro and antinociceptive profile of HON0001, an orally active NMDA receptor NR2B subunit antagonist.

The analgesic activity and side effect liabilities of a novel NR2B antagonist, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-methyl-1-(2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (HON0001) were investigated. HON0001 inhibited [3H]MK-801 binding to rat brain membranes in a biphasic manner, with IC50 values of 54.68+/-4.

Effects of dual-action genistein derivatives on relaxation in rat aorta.

Protein tyrosine kinases and nitric oxide (NO) play important roles in several cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we examined the actions of two compounds, each has structure of genistein (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and an NO donor, on endothelium-independent relaxation responses in the isolated rat aorta. By rational drug design, genistein was modified to acquire an NO donor, and we synthesized two such compounds (G-II, G-VI).