The effect of diaminoalkyl-anthraquinone derivatives on the growth of the promastigotes of Leishmania tropica minor,L. T. major,L. donovani and L. aethiopica

By combining knowledge of polyamine biosynthesis and its inhibition by various analogues with that on the activity of synthetic anthraquinones, a series of six anthraquinone derivatives were synthesized. Their ability to inhibit the growth of leishmanial promastigotes in vitro was used as a preliminary screen to check their potential as new antileishmanial chemotherapeutics. They were tested against four strains, representing four different species; Leishmania tropica major, L. tropica minor, L. aethiopica and L. donovani, associated with four separate disease syndromes. All six derivatives exhibited a fair degree of antileishmanial activity, some being more effective than others. They all inactivated cultures at 100 μg/ml and some did so at 10 μg/ml and even 1μg/ml; but taking different lengths of time to achieve this. Antileishmanial activity associated with anthraquinone derivatives might provide a new approach to the chemotherapy of leishmaniasis.     

Potent and selective inhibitors of platelet-derived growth factor receptor phosphorylation. 1. Synthesis,structure-activity relationship,and biological effects of a new class of quinazoline derivatives

A new series of 4-[4-(N-substituted carbamoyl)-1-piperazinyl]-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline derivatives were found to show potent and selective inhibition of platelet-dervied growth factor (PDGF) receptor phosphorylation. In this exploration of the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the prototype inhibitor KN1022, the 4-nitrophenylurea moiety was probed. We found that 4-substitution on the phenyl ring was optimal and the introduction of more than two substituents on the phenyl ring decreased activities. Bulky substituents on the phenyl ring enhanced activities. Thiourea analogues were also prepared, and the SARs were found to be slightly different from those of the urea derivatives. Through this research, we obtained some potent KN1022 derivatives such as 4-(4-methylphenoxy)phenyl (36, IC(50) 0.02 micromol/L), 4-tert-butylphenyl (16, IC(50) 0.03 micromol/L), and 4-phenoxyphenyl (21, IC(50) 0.08 micromol/L) analogues, which had almost a 10-fold increase in activity against KN1022. These potent compounds retained their high selectivity against the PDGF receptor family similar to KN1022. We also observed that these compounds could inhibit the PDGF-BB-induced proliferation of porcine vascular smooth muscle cells without cell toxicity almost at the same IC(50) values observed for PDGF receptor phosphorylation. To evaluate the biological effects in vivo, we selected some analogues on the basis of the measurement of the plasma drug concentration after oral administration to rats. Oral administration of the 4-chlorophenyl (6), 4-bromophenyl (9), or 4-isopropoxyphenyl (20) analogue to Sprague-Dawley rats (30 mg/kg, twice daily) resulted in significant inhibition (24-38%) of neointima formation in the carotid artery of the balloon catheter deendothelialized vessel in the rats. Therefore, 4-[4-(N-substituted carbamoyl)-1-piperazinyl]-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline derivatives, which are potent inhibitors of PDGFR phosphorylation, may be expected to represent a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of various aspects of atherosclerosis and other cellular proliferative disorders.     

EFFECTS OF AMIODARONE AND L8040, NOVEL ANTIANGINAL AND ANTIARRHYTHIC DRUGS, ON CARDIAC AND CORONARY HAEMODYNAMICS AND ON CARDIAC INTRACELLULAR POTENTIALS

1. The effects on the coronary and systemic haemodynamics of intravenous and intracoronary injections of two benzfuran derivatives, amiodarone and its brominated analogue (L8040), were studied in open-chest anaesthetized dogs. The effects of L8040 on cardiac intracellular potentials after 6 weeks of 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal injections in rabbits were also investigated. 2. Both compounds produced dose-related and quantitatively similar decreases in coronary vascular resistance following their intracoronary administration; threshold effects occurred with about 0.25 mg of each drug and maximal effects with 4 mg. Larger intracoronary doses produced measurable systemic effects. 3. Intravenous injections of amiodarone and L8040 (2·5·10 mg/kg) produced dose-related decreases in heart rate and aortic pressure with a fall in total peripheral resistance. The left ventricular output was either unaffected or increased with a consistent augmentation in stroke volume. 4. The bradycardia produced by both drugs was associated with prolongation of the P–R interval of the electrocardiogram with no significant effect on the QRS duration or the Q–T interval. 5. Each drug produced a decrease in the total peripheral vascular resistance with no change in left ventricular end diastolic pressure except after 10 mg/kg doses which led to an increase in this parameter. 6. Cardiac contractile force and peak LV dp/dt were reduced by both drugs in a dose-related manner. 7. Chronic intraperitoneal administration of L8040 in rabbits caused a prolongation of the duration of the atrial and ventricular intracellular potential without an effect on the maximal rate of depolarization. 8. The effects of amiodarone or L8040 on the coronary circulation and arterial pressure may be attributed to their vasodilator properties but their depressant actions on cardiac contractile force and peak LV dp/dt with an increase in left ventricular end diastolic pressure at high doses, also suggest intrinsic negative inotropic propensity for both compounds. 9. It is concluded that the overall effects on coronary and systemic haemodynamics of amiodarone and its brominated analogue are likely to permit a favourable influence on the balance of oxygen supply and demand in myocardial ischaemia; in addition, their actions on sinoatrial and atrio-ventricular conduction as well as those on cardiac repolarization suggest potential antiarrhythmic properties which merit investigation.     

Effect of Acetyl Derivatives of some Sympathomimetic Amines on the Blood Pressure of the Rat

Abstract The effect of five sympathomimetic amines and some of their acetyl derivatives on the blood pressure of the rat was determined on the left carotid artery. After pretreatment with chlorisondamine (1 mg/kg subcutaneously) the blood pressure rise by sympathomimetic amines and their acetyl derivatives was compared with that of adrenaline. If the potency of adrenaline is specified as 100, the potencies of the other drugs are phenylephrine (metaoxedrinum, NFN) 37, tyramine 1.1, O-acetyltyramine 0.52, amphetamine 0.50, O-diacetyl-phenylephrine 0.25, ephedrine 0.23, O-acetylephedrine 0.02, N-acetylphenyl-ephrine 0.01. The effects of N-acetyltyramine, N-acetylephedrine and N-acetyl-amphetamine are even weaker. Reserpine 5.0 or 0.05 mg/kg intraperitoneally 24 hours before the experiment increased the blood pressure rise by the directly acting sympathomimetic amines and their acetyl derivatives, but decreased the effects of the indirectly acting drugs. After treatment with phenoxybenzamine (2 mg/kg intraperitoneally), adrenaline exhibited the greatest blood pressure decrease and the effects of the other drugs in descending order: orciprenaline, O-acetyltyramine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, amphetamine, O-diacetylphenyl-ephrine and O-acetylephedrine. Tyramine did not show any blood pressure decrease. The blood pressure decrease by sympathomimetic amines and by their acetyl derivatives was probably due to β-receptor stimulation because it was prevented by propranolol. The N-acetyl derivatives recembled their parent drugs with regard to the immediate onset and short duration of their effects. The O-acetyl derivatives exhibited slower onset and longer duration of effect than their parent drugs. Physostigmine-pretreatment diminished the rise in blood pressure by O-acetyltyramine, but the effect of tyramine remained unchanged.     

Distribution of methylone in four postmortem cases

Drugs derived from amphetamine, methamphetamine and their methylenedioxy- analogues, although being sold as plant food or bath salts, are being used as legal alternatives to scheduled amphetamine stimulants. These products often contain methylone, mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)--three amphetamine derivatives shown to have strong pharmacological effects. Four postmortem cases were analyzed for methylone, mephedrone and MDPV, with drug levels quantitated in multiple biological matrices. All four cases had detectable levels of methylone, with heart blood concentrations of 0.740, 0.118, 0.060 and 1.12 mg/L. Analysis of several tissue samples shows that methylone does not sequester in a particular tissue type after death. The average liver-to-blood ratio was 2.68. Two cases also had MDPV present, but insufficient data were collected to formulate a hypothesis on postmortem sequestration or redistribution. Two different extraction methods, as well as analysis of derivatized and underivatized methylone, show that the drug is suitable for analysis in either method. The cases are believed to show one instance of chronic methylone use, with a urine concentration of 38 mg/L.     

Effects of chemically characterized fractions from aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea and E. angustifolia on myelopoiesis in rats

Echinacea species are used for beneficial effects on immune function, and various prevalent phytochemicals have immunomodulatory effects. Using a commercial E. purpurea (L.) Moench product, we have evaluated the myelopoietic effect on bone marrow of rats treated with various extracts and correlated this with their chemical class composition. Granulocyte/macrophage-colony forming cells (GM-CFCs) from femurs of female Sprague-Dawley rats were assessed at 24 h after 7 daily oral treatments. A 75% ethanolic extract at 50 mg dried weight (derived from 227 mg aerial parts) per kg body weight increased GM-CFCs by 70% but at 100 mg/kg was without effect. Ethanolic extracts from aerial parts of E. angustifolia DC. var. angustifolia and E. purpurea from the USDA North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station increased GM-CFCs by 3- and 2-fold, respectively, at 200 mg/kg (~1400 mg/kg plant material). Extract from another USDA E. angustifolia was inactive. Proton and APT NMR, MS, and TLC indicated alkylamides and caffeic-acid derivatives (CADs) present in ethanolic extracts of both the commercial and USDA-derived material. Cichoric and caftaric acids were prominent in both E. purpurea ethanolic extracts but absent in E. angustifolia. Aqueous extract of the commercial material exhibited polysaccharide and CAD signatures and was without effect on GM-CFCs. A methanol-CHCl3 fraction of commercial source, also inactive, was almost exclusively 1:4 nonanoic: decanoic acids, which were also abundant in commercial ethanolic extract but absent from USDA material. In conclusion, we have demonstrated an ethanolextractable myelostimulatory activity in Echinacea aerial parts that, when obtained from commercial herbal supplements, may be antagonized by medium-chain fatty acids presumably derived from a non-plant additive.     

芳香族氨基酸对沼泽红假单胞菌合成CoQ10的影响

CoQ10具有呼吸链电子传递者、抗氧化性、调控基因表达等多种生理生化功能.目前不仅用作药物也用作食品添加剂.微生物发酵法是当前生产CoQ10的主要方法.在细菌中,芳香族氨基酸和CoQ10的苯核环都是通过莽草酸途径合成;它们在生物体中各自的合成存在着相互调控作用.本试验通过在培养过程中添加芳香族氨基酸来考察了其对沼泽红假单胞菌J001合成CoQ10的影响.结果表明:当色氨酸添加量≥15 mg/L时对CoQ10的合成具有强列的抑制作用;苯丙氨酸添加量≥50mg/L时对CoQ10的合成具有一定的抑制作用但当添加量≥75mg/L后对CoQ10的合成变为一定的促进作用;酪氨酸添加量为75～175 mg/L时对CoQ10的合成具有一定的促进作用,但当添加量≥200 mg/L后对CoQ10的合成变为一定的抑制作用.当添加苯丙氨酸100 mg/L+酪氨酸150mg/L时,CoQ10含量达最高(25.6±1.3 mg CoQ10/g干细胞),比不添加对照提高52.2%.以上结果说明:该菌株CoQ10的合成受到3种芳香族氨基酸的调控,3-脱氧-D-阿拉伯己酮糖-7-磷酸合成酶是同工酶系统并主要受色氨酸调控,无色氨酸培养基及在培养期间添加适量的苯丙氨酸与酪氨酸对该菌株合成CoQl.有利.     

Microcystin-RR uptake and its effects on the growth of submerged macrophyte Vallisneria natans (lour.) hara

Microcystins are hepatotoxins produced by many species of several cyanobacterial genera. Their toxic effects on animals and some terrestrial higher plants have been well studied, but their potential effects on the development of aquatic plant seedlings are not well known, and their uptake by aquatic plants is seldom reported. In our research the seeds and seedlings of the submerged macrophyte Vallisneria natans were exposed to different concentrations of microcystin-RR, which was purified with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that microcystin-RR could accumulate differentially in the roots and leaves of V. natans seedlings. Toxin accumulation in the roots and leaves was time- and dose-dependent, with higher uptake detected in the roots. Growth and development detection revealed that V. natans was relatively insensitive to microcystin-RR at concentrations ranging from 0.0001 to 0.01 mg/L. However, when the toxin concentration was more than 0.01 mg/L, both the fresh weight and the longest leaf length of seedlings were significantly reduced after a 30-day treatment. The root and leaf numbers were significantly decreased when 10 mg/L of toxin was used. These results suggest that microcystin-RR can be taken up by V. natans, which subsequently will retard its development.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of OA-DHZ; a novel semisynthetic derivative of dehydrozingerone

Despite various advances in the arena of the current system of medicine, there are numerous side effects associated with the therapeutics which essentially demand research on the development of safer therapeutics. One way is to explore the bioactive plant secondary metabolites and their semisynthetic derivatives. In context to this, we analyzed OA-DHZ, a dehydrozingerone derivative as the later has been reported to show anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. OA-DHZ was found to be having promising anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. OA-DHZ was found to inhibit the carrageenan-induced edema and leukocyte migration, acetic acid-induced increase in vascular permeability and lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Meanwhile, it was also found to potentially inhibit thermally as well as chemically induced pain signifying its analgesic/nociceptive potential. Further, safety pharmacology studies using in vivo animal models for the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, the cardio-respiratory system suggest that optimum functioning of vital organ systems does not get altered after single oral administration. Also, the acute toxicity study revealed its nontoxic nature up to 2000 mg/kg. This study paves the way for future exploration and development of OA-DHZ based on its potent activity and nontoxic nature.     

Sulfur dioxide derivatives depress L-type calcium channel in rat cardiomyocytes

1. Sulfur dioxide (SO(2) ) has recently been found to have various biological effects on the cardiovascular system. The present study was designed to explore the effects of SO(2) derivatives on the L-type calcium current (I (Ca, L) ) in isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. 2. A Langendorf system was used to dissociate single ventricular cells. SO(2) derivatives from 5 to 1000 μmol/L were incubated with cardiomyocytes. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record I (Ca, L) . The effect of SO(2) derivatives on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+) ](i) ) was detected by confocal microscopy. 3. Concentrations of 5 or 10 μmol/L SO(2) derivatives could not change I (Ca, L) evoked by a single pulse from -40 to 0 mV for 200 ms in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes; however, 50, 100, 500 or 1000 μmol/L SO(2) derivatives could depress the peak amplitudes of calcium currents in 6 min, and the I (Ca, L) was attenuated by 13.19%, 16.59%, 21.23% and 24.72%, respectively, as compared with corresponding controls (P < 0.05). The 50, 100, 500 or 1000 μmol/L SO(2) derivatives also depressed the peak I-V curves, without altering the reversal potential and the voltage dependence of the peak I (Ca, L) . Therefore, 1000 μmol/L SO(2) derivatives could reduce [Ca(2+) ](i) in cardiomyocytes. 4. The results of the present study suggest that SO(2) derivatives can depress I (Ca, L) in cardiomyocytes, which might have a protective effect in cardiovascular diseases.     

Synthesis and Evaluation of Chalcone Derivatives as Inhibitors of Neutrophils' Chemotaxis,Phagocytosis and Production of Reactive Oxygen Species

Inhibitory effects on neutrophils' chemotaxis, phagocytosis and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are among the important targets in developing anti‐inflammatory agents and immunosuppressants. Eight series of chalcone derivatives including five newly synthesized series were assessed for their inhibitory effects on chemotaxis, phagocytosis and ROS production in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Inhibition of PMNs' chemotaxis and phagocytosis abilities were investigated using the Boyden chamber technique and the Phagotest kit, respectively, while ROS production was evaluated using luminol‐ and lucigenin‐based chemiluminescence assay. The new derivatives ( 4d and 8d ), which contain 4‐methylaminoethanol functional group were active in all the assays performed. It was also observed that some of the compounds were active in inhibiting chemotaxis while others suppressed phagocytosis and ROS production. The information obtained gave new insight into chalcone derivatives with the potential to be developed as immunomodulators.     

The in vitro hydrolysis of some phthalate diesters by hepatic and intestinal preparations from various species.

A study was made of the hydrolysis of dimethyl, diethyl, di-n-butyl, di-n-octyl, di-(2-ethylhexyl), and dicyclohexyl phthalates by both hepatic and intestinal preparations from various species. Hepatic preparations from the rat, baboon, and ferret hydrolyzed each of the phthalate diesters to their corresponding monoester derivatives. Additionally, intestinal preparations from the three animal species and from man also catalyzed the monohydrolysis of phthalate diesters. These results thus show a species similarity in the metabolism of phthalate diesters between man, a rodent, a nonrodent, and a nonhuman primate species. Furthermore, the results suggest that orally ingested phthalate diesters would most probably be absorbed from the gut of the rat, baboon, ferret, and man primarily as the corresponding monoester derivatives. Hence, any toxic effects of orally administered phthalate diesters would be governed by the properties of the constituent phthalate monoesters and/or alcohols.     

Comparative study of wild edible mushrooms as sources of antioxidants

The purpose of the study was to explore sixteen of the most popular edible species of wild-growing mushrooms as potential sources of antioxidants. Among the mushrooms tested, the highest total polyphenol contents, exceeding 100 mg/100 g fresh mass, were found in five mushrooms: Boletus chrysenteron, B. edulis, Leccinum scabrum, L. aurantiacum, and Macrolepiota procera. Antioxidant activity was measured with the FRAP, TEAC, DPPH scavenging ability and ferrous ions chelating ability assays. Results of the study show that wild mushrooms vary according to their antioxidant properties. The highest FRAP potentials, exceeding 1 mmol/100 g, were found in five species ofBoletales: Boletus edulis, B. chrysenteron, Leccinum scabrum, L. aurantiacum, and Suillus grevillei. TEAC values were from 1.07 to 4.01 mmol/100 g fresh mass. High TEAC values (>2.3 mmol/100 g) were found in Leccinum scabrum, L. aurantiacum, Macrolepiota procera, Boletus chrysenteron, and B. edulis. The DPPH radical scavenging effectiveness of mushroom extracts, expressed as EC50 values, was in range 2.91-13.86 mg/mL. Scavenging ability was the highest for B. edulis and B. chrysenteron. The metal chelating ability of mushroom extracts expressed as ECso values of chelating ability on ferrous ions were from 8.02 mg/mL in Cantharellus cibarius to 12.10 mg/mL in Suillus luteus. Among the mushrooms tested, Boletus chrysenteron and B. edulis were characterized by high scores of polyphenol contents and antioxidant activity in the FRAP, TEAC, and DPPH assays. These results place these culinary species of wild-growing mushrooms among products with considerable antioxidant potential.     

Impact of ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate on tadpoles of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alytes obstetricans</Emphasis>

The presence of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers negatively affect aquatic communities in general, and particularly amphibians in their larval phase, even though sensitivity to pollutants is highly variable among species. The Llobregat Delta (Barcelona, Spain) has experienced a decline of amphibian populations, possibly related to the reduction in water quality due to the high levels of farming activity, but also to habitat loss and alteration. We studied the effects of increasing ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate levels on the survival and growth rate of Alytes obstetricans tadpoles under experimental conditions. We exposed larvae to increasing concentrations of nitrate and ammonium for 14 days and then exposed them to water without pollutants for a further 14 days. Only the higher concentrations of ammonium (>33.75?mg/L) caused larval mortality. The growth rate of larvae was reduced at ≥22.5?mg/L NH₄ ⁺, although individuals recovered and even increased their growth rate once exposure to the pollutant ended. The effect of nitrate on growth rate was detected at ≥80?mg/L concentrations, and the growth rate reduction in tadpoles was even observed during the post-exposure phase. The concentrations of ammonium with adverse effects on larvae are within the range levels found in the study area, while the nitrate concentrations with some adverse effect are close to the upper range limit of current concentrations in the study area. Therefore, only the presence of ammonium in the study area is likely to be considered of concern for the population of this species, even though the presence of nitrate could cause some sublethal effects. These negative effects could have an impact on population dynamics, which in this species is highly sensitive to larval mortality due to its small clutch size and prolonged larval period compared to other anuran amphibians.     

Effects of ammonium nitrate exposure and water acidification on the dwarf newt: the protective effect of oviposition behaviour on embryonic survival

Embryonic mortality in many aquatic animals, including most amphibian species, is usually very high. In addition to mechanical and chemical defences, some species have developed behavioural patterns that can increase egg survival. For example, females of some newt species protect their eggs by wrapping them in leaves of aquatic plants. We have studied the effects of ammonium nitrate (nominal concentration of 90.3 mg N-NO(3)NH(4)/L) and water acidification (pH 4-5) on egg wrapping behaviour of the dwarf newt, Triturus pygmaeus, and on whether this specific behaviour may protect embryos from contamination. Although either ammonium nitrate or low pH did not inhibit oviposition, the mean percentage of eggs that were wrapped by the females was significantly lower at low pH than in controls. In order to assess the potential effects of oviposition behaviour on embryonic survival, we exposed simultaneously wrapped and unwrapped eggs to ammonium nitrate and acid pH during their development. After 25 days of exposure, ammonium nitrate reduced length and developmental stage at eclosion of the exposed individuals, regardless of whether they were wrapped or unwrapped. The fertilizer caused a significantly higher mortality in unwrapped than wrapped eggs. The potential impact of water pollution on amphibians in the field may include not only direct effects on embryonic and larval survival but also alteration of breeding behaviours, which may reduce reproductive success and ultimately affect population's condition.     

Environmentally relevant concentrations of endosulfan impair development, metamorphosis and behaviour in Bufo bufo tadpoles

Endosulfan is a widely used organochlorine pesticide with well-documented neurotoxic effects in both humans and laboratory animals (mammals and fish). Neurotoxicity has been implied also in amphibians after short-term exposure to endosulfan. Little is known about effects of chronic exposure of endosulfan in amphibians. Previously, we examined the short-term toxicity of endosulfan in common toad (Bufo bufo) tadpoles and determined the LC50 value to 0.43 mg/L. In the present study, we investigated the effects of endosulfan on B. bufo tadpoles after chronic exposure to ecologically relevant concentrations. Tadpoles were exposed in a static renewal test, from shortly after hatching (Gosner stage 25) to completed metamorphosis, to 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1mg endosulfan/L (nominal). The exposure period lasted 43-52 days. Mortality, larval growth (mass), development (reached Gosner stage at various times and deformities presence), metamorphosis and behaviour (swimming activity) were monitored regularly over the entire course of larval development. Our results show that 0.05 and 0.1mg endosulfan/L caused impaired behaviour, prolonged time to metamorphosis, increased incidences of mouth and skeletal malformations as well as mortality, and reduced body weight (observed also at 0.01 mg/L) in B. bufo tadpoles. Behavioural effects occurred at exposure day 4, before any other effects occurred, indicating a neurotoxic effect. Endosulfan levels found in groundwater and surface water range from 0.1 to 100 microg/L and after extraordinary runoff events, concentrations exceed 0.5 mg/L in surface water. Our results indicate that endosulfan may negatively affect wild frog populations in agricultural areas.     

Synthesis and in vitro antifungal evaluation of 1,3,5-trisubstituted-2-pyrazoline derivatives

Pyrazolines, the well-known five-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, have received considerable interests in the fields of medicinal and agricultural chemistry because of their broad spectrum of biological activities. To discover more potent antifungal compounds, a series of structurally related 1,3,5-trisubstituted-2-pyrazoline derivatives have been synthesized by introducing furan rings regarded as bioactive substructure into the scaffold of pyrazolines and tested for their activities against six plant pathogenic fungi in vitro. The preliminary bioassays indicated that almost all synthesized compounds had displayed variable growth inhibitory effects on the tested pathogenic fungi. In particular, compounds 4, 7, 9, 12, 18, 19, and 38 displayed excellent antifungal activities against Rhizoctonia solani and their inhibition of growth reached 100% at the concentration of 20 mg/L. Additionally, compounds 9 and 19 bearing two furan rings, respectively, at site 3 and site 5 of the pyrazoline cycle showed the strongest activities against R. solani (the EC(50) were 3.46 mg/L and 3.20 mg/L). The bioactivity results provide good starting templates for further structural optimization of pyrazoline derivatives.     

Research progress on the antioxidant therapy for gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is one of common malignant tumors from a global perspective, and its morbidity ranks the forth and also the second largest cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Many factors can cause gastric cancer, including helicobacter pylori infection, chronic inflammation, genetic factors et al. Among all of these, helicobacter pylori infection can significantly increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in human stomach, which can cause the oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of gastro-intestinal diseases such as mucosal damage, gastro-intestinal ulcers and cancer. Modern therapeutic treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy have undesired side effects, so the antioxidant therapy gains more and more attentions. Antioxidant therapy system comprises of various antioxidants (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and carnosine) and Chinese herbal medicine, which is mainly focused on the chemoprevention. Natural products and their derivatives, such as tea polyphenol, resveratrol and vitamins, have some potential benefits on their chemoprevention. Besides, much work has been done to understand the role of dietary factors playing in the prevention of gastrointestinal cancers. In this review based on some valuable studies, we aim to make some brief summaries about risk factors, pathogenic mechanism of oxidative stress and antioxidants therapy in gastric cancer.     

Preparation and characterization of pH-responsive polymeric micelles for the delivery of photosensitizing anticancer drugs

pH-responsive polymeric micelles (PM) consisting of random copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA), methacrylic acid (MAA), and octadecyl acrylate (ODA) were prepared and characterized. The critical aggregation concentration, as determined by a fluorescence probe technique, was approximately 10 mg/L in water and phosphate-buffered saline. Phase transition pH was estimated at 5.7. The decrease in pH was accompanied by the destruction of hydrophobic clusters. Micelle size was dependent on temperature and the nature of the aqueous medium. The micelles were successfully loaded with a substantial amount of a photoactive anticancer drug, namely, aluminum chloride phthalocyanine (AlClPc). pH-responsive PM loaded with AlClPc were found to exhibit higher cytotoxicity against EMT-6 mouse mammary cells in vitro than control Cremophor EL formulation. These results show the potential of poly(NIPA-co-MAA-co-ODA) for in vivo administration of water-insoluble, photosensitizing anticancer drugs.