Involvement of cAMP and beta-adrenoceptors in the relaxing effect elicited by flavonoids on rat uterine smooth muscle

1. The effect of the flavonoids genistein (3-100 microM), kaempferol (3-60 microM) and quercetin (1-100 microM) on KCl (60 mM)-induced tonic contraction in rat smooth muscle was assayed. In the same way, the modification of these effects in the presence of an inhibitor of protein kinase (PKA) (Rp-cAMPS), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (papaverine) and beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agents (propranolol and atenolol) was studied. 2. The flavonoids totally relaxed the KCl-induced tonic contraction (IC50: genistein 20.2 +/- 2.0 microM, n = 11; kaempferol 10.1 +/- 1.6 microM, n = 8; quercetin 13.2 +/- 1.2 microM, n = 8). 3. The incubation with Rp-cAMPS (10 and 100 microM) 30 min prior to KCl shifted the dose-response curve of the flavonoids to the right, increasing their IC50 up to 27.8 +/- 3.8 and 31.9 +/- 7.3 microM, respectively, for genistein; 24.7 +/- 0.2 and 19.6 +/- 4.9 microM, respectively, for kaempferol; 18.8 +/- 2.2 and 18.4 +/- 1.5 microM, respectively, for quercetin. 4. Papaverine (3-100 microM) also relaxed the contraction induced by KCl and this effect was significantly displaced to the right with Rp-cAMPS (10 microM) (IC50 12.1 +/- 2.2 vs. 16.5 +/- 3.1 microM). Papaverine (3 microM) added to the organ bath 15 min before the contractile agent increased the relaxing effect of the flavonoids and significantly decreased their IC50 (genistein 20.2 +/- 2.0 vs. 9.8 +/- 1.4 microM; kaempferol 10.1 +/- 1.6 vs. 6.6 +/- 0.7 microM; quercetin 13.2 +/- 1.2 vs. 7.8 +/- 1.4 microM). 5. The incubation with atenolol (10 microM) did not alter the relaxing effect of the flavonoids. In the same experimental conditions, propranolol (10 microM) did not modify the effect of genistein and kaempferol, but shifted the response curve of quercetin significantly to the right (13.2 +/- 1.2 vs. 17.7 +/- 3.4 microM). 6. The results suggest that genistein, kaempferol and quercetin produced the relaxation of uterine smooth muscle by increasing intracellular cAMP. Beta-adrenoceptors could also be involved in the effect of quercetin.     

Inhibition of rat liver sulfotransferases SULT1A1 and SULT2A1 and glucuronosyltransferase by dietary flavonoids

1. Dietary flavonoids including kaempferol, quercetin, genistein and daidzein were tested for their ability to alter the conjugation of oestradiol (E₂) via rat liver sulfotransferases and glucuronosyltransferase.

2. All four flavonoids inhibited the sulfonation of E₂ via phenol sulfotransferase, SULT1A1 with IC₅₀s ranging from 0.29 to 4.61?µM. Sulfonation of dehydroisoandrosterone (DHEA) via hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase, SULT2A1, was inhibited by higher amounts of the flavonoids (IC₅₀s ranging from 34 to 116?µM).

3. All flavonoids inhibited the formation of E₂-β-glucuronides (at carbon atoms 3 and 17) with IC₅₀s ranging from 43 to 260?µM. Glucuronidation of 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) was inhibited by high amounts of the flavonoids (IC₅₀s ranging from 860 to 1550?µM).

4. Hydrolysis of sulfonated oestrogens via arylsulfatase-c (ARSC) or 4-methylumbelliferone β-glucuronidate (MUG) were not inhibited by the flavonoids.

5. It is concluded that SULT1A1 but not SULT2A1 or glucuronosyltransferase is highly sensitive to inhibition by dietary flavonoids. The potency of the inhibition for SULT1A1 (quercetin > kaempferol > genistein > daidzein) suggests a dependency on the number and position of hydroxyl radicals in the flavonoid molecule.     

Sulphation of resveratrol,a natural compound present in wine,and its inhibition by natural flavonoids

1. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound present in grape and wine, has beneficial effects against cancer and protective effects on the cardiovascular system. Resveratrol is sulphated, and the hepatic and duodenal sulphation might limit the bioavailability of this compound. The aim of this study was to see whether natural flavonoids present in wine, fruits and vegetables inhibit the sulphation of resveratrol in the human liver and duodenum. 2. In the liver, IC₅₀ for the inhibition of resveratrol sulphation was 12 ± 2 pM (quercetin), 1.0 ± 0.04 μM (fisetin), 1.4 ± 0.1 μM (myricetin), 2.2 ± 0.1 μM (kaempferol) and 2.8 ± 0.2 μM (apigenin). Similarly, in the duodenum, IC₅₀ was 15 ± 2 pM (quercetin), 1.3 ± 0.1 μM (apigenin), 1.3 ± 0.5 μM (fisetin), 2.3 ± 0.1 μM (kaempferol) and 2.5 ± 0.3 μM (myricetin). 3. The type of inhibition of quercetin on resveratrol sulphation was studied in three liver samples and was determined to be non-competitive and mixed in nature. K_m (mean ± SD; μM) was 0.23 ± 0.07 (control), 0.40 ± 0.08 (5 pM quercetin) and 0.56 ± 0.09 (10 pM quercetin). V_max (mean ± SD; pmol·min^?1·mg^?1) was 99 ± 11 (control), 73 ± 15 (5 pM quercetin) and 57 ± 10 (10 pM quercetin). K₁ and K_1es estimates (mean ± SD) were 3.7 ± 1.8 pM and 12.1 ± 1.7 pM respectively (p = 0.010). 4. Chrysin was a substrate for the sulphotransferase(s) and an assay was developed for measuring the chrysin sulphation rate in human liver. The enzyme followed Michaelis‐Menten kinetics and K_m and V_max (mean ± SD) measured in four livers were 0.29 ± 0.07 μM and 43.1 ± 1.9 pmol·min^?1·mg^?1 respectively. 5. Catechin was neither an inhibitor of resveratrol sulphation nor a substrate of sulphotransferase. 6. These results are consistent with the view that many, but not all, flavonoids inhibit the hepatic and duodenal sulphation of resveratrol, and such inhibition might improve the bioavailability of this compound.     

Effect of quercetin,genistein and kaempferol on glutathione and glutathione-redox cycle enzymes in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

Context and objective: Many studies have shown that cellular redox potential is largely determined by glutathione (GSH), which accounts for more than 90% of cellular nonprotein thiols. The aim of this study was to delineate the effect of three flavonoids – namely, quercetin, kaempferol and genistein – and exogenous GSH on oxidative damage by the Fenton’s pathway through the GSH and GSH-redox cycle enzymes in 3T3-L1 cells. Materials and methods: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were exposed to each flavonoid and GSH at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25?µM and then GSH levels and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-Rx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. Results: Exogenous GSH did not have significant effect on intracellular GSH although slight decrease was observed at 15–25?µM doses. However, each of the three flavonoids sustained intracellular GSH levels in the cells as compared to the respective controls. Quercetin had the most profound effect, followed by kaempferol and genistein in that order. GSH-Px, GSH-Rx and SOD activities increased for all the doses tested compared to their respective controls. Again, quercetin had the maximum increase in enzyme activities followed by kaempferol and genistein for the enzymes tested. Discussion and conclusion: These findings suggest that the flavonoids play an important role in diminishing oxidation-induced biochemical damages. The enhancement of these enzymes may increase the resistance of the organism against oxidative damage by the Fenton’s pathway.     

Inhibition of MMP-3 activity and invasion of the MDA-MB-231 human invasive breast carcinoma cell line by bioflavonoids

Aim:

Stromelysin 1 (matrix metalloproteinase 3; MMP-3) is an enzyme known to be involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. In this study, flavonoids from vegetables and fruits, such as quercetin, kaempferol, genistein, genistin, and daidzein, were tested for their ability to modulate the secretion and activity of MMP-3 in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. In addition, we investigated the in vitro effects of flavonoids on MDA-MB-231 cell invasion.

Methods:

The toxic concentration range of flavonoids was evaluated using the MTT assay. The ability of MDA-MB-231 cells to invade was evaluated using a modified Boyden chamber system. The activity of MMP-3 was determined by casein zymography. The secretion of MMP-3 was evaluated using Western blotting, casein zymography and confirmed by ELISA.

Results:

Some putative flavonoids, ie, quercetin and kaempferol (flavonols), significantly inhibited the in vitro invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values of 27 and 30 μmol/L, respectively. Quercetin and kaempferol also reduced MMP-3 activity in a dose-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values in the range of 30 μmol/L and 45 μmol/L, respectively. None of the flavonoids had a significant effect on the secretion of MMP-3.

Conclusion:

These data show that the flavonols quercetin and kaempferol have higher anti-invasion potency and higher MMP-3 inhibitory activity than isoflavones genistein, genistin and daidzein. In contrast, neither flavonols nor isoflavones have any effect on MMP-3 secretion.     

Synthesis and Calcium Antagonistic Activity of 8-[N-[2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-β-alanyl]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrothieno[3,2-b][1,4]thiazepine Fumarate

KT-362 is an antiarrhythmic and antihypertensive agent with vasodilating activity. Since it carries a homoveratryl group in the side chain, an obvious relation exists to the verapamil-type calcium antagonists. Replacement of the fused aromatic moiety in KT-362 with thiophene provided 8-[N-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-β-analyl]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrothieno[3,2-b][1,4] thiazepine ( 1 ). Compound 1 shows a negative chronotropic activity in spontaneously beating right atria (IC₅₀ = 23 μM, n = 7), and a negative inotropic effect in papillary muscles (IC₅₀ = 2.7 μM, n = 7) and left atria (IC₅₀ = 4 μM, n = 6) of the guinea-pig heart. The decrease of contractility in papillary muscles could be antagonized by increasing the extracellular calcium concentration. Compound 1 was found to affect high (IC₅₀: 70 ± 5 μM) and low (IC₅₀: 129 ± 34 μM) voltage-activated calcium channel currents as well as voltage-activated sodium channel currents (IC₅₀: 80 ± 13 μM) in chick dorsal root ganglion neurons. In addition, nicotine-induced currents were potently inhibited (IC₅₀: 6 ± 0.7 μM) in bovine chromaffin cells.     

Non-genomic effects of catecholestrogens in the in vitro rat uterine contraction

• 1.1. The effects of catecholestrogens 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OH E₂, 0.6–30 μM), 4-hydroxy-estradiol (4-OH E₂, 1–30 μM) and 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeO E₂, 0.6–30 μM) on rat uterine contraction induced by KCI (60 mM), have been assayed.
• 2.2. All drugs assayed relaxed the tonic-contraction induced by KCI in a concentration-dependent way. The EC₅₀s were: 4.4 ± 0.5, 4.2 ± 0.3 and 8.5 ± 0.7 μM for 2-MeO E₂, 2-OH E₂ and 4-OH E₂, respectively. This relaxing effect was counteracted by CaCl₂ (1–10 mM) but not by the calcium channel agonist Bay k 8644 (1 nM-1 μM).
• 3.3. The effect of 2-MeO E₂ is not modified by propranolol (1 μM), cycloheximide (35 μM), actinomycin D (4 μM), α-difluoromethyl-ornithine (10 μM) or genistein (10 μM). Not did cycloheximide (35 μM) or actinomycin D (4 μM) modify the relaxing effect of 2-OH E₂ and 4-OH E₂. Propranolol (1 μM) significantly increased the effect of 4-OH E₂ but not the effect of 2-OH E₂.
• 4.4. Our results suggest that the relaxing effect of catecholestrogens in the rat uterus is a non-genomic effect and could be related to inhibition of extracellular calcium entry.

     

Influence of the flavonoids apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin on the function of organic anion transporting polypeptides 1A2 and 2B1

OATP1A2 and OATP2B1 are uptake transporters of the human organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) family with a broad substrate spectrum including several endogenous compounds as well as drugs such as the antihistaminic drug fexofenadine and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Both transporters are localized in the apical membrane of human enterocytes. Flavonoids, abundantly occurring in plants, have previously been shown to interact with drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. However, the impact of flavonoids on OATP1A2 and OATP2B1 transport function has not been analyzed in detail. Therefore, HEK293 cell lines stably expressing OATP1A2 and OATP2B1 were used to investigate the influence of the Ginkgo flavonoids apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin on the transport activity of OATP1A2 and OATP2B1. K_i values of all three flavonoids determined from Dixon plot analyses using BSP as substrate indicated a competitive inhibition with quercetin as the most potent inhibitor of OATP1A2 (22.0 μM) and OATP2B1 (8.7 μM) followed by kaempferol (OATP1A2: 25.2 μM, OATP2B1: 15.1 μM) and apigenin (OATP1A2: 32.4 μM OATP2B1: 20.8 μM). Apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin led to a concentration-dependent decrease of the OATP1A2-mediated fexofenadine transport with IC₅₀ values of 4.3 μM, 12.0 μM, and 12.6 μM, respectively. The OATP1A2- and OATP2B1-mediated transport of atorvastatin was also efficiently inhibited by apigenin (IC₅₀ for OATP1A2: 9.3 μM, OATP2B1: 13.9 μM), kaempferol (IC₅₀ for OATP1A2: 37.3 μM, OATP2B1: 20.7 μM) and quercetin (IC₅₀ for OATP1A2: 13.5 μM, OATP2B1: 14.1 μM). These data indicate that modification of OATP1A2 and OATP2B1 transport activity by apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin may be a mechanism for food-drug or drug-drug interactions in humans.     

Steroid glycosides from the starfish Pentaceraster gracilis

Using combined chromatographic separations, two new steroid glycosides namely pentacerosides A (1) and B (2), and four known compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of the starfish Pentaceraster gracilis. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data (¹H and ¹³C NMR, HSQC, HMBC, ¹H-¹H COSY, ROESY, and FT-ICR-MS) and by comparing obtained results to the literature values. Among the isolated compounds, only maculatoside (5) showed significant cytotoxic effect against Hep-G2 (IC₅₀ = 16.75 ± 0.69 μM) and SK-Mel2 (IC₅₀ = 19.44 ± 1.45 μM) cell lines and moderate effect on KB (IC₅₀ = 36.53 ± 0.78 μM), LNCaP (IC₅₀ = 39.75 ± 3.34 μM), and MCF7 (IC₅₀ = 47.34 ± 7.01 μM) cell lines.     

Glucuronidation of resveratrol,a natural product present in grape and wine,in the human liver

1. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound present in grape and wine, has beneficial effects against cancer and protective effects on the cardiovascular system. It has been shown that the compound is sulphated in human liver and the aims of the present investigation were to study resveratrol glucuronidation in human liver microsomes and to determine whether flavonoids inhibit resveratrol glucuronidation. 2. A simple and reproducible radiometric assay for resveratrol glucuronidation was developed. The assay employed uridine-5′-diphosphoglucuronic acid-[¹⁴C] and unlabelled resveratrol. Resveratrol-glucuronide was isolated by TLC. The intra- and interassays variabilities were 1 and 1.5%, respectively. 3. The rate of resveratrol glucuronidation was measured in 10 liver samples. The mean ± SD and median of resveratrol glucuronidation rate were 0.69 ± 0.34 and 0.80 nmol/min/mg, respectively. Resveratrol glucuronosyl transferase followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the K_m and V_max (mean ± SD; n = 5) were 0.15 ± 0.09?mm and 1.3 ± 0.3 nmol/min/mg, respectively. The intrinsic clearance was 11 ± 4 × 10^?3 ml/min.mg. 4. The flavonoid quercetin inhibited resveratrol glucuronidation and its IC₅₀ (mean ± SD; n = 3) was 10 ± 1 μM. Myricetin, catechin, kaempferol, fisetin and apigenin (all at 20 μM) inhibited resveratrol glucuronidation and the percent of control ranged between 46% (catechin) to 72% (apigenin). 5. The present results show that resveratrol is glucuronated in the human liver. Glucuronidation may reduce the bioavailability of this compound however, flavonoids inhibit resveratrol glucuronidation and such an inhibition might improve the bioavailability of resveratrol.     

Phenolic constituents of Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A. Mey. sub sp. undulata (Asteraceae): Antioxidant protective effects and chemosystematic significances

One new naturally isoflavone compound, 5,7,2′,3′,4′ penta hydroxyl isoflavone-4′-O-β-glucopyranoside (1) was isolated from the aqueous methanol extract (AME) of Pulicaria undulata subsp. undulata, together with seven known compounds: kaempferol (2), kaempferol 3-O-β-glucoside (3), quercetin (4), quercetin 3-O-β-glucoside (5), quercetin 3-O-β-galactoside (6), quercetin 3,7-di OCH₃ (7), and caffeic acid (8). Their structures were established through chemical (acid hydrolysis) and spectral analysis (UV, NMR, and ESIM). The AME and some isolated compounds were evaluated as protective agents. Free radical scavenging using a microscaled 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay was used to assess the direct antioxidant properties that were evaluated by the ability to protect murine Hepa1c1c7 liver cells against damage induced by the organic peroxide tert-butyl hydroperoxide. The neutral red uptake assay (NRU) was used to record the activity. Results of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay recorded differential scavenging properties in ascending order: 5,7,2′,3′,4′ penta hydroxyl isoflavone-4′-O-β-glucopyranoside > quercetin > quercetin 3-O-galactoside > caffeic acid > quercetin 3,7-di-OCH₃ > kaempferol with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 3.9 μM, 7.5 μM, 11.4 μM, 12.2 μM, 78.1 μM, and 252.3 μM, respectively. The antioxidative potential reveals the potency of AME, quercetin, and quercetin 3,7-di-OCH₃. The latter compound showed full protection at 100 μM (33 μg/mL) against the induced toxicant effect where the 50% effective concentration was calculated as 33.6 ± 1.7 μM (11.1 μg/mL). In addition to quercetin, which was extensively shown previously as a cytoprotective agent, AME was less potent; it was capable of protecting 75% at 100 μg/mL with 50% effective concentration of 92.3 ± 4 μg/mL. Moreover, the isolated flavonoids were found to be significantly chemosystematic markers.     

Comparison of AMP579 and adenosine in inhibition of cell–cell interaction between human neutrophil and vascular endothelial cell

The purpose of the present study was to compare inhibitory effects between AMP579 (a new adenosine analog) and adenosine (Ado) in attenuating an interaction between human neutrophils (PMNs) and cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). PMN activation was determined by superoxide anion (O₂^–) production and degranulation (myeloperoxidase release). Cell–cell interaction was quantitated by adherence of fluorescent labeled PMNs to HUVECs. AMP579 inhibited O₂^– (nM/5 × 10⁶ PMN) from fMLP‐activated human PMNs (55.3 ± 3.1) in a concentration‐dependent manner ranging from 31.1 ± 2.9 at 10 nM to 11.7 ± 0.9 at 10 ± μM, all P < 0.01 vs. fMLP group. In the same dose range, however, Ado showed significant inhibition only at 1 μM (30.3 ± 4.1) and 10 ± μM (27.5 ± 4.3) vs. the fMLP group. The calculated IC₅₀ value (0.11 ± 0.05 μM) in AMP579 group was significantly less than that in the Ado group (4.1 ± 1.2 μM). Although there was no group difference on PMN myeloperoxidase release (percent inhibition from fMLP) between AMP579 and Ado at concentrations greater than 1 μM (52.9 ± 5.2 vs. 46.4 ± 5.9), AMP579 showed significant attenuation of degranulation compared with Ado at 10 nM (31.7 ± 2.5 vs. 11.6 ± 1.9) and 100 nM (48.2 ± 4.6 vs. 25.6 ± 3.8), respectively, suggesting that AMP579 is more potent in inhibiting PMN activation. AMP579 reduced PMN adherence to TNFα‐stimulated HUVEC (fluorescent units/well) in a concentration‐dependent manner from 472 ± 32 at 10 nM to 214 ± 15 at 10 μM vs. 675 ± 54 in the TNFα group. At 10 nM and 100 nM, adenosine did not attenuate PMN adherence, while it showed significant inhibition at 1 (504 ± 45) and 10 μM (435 ± 50), respectively. The IC₅₀ value (2.8 ± 1 μM) for AMP579 was significantly lower than that (41 ± 8 μM) in the Ado group. The results from the present study suggest that 1) AMP579 directly inhibits adherence‐independent superoxide radical generation and degranulation from activated PMNs and attenuates cell–cell interaction between PMNs and vascular endothelial cells by preventing damage on endothelial cells. 2) AMP579 exerts more potent protective effect compared with adenosine at a lower dose range, indicating its prospect for clinical application. Drug Dev. Res. 49:266–272, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Characterization and structure-activity relationship of natural flavonoids as hERG K+ channel modulators

ObjectivesFlavonoids are present in varying concentrations in plant foods and have been reported to have numerous pharmacological activities, such as anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and vasodilator effects. We found that quercetin, fisetin, and some related flavonoid derivatives could inhibit human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) K⁺ channels.Key findingsIn this study, we tested the effects of a series of flavonoids on the hERG K⁺ channel expressed in HEK293 cells. For the first time, we demonstrate that quercetin and fisetin (Fise) are potent hERG current blockers. The 50% inhibiting concentration (IC₅₀) and maximum efficacy (E_max) of quercetin were 11.8 ± 0.9 μM and 82 ± 2%, while those of fisetin were 38.4 ± 6 μM and 100 ± 6%, respectively. Luteolin (Lute) was a less potent inhibitor of hERG current (48 ± 1% at 100 μM). Galangin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin (100 μM) showed weaker activity on the hERG currents.ConclusionThese results suggest that quercetin, fisetin, and luteolin are potent hERG K⁺ channel inhibitors and reveal the structure-activity relationship of natural flavonoids.     

Metabolism of quercetin and kaempferol by rat hepatocytes and the identification of flavonoid glycosides in human plasma

1. The metabolism of the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol by rat hepatocytes was investigated using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESI MS). Quercetin and kaempferol were extensively metabolized (98.8 ± 0.1% and 81.0 ± 5.1% respectively, n = 4), with four glucuronides of quercetin and two of kaempferol being detected after incubation. 2. The glucuronides of quercetin and kaempferol formed upon incubation with rat hepatocytes were identified as the same ones formed after incubation with the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoform UGT1A9. 3. In addition, plasma samples from human volunteers taken after consumption of capsules of Ginkgo biloba, a plant rich in flavonoid glycosides, were analysed by LC-MS for the presence of flavonoid glucuronides and flavonoid glycosides. Reported is evidence for the presence of flavonoid glycosides in samples of plasma. 4. The results suggest that UGT1A9 is a key UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoform for the metabolism of flavonoids, and that absorption of intact flavonoid glycosides is possible.     

Flavonol glycosides from the aerial parts of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Aceriphyllum rossii</Emphasis> and their antioxidant activities

The methanol extract obtained from the aerial parts ofAceriphyllum rossii (Saxifragaceae) was fractionated into ethyl acetate (EtOAc),n-BuOH and H₂O layers through solvent fractionation. Repeated silica gel column chromatography of EtOAc andn-BuOH layers afforded six flavonol glycosides. They were identified as kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (astragalin,1), quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (isoquercitrin,2), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→6)-β-D-glucopyrano-side (rutin,4), kaempferol 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside] (5) and quercetin 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside] (6) on the basis of several spectral data. The antioxidant activity of the six compounds was investigated using two free radicals such as the ABTS free radical and superoxide anion radical. Compound1 exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the ABTS2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging method. 100 mg/L of compound1 was equivalent to 72.1±1.4 mg/L of vitamin C, and those of compounds3 and5 were equivalent to 62.7±0.5 mg/L and 54.3±1.3 mg/L of vitamin C, respectively. And in the superoxide anion radical scavenging method, compound5 exhibited the highest activity with an IC₅₀ value of 17.6 ± 0.3 μM. In addition, some physical and spectral data of the flavonoids were confirmed.     

Calcium and depolarization-dependent effect of pregnenolone derivatives on uterine smooth muscle

• 1.1. The effects of several gestagens (pregnenolone [1 to 30 μm], 20α-hydroxypregnenolone [1 to 30 μM]), and 20β-hydroxypregnenolone [1 to 30 μm]) on rat uterine contraction induced by KC1 (60 mM) and CaCl₂ (30 μM to 6 mM) have been assayed.
• 2.2. The three drugs relaxed the tonic contraction induced by KCI in a concentration-dependent way. The respective EC₅₀ values were: 27.6±1.58 μM (pregnenolone), 4.1±0.12 μM (20α-hydroxypregnenolone), and 11.2±1.04 μM (20β-hydroxypregnenolone). CaCl₂ (1 to 10 mM) totally counteracted the relaxing effect of pregnenolone but only partially compared to that of 20α- or 20β-hydroxy-pregnenolone.
• 3.3. CaC1₂ (30 μM to 6 mM) produced concentration-dependent contraction of rat uterus in medium lacking calcium plus 30, 60, or 90 mM of KC1. The EC₅₀ values of CaCl₂ were: 0.38±0.072, 0.183±0.015, and 0.183±0.015 μM in a medium with 30, 60, or 90 mM of KCI, respectively.
• 4.4. Pregnenolone (10 μM) did not significantly modify the EC₅₀ of CaC1₂ in a medium with 30, 60, or 90 mM of KCI. However, 20β-hydroxypregnenolone (10 μM) antagonized, in a noncompetitive manner, the concentration-response curve to CaC1₂.
• 5.5. 20α-Hydroxypregnenolone (4 μM) antagonized the concentration-response curve to CaCl₂ in a competitive manner. This antagonism was directly related to the concentration of KCI in the medium.
• 6.6. Our results suggest a different calcium antagonist effect of the three gestagens assayed.

     

Antidiabetic components of Cassia alata leaves: Identification through α-glucosidase inhibition studies

Context: Cassia alata Linn. [syn. Senna alata (L.) Roxb.] (Caesalpiniaceae) is used for treating various disease conditions including diabetes but its mechanism(s) of action and active principles remain to be elucidated.

Objective: The antidiabetic principles were identified using an in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition study.

Materials and methods: The methanol extract of leaves of C. alata, which showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀, 63.75?±?12.81 µg/ml), was fractionated. Active fractions were taken for further analysis by a variety of techniques including HPLC and Combiflash chromatography. The identity of the isolated compounds was established by spectroscopic analysis while their potential antidiabetic activity was assessed by in vitro enzyme inhibition studies.

Results: The α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of the crude extract was far better than the standard clinically used drug, acarbose (IC₅₀, 107.31?±?12.31 µg/ml). A subsequent fractionation of the crude extract was made using solvents of ascending polarity (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water). The ethyl acetate (IC₅₀, 2.95?±?0.47 µg/ml) and n-butanol (IC₅₀, 25.80?±?2.01 µg/ml) fractions which contained predominantly kaempferol (56.7?±?7.7 µM) and kaempferol 3-O-gentiobioside (50.0?±?8.5 µM), respectively, displayed the highest carbohydrate enzyme inhibitory effect.

Discussion: One of the possible antidiabetic mechanisms of action of C. alata is by inhibiting carbohydrate digestion. This is the first report on α-glucosidase activity of kaempferol 3-O-gentiobioside.

Conclusion: Considering the activity profile of the crude extract and isolated bioactive compounds, further in vivo and clinical studies on C. alata extracts and compounds are well merited.     

Inhibition of nitrergic relaxations by the M3‐selective antagonist 4‐DAMP

The inhibitory effect of the selective M₃ musarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, 4‐diphenylacetoxy‐N‐methylpiperidine methobromide (4‐DAMP, 0.1–10 μM) on nicotine (100 μM)‐induced nitrergic relaxation was investigated in comparison to d‐tubocurarine (0.1–10 μM) and hexamethonium (0.1–10 μM) by using phenylephrine (1 μM)‐precontracted rat anococcygeus muscles in vitro. Nicotine produced a 60.1± 2.4% (n = 40) inhibition of phenylephrine precontractions. But this relaxant response was at a significantly lower magnitude of 20.2± 4.6% (n = 18, P < 0.01 vs. control) in the presence of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blocker N^G‐nitro‐L ‐arginine methyl ester (L ‐NAME, 30 μM), and it was 26.5± 5.5% (n = 8, P < 0.01 vs. control) in the presence of the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue (30 μM). However, aminoguanidine (100 μM), a relatively selective blocker of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), had no significant effect. Similarly, other iNOS inhibitors such as dexamethasone (5 mg/kg) or L ‐canavanine (100 mg/kg) did not modify contractile nor relaxant responses when they were given in vivo, concomitantly with Escherichia coli endotoxin (1 mg/kg, ip) 4 h before the isolation of the tissues. 4‐DAMP, hexamethonium, and d‐tubocurarine inhibited nicotine‐induced relaxation in a concentration‐dependent manner with the following order of potency: 4‐DAMP > hexamethonium > d‐tubocurarine with IC₅₀ values being 0.47± 0.04 μM, 0.75± 0.06 μM, and 1.02± 0.05 μM, respectively. Therefore, it was concluded that the selective M₃ muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist 4‐DAMP also possesses potent antagonistic action on nicotinic receptors of peripheral nitrergic neurons that innervate the rat anococcygeus muscle. Drug Dev. Res. 46:148–154, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Effects of dietary flavonoids on the transport of cimetidine via P-glycoprotein and cationic transporters in Caco-2 and LLC-PK1 cell models

1.?The hypotheses tested were to study cimetidine as a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and organic cation transport systems and the modulatory effects of eight flavonoid aglycones and glycosides on these transport systems using Caco-2 and LLC-PK1 cells.

2.?Transport and uptake experiments of (20 µM) ³H-cimetidine were performed with and without co-exposure to quercetin, quercetrin, rutin, naringenin, naringin, genistein, genistin, and xanthohumol. Co-treatment decreased basolateral to apical (B to A) permeability (P_app) of cimetidine from 2.02 to 1.24 (quercetin), 1.06 (naringenin), 1.24 (genistein), and 0.96 (xanthohumol) × 10^?6 cm s^?1 in Caco-2 cells and from 10.76 to 1.65 (quercetin), 2.05 (naringenin), 2.88 (genistein), and 1.95 (xanthohumol) × 10^?6 cm s^?1 in LLC-PK1 cells. Genistin significantly reduced B to A P_app of cimetidine to 1.24 × 10^?6 cm s^?1 in Caco-2 cells. Basolateral intracellular uptake rate of cimetidine was enhanced 145–295% when co-treated with flavonoids. Co-treatment with P-glycoprotein and organic cation transporter inhibitors, verapamil and phenoxybenzamine, resulted in reduced B to A permeability and slower basolateral intracellular uptake rate of cimetidine. Intracellular uptake rate of ¹⁴C-tetraethylammonium (TEA) was reduced in the presence of quercetin, naringenin and genistein in LLC-PK1 cells.

3.?In conclusion, quercetin, naringenin, genistein, and xanthohumol reduced P-gp-mediated transport and increased the basolateral uptake rate of cimetidine. Quercetin, naringenin, genistein, but not xanthohumol, reduced intracellular uptake rate of TEA in LLC-PK1 cells. These results suggest that flavonoids may have potential to alter the disposition profile of cimetidine and possibly other therapeutics that are mediated by P-gp and/or cation transport systems.