Elemental concentrations in Nigerians with affective disorders using proton-induced X-ray emission

The concentrations of a number of elements are determined in the plasma and erythrocytes of 21 Nigerians (11 females, 10 males) with symptomatic affective disorders (11 depressives, 10 manics) and in 40 normal controls using proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis. The study shows that there is significant elevation of plasma K and Zn, as well as the erythrocyte S in the patients relative to the controls. The plasma and erythrocyte Cu, and the erythrocyte P, Ca, Fe, and Zn are significantly lower in the patients compared to the controls. However, the plasma levels of Ca, S, Fe, and Br are similar in both the patients and the controls. Similarly, the concentrations of K, Br, and Rb show no significant difference in the erythrocytes of patients and controls.     

Viridin analogs derived from steroidal building blocks

Naturally occurring furanosteroids such as viridin and wortmannin have long been known as potent inhibitors of the lipid kinase PI-3K. We have been interested in directly accessing analogs of these complex natural products from abundant steroid feedstock materials. In this communication, we describe the synthesis of viridin/wortmannin hybrid molecules from readily available building blocks that function as PI-3K inhibitors and maintain their electrophilic properties. The compounds also show anti-proliferative effects against a breast cancer line.