Triterpenoids from the leaves of Diospyros kaki (persimmon) and their inhibitory effects on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B

Phytochemical study on a methanol-soluble extract of the leaves of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) resulted in the isolation of two new ursane-type triterpenoids, 3alpha,19alpha-dihydroxyurs-12,20(30)-dien-24,28-dioic acid (1) and 3alpha,19alpha-dihydroxyurs-12-en-24,28-dioic acid (2), together with 12 known ursane- and oleanane-type triterpenoids (3-14). Triterpenoids with a 3beta-hydroxy group were found to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) activity, with IC50 values ranging from 3.1+/-0.2 to 18.8+/-1.3 microM, whereas those with a 3alpha-hydroxy moiety were not active.     

Down syndrome biochemical markers and screening for preeclampsia at first and second trimester: correlation with the week of onset and the severity

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the combined screening performance of first and early second trimester prenatal serum markers for Down syndrome, in screening for the development of preeclampsia, and analyze the correlation among marker levels, week of onset, and severity of the disease. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out on 32 women with preeclampsia and 3044 controls. Serum samples from these pregnancies were assayed for pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), unconjugated estriol (uE3), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and inhibin-A. A likelihood ratio and the odds of being affected given a positive result (OAPR) of various combinations of markers were calculated and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was performed. RESULTS: In the pregnancies that subsequently developed preeclampsia, first trimester PAPP-A concentration was significantly lower and concentrations of early second trimester inhibin-A and hCG significantly elevated. Levels of early second trimester uE3 and AFP were not significantly altered. We also found that inhibin-A correlates with both onset of the disease and the severity. CONCLUSION: Down syndrome biochemical markers levels are altered in those patients who subsequently developed preeclampsia and may be a useful screening test for preeclampsia. Inhibin-A is the most predictive marker and correlates with the severity of subsequent preeclampsia and inversely with the week of occurrence of preeclampsia.     

De novo 7q deletion with a positive maternal serum triple test screening

A 32-year-old woman at 17 weeks of gestation had a high possibility (1:82) of having a child with Down syndrome. Fetal chromosome according to amniocentesis revealed 46,XX,del(7)(q11.23q21.2). The fetus' chromosomal defect was not inherent because the chromosome analysis of the parents did not have any abnormal findings. We were regularly monitoring the pregnant woman by routine prenatal schedule and she had a normal spontaneous delivery. The baby showed a typical facial malformation, epicanthal fold, decreased muscle tone, and cardiac abnormalities. This is the first patient prenatally diagnosed with de novo 7q deletion by positive triple marker screening test. We consider the triple test, which is the most popular examination used to clarify the risk of chromosome abnormality in obstetrics, will be used not only for trisomy 21 and 18, but also for any other chromosome abnormalities.     

Three-vessel view of the fetal heart: in utero development of the great vessels

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study is to provide reference values for the great vessels obtained from images of the three-vessel view of the fetal heart, with an emphasis on the size discrepancy of the great vessels. METHODS: From February 2003 to May 2003, the main pulmonary artery (MPA), ascending aorta (AA), and SVC were measured in well-dated, nonanomalous fetuses scanned at 14-38 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: The size of each great vessel had a significant positive relationship with advance in gestation (P < 0.001); MPA (mm) = -2.76 + 0.34 x GA, ascending aorta (AA) (mm) = -1.73 + 0.26 x GA - 1.18E - 05 x GA(3), and SVC (mm) = 0.33 + 0.01 x GA(2) - 4.12E - 05 x GA(3). The AA/MPA ratio was significantly decreased with advance in gestation, while the SVC/AA ratio was significantly increased; AA/MPA ratio = -1.24 - 0.03 x GA + 3.88E - 04 x GA(2); P < 0.001, SVC/AA ratio = 0.63 - 5.43E - 03 x GA + 1.96E - 04 x GA(2); P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: On the three-vessel view of the fetal heart, the interpretation of the size discrepancy of the great vessels needs to be adjusted according to fetal growth.