Anticomplement cycloartane triterpene glycosides from Beesia calthaefolia (Maxim.)

Investigation of the n-BuOH extract of the whole plant of Beesia calthaefolia led to the isolation of three new cycloartane triterpenoids (1–3) and two known compounds (4, 5). Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS and optical rotation spectral data. All of the isolates were investigated for their inhibitory effects on the classical pathway of the complement system. Among them, compound 3 showed stronger inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 148.0 μM) than the positive control (rosmarinic acid, IC₅₀ 181.8 μM), while other compounds (1, 2, 4 and 5) showed moderate activity. The chemical compound studied in this article was rosmarinic acid (PubChem CID: 5281792).     

Effects of land preparation and maize cultivar on efficiency of N-fertilizer applied at different times and by different methods in maize—mungbean association using15N

Summary A field experiment was conducted using¹⁵N-labelled urea on a Reddish Brown Lateritic (Peleustult) soil. Growing two crops on flat land and on soil ridges of 15 cm height produced similar comparative effects from fertilizer on maize. However, fertilizer applied by broadcasting on maize with a 50 cm effective band followed by incorporating was more useful to mungbean than that applied by banding below the cereal seed rows when crops were grown on flat land. The reverse was observed when crops were grown on ridges. It was deduced that the maize cultivar was not likely to affect comparative efficiencies of fertilizer. For fertilizer application at sowing, broadcasting in 50 cm maize effective band followed by incorporating was slightly superior to banding below maize seed rows. Side-dressing of fertilizer to maize at 4 weeks after sowing was superior to application at sowing. Evenly-split application, at sowing and at 4 weeks after sowing, was either only slightly superior or comparable to non-split application by banding below maize seed rows at sowing, depending on placement method of the first application. Soil moisture status as a possible factor rendering discrepancy in the comparative efficiencies obtained by different authors is discussed.     

Induction of apoptosis in murine leukemia by diarylheptanoids from Curcuma comosa Roxb.

Diarylheptanoids, isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma comosa Roxb., have several biological activities including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation. The present study investigated the effect of five diarylheptanoids isolated from C. comosa rhizome on the proliferation of murine P388 leukemic cells. Compound-092, (3S)-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7-phenyl-(6E)-6-hepten-3-ol, bearing a catechol moiety, was the most potent diarylheptanoid (IC₅₀ of 4 μM) in inhibiting P388 leukemic cell viability by causing DNA breakage and inducing apoptosis. Apoptotic cell death was characterized by the presence of chromatin condensation, formation of apoptotic bodies, DNA fragmentation, and externalization of plasma membrane phosphatidylserine. This compound increased caspase-3 activity about fivefold above the untreated control, decreased the intracellular reduced glutathione level, and impaired mitochondrial transmembrane potential. In the presence of Cu(II) ion, the compound exhibited a pro-oxidant activity causing DNA strand breakage and enhancing the anti-proliferative activity. The results provide evidence for the pro-oxidant activity of the diarylheptanoid bearing a catechol moiety in the induction of apoptosis in murine P388 leukemia.     

A Comparison of Bone Mineral Density and Its Predictors in HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Older Men

ObjectiveBone health in older individuals with HIV infection has not been well studied. This study aimed to compare bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS), and bone markers between HIV-infected men and age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched HIV-uninfected men aged ≥60 years. We investigated the associations of risk factors related to fracture with BMD, TBS, and bone markers in HIV-infected men.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 45 HIV-infected men receiving antiretroviral therapy and 42 HIV-uninfected men. Medical history, BMD and TBS measurements, and laboratory tests related to bone health were assessed in all the participants. HIV-related factors known to be associated with bone loss were assessed in the HIV-infected men.ResultsThe mean BMD, TBS, and osteopenia or osteoporosis prevalence were similar among the cases and controls. The HIV-infected men had significantly higher mean N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen levels. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that low BMI (lumbar spine, P = .015; femoral neck, P = .018; and total hip, P = .005), high C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen concentration (total hip, P = .042; and TBS, P = .010), and low vitamin D supplementation (TBS, P = .035) were independently associated with low BMD and TBS.ConclusionIn older HIV-infected men with a low fracture risk, the mean BMD and TBS were similar to those of the age- and BMI-matched controls. The mean bone marker levels were higher in the HIV group. Traditional risk factors for fracture, including low BMI, high C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen level, and low vitamin D supplementation, were significant predictors of low BMD and TBS.     

Significant longevity-extending effects of EGCG on Caenorhabditis elegans under stress

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a main active ingredient of green tea, is believed to be beneficial in association with anticarcinogenesis, antiobesity, and blood pressure reduction. Here we report that EGCG extended Caenorhabditis elegans longevity under stress. Under heat stress (35°C), EGCG improved the mean longevity by 13.1% at 0.1 μg/ml, 8.0% at 1.0 μg/ml, and 11.8% at 10.0 μg/ml. Under oxidative stress, EGCG could improve the mean longevity of C. elegans by 172.9% at 0.1 μg/ml, 177.7% at 1.0 μg/ml, and 88.5% at 10.0 μg/ml. However, EGCG could not extend the life span of C. elegans under normal culture conditions. Further studies demonstrated that the significant longevity-extending effects of EGCG on C. elegans could be attributed to its in vitro and in vivo free radical-scavenging effects and its up-regulating effects on stress-resistance-related proteins, including superoxide dismutase-3 (SOD-3) and heat shock protein-16.2 (HSP-16.2), in transgenic C. elegans with SOD-3∷green fluorescent protein (GFP) and HSP-16.2∷GFP expression. Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that the up-regulation of aging-associated genes such as daf-16, sod-3, and skn-1 could also contribute to the stress resistance attributed to EGCG. As the death rate of a population is closely related to the mortality caused by external stress, it could be concluded that the survival-enhancing effects of EGCG on C. elegans under stress are very important for antiaging research.     

The effects of Bombyx mori silk strain and extraction time on the molecular and biological characteristics of sericin

Sericin was extracted from three strains of Thai Bombyx mori silk cocoons (white shell Chul1/1, greenish shell Chul3/2, and yellow shell Chul4/2) by a high-pressure and high-temperature technique. The characteristics of sericin extracted from different fractions (15, 45, and 60 min extraction process) were compared. No differences in amino acid composition were observed among the three fractions. For all silk strains, sericin extracted from a 15-min process presented the highest molecular weight. The biological potential of the different sericin samples as a bioadditive for 3T3 fibroblast cells was assessed. When comparing sericin extracted from three silk strains, sericin fractions extracted from Chul4/2 improved cell proliferation, while sericin from Chul 1/1 activated Type I collagen production to the highest extent. This study allows the natural variability of sericin obtained from different sources and extraction conditions to be addressed and provides clues for the selection of sericin sources.     

Le dépistage de la syphilis au cours de la grossesse: l’exemple de la Thaïlande

Syphilis serology must be determined in pregnant women during the first prenatal visit. An economic analysis of the serological tests used in Thailand indicates that combined VDRL and TPHA testing is the most cost-effective screening protocol. It represents an optimal alternative for systematic screening in that country.