A sesquiterpene hydrocarbon from the bogwoods of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don, presumably formed by diagenetic hydrogenation

Structure of an hitherto unknown component of the essential oils from two bogwoods of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don was determined by mass spectrometry and NMR analyses. It was identified as cadina-1(10)-ene, a new cadinane-type sesquiterpene hydrocarbon with a single double bond.     

A diterpene quinone from the bark of Cryptomeria japonica

A diterpene, cryptoquinone, was isolated from the bark of Cryptomeria japonica, the structure, 7,11,14-trioxoabieta-8,12-diene, was established by spectral analyses and X-ray crystallography. This diterpene quinone showed moderate antifungal activities against Pyricularia orizae and Alternaria alternata, and cytotoxic activity against mouse lymphoid neoplasm (P388) cells with an IC(50) of 0.26 microg/ml.     

Immunohistochemical localization of agatharesinol,a heartwood norlignan,in Cryptomeria japonica

Localization of a heartwood norlignan, agatharesinol, in Sugi (Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica D. Don, Taxodiaceae) was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Immuno light microscopy showed that the contents of ray parenchyma cells were immunostained in heartwood but not in sapwood. The staining of the heartwood tissue was competitively inhibited by agatharesinol but not by other Sugi heartwood extractives, and was, furthermore, markedly reduced by pre-extraction of the tissue with MeOH. These results indicated that the staining can be ascribed to the immunolabeling of agatharesinol in situ. The accumulations over the inner surface of some tracheid cell walls adjacent to the ray parenchyma cells were also immunolabeled, while the contents in axial parenchyma cells were not. In conclusion, agatharesinol was localized in the ray parenchyma cells in Sugi heartwood, and differences between the chemical structure of the contents of ray and axial parenchyma cells were also suggested.     

Induction of heme oxygenase-1 mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanol extract of Rubus coreanus in murine macrophages

Foods of plant origin, especially fruits and vegetables, draw increased attention because of their potential benefits to human health. The aim of the present study was to determine in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of four different extracts obtained from the fruits of Rubus coreanus (aqueous and ethanol extracts of unripe and ripe fruits). Among the four extracts, the ethanol extract of unripe fruits of R. coreanus (URCE) suppressed nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages. We also demonstrated that URCE by itself is a potent inducer of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Inhibition of HO-1 activity by tin protoporphyrin, a specific HO-1 inhibitor, suppressed the URCE-induced reductions in the production of NO and PGE(2) as well as the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Our data suggest that URCE exerts anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages via activation of the HO-1 pathway and helps to elucidate the mechanism underlying the potential therapeutic value of R. coreanus extracts.     

Evidence for cryptic northern refugia in the last glacial period in Cryptomeria japonica

MethodsGenetic diversity and structure were examined using 20 microsatellite markers in 37 populations of C. japonica. The locations of glacial refugia were assessed using STRUCTURE analysis, and potential habitats under current and past climate conditions were predicted using SDM. The process of genetic divergence was also examined using the approximate Bayesian computation procedure (ABC) in DIY ABC to test the divergence time between the gene pools detected by the STRUCTURE analysis.ConclusionsThe combined evidence from microsatellites and SDM clearly indicates that climatic changes have shaped the genetic structure of C. japonica. The gene pool detected in northern Tohoku district is likely to have been established by cryptic northern refugia on the coast of the Japan Sea to the west of the Archipelago. The gene pool in Yakushima Island can probably be explained simply by long-term isolation from the other gene pools since the LGM. These results are supported by those of SDM and the predicted divergence time determined using ABC analysis.     

Carbon monoxide decreases the level of iNOS protein and active dimer in IL-1β-stimulated hepatocytes

There is evidence that NO can regulate CO production, however less is known about CO regulation of NO synthesis. Our studies were undertaken to define how CO regulates iNOS in cultured hepatocytes. CO (250 ppm) exposure resulted in a significant decrease in iNOS protein, nitrite production, level of active iNOS dimer and cytosolic iNOS activity in cells stimulated with cytokines (IL-1β) or transfected with the human iNOS gene. However, IL-1β-stimulated iNOS mRNA expression was unaffected by CO. These effects of CO on iNOS protein levels were inhibited when CO was scavenged using hemoglobin. HO-1 induction with an adenoviral vector carrying HO-1 showed a decrease in total iNOS protein, nitrite production, and iNOS dimer level from cells stimulated by IL-1β. iNOS protein level was significantly higher in lung endothelial cells isolated from HO-1 knockout mice compared to wild type cultures stimulated with cytokines mixture. CO was found to increase p38 phosphorylation and p38 inhibition using SB203580 increased iNOS protein levels in response to IL-1β. Interestingly, proteasome inhibitors (MG132 and Lactacystin) and an autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine) reversed CO influence iNOS levels. Our results imply that CO exposure decreases NO production by suppressing dimer formation and increasing iNOS degradation through a process involving p38 activation.     

Cardioprotection of H2S by downregulating iNOS and upregulating HO-1 expression in mice with CVB3-induced myocarditis

Aims

To explore the effects and potential mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in CVB3-induced mice with myocarditis.

Main methods

A total of 75 six-week-old inbred male Balb/c mice were divided randomly into four groups (N, C, P and S). Group N was the negative control. The others were inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with CVB3. Subsequently, groups P and S were injected i.p. once a day with DL-Proparglygylcine (PAG) and NaHS respectively. Group C was the positive control. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) expression on cardiac tissues were evaluated by histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and Western blot.

Key findings

The heart-weight to body-weight (HW/BW) ratio, the histologic scores and the iNOS mRNA and protein expression levels were higher, and the HO-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were lower in mice treated with PAG than those mice solely inoculated with CVB3. Mice in group S had a significant decreased in the HW/BW ratio, the histologic scores and the iNOS mRNA and protein expression levels, and had a significant increased in the HO-1 mRNA and protein expression levels compared to the mice in group C. H₂S can attenuate inflammatory cell infiltration, alleviate cardiac edema, and limit myocardial lesions.

Significance

Our data support that H₂S can inhibit iNOS overexpression and induce HO-1 expression, both of which contribute to the cardioprotection of H₂S in CVB3-induced mice myocarditis.     

Carbon and hydrogen isotopic fractionation during lipid biosynthesis in a higher plant (Cryptomeria japonica)

Compound-specific carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositions of lipid biomolecules (n-alkanes, n-alkanoic acids, n-alkanols, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, phytol, diterpenols and β-sitosterol), extracted from Cryptomeria japonica leaves, were determined in order to understand isotopic fractionations occurring during lipid biosynthesis in this species. All lipid biomolecules were depleted in both ¹³C and D relative to bulk tissue and ambient water, respectively. n-Alkyl lipids associated with the acetogenic pathway were depleted in ¹³C relative to bulk tissue by 2.4-9.9‰ and depleted in D relative to ambient water by 91-152‰. C₁₅- and C₃₀-isoprenoid lipids (sesquiterpenes, squalene and β-sitosterol) associated with the mevalonic-acid pathway are depleted in ¹³C relative to bulk tissue by 1.7-3.1‰ and depleted in D relative to ambient water by 212-238‰. C₂₀-isoprenoid lipids (phytol and diterpenoids) associated with the non-mevalonic-acid pathway were depleted in ¹³C relative to bulk tissue by 4.6-5.9‰ and depleted in D relative to ambient water by 238-303‰. Phytol was significantly depleted in D by amounts up to 65‰ relative to other C₂₀ isoprenoid lipids. The acetogenic, mevalonic-acid and non-mevalonic-acid pathways were clearly discriminated using a cross-plot between the carbon and hydrogen isotopic fractionations.     

Significance of inducible nitric oxide synthase in acute myocarditis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (Tulahuen strain)

Chagas' disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is associated with myocarditis and expression of myocardial cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2). To assess the functional significance of NOS2 in murine Chagas' disease, we infected NOS2 knockout (NOS2(-/-)) and C57BL/6x129sv (wild type) mice with the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi. Serial transthoracic echocardiography was performed to assess the progression of left and right ventricular dysfunction in infected mice. Uninfected wild type and NOS2(-/-) mice served as controls. At day 10 post-infection (p.i.), infected wild type mice had larger left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (2.52+/-0.14-vs-2.11+/-0.06 mm, P<0.02) and right ventricle (0.6+/-0.2-vs-0 visual grade, P<0.02) as compared with uninfected wild type mice. At day 19 p.i., compared with uninfected controls, infected wild type mice had larger left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (3.30+/-0.29-vs-2.11+/-0.07 mm), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (1.86+/-0.29-vs-0.88+/-0.05 mm), right ventricle (1.6+/-0.2-vs-0 visual grade), lower heart rate (413+/-27-vs-557+/-25 beats per min), left ventricular relative wall thickness (0.44+/-0.05-vs-0.64+/-0.03) and fractional shortening (45+/-4-vs-57+/-2%) [P<0.05 for all]. In contrast, no differences in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter or fractional shortening were noted among infected and uninfected NOS2(-/-) mice at day 19 p.i. Compared with uninfected controls, infected NOS2(-/-) mice had significantly lower heart rate (272+/-23-vs-512+/-31 beats per min, P<0.01) and larger right ventricle (0.6+/-0.2-vs-0, P<0.05 visual grade). The magnitude of right ventricular dilation in NOS2(-/-) mice was less than that observed in infected wild type mice. At necropsy, the heart weight was greater (129+/-16-vs-109+/-7 mg, P=0.02) and myocardial inflammation more severe in infected wild type compared with infected NOS2(-/-) mice. Myocardial interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma were induced in all infected mice. These data indicate that nitric oxide derived from NOS2 plays an important role in the development and progression of ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction in acute murine chagasic myocarditis caused by infection with the Tulahuen strain.     

Inhibitory effects of Irigenin from the rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis on nitric oxide and prostaglandin E(2) production in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells

In the present study, we investigated antiinflammatory effects of six flavonoids isolated from the rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis (Iridaceae) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results indicated that irigenin concentration dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) E(2) production. Furthermore, this compound inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 proteins and mRNAs without an appreciable cytotoxic effect. Treatment of the transfectant RAW 264.7 cells with irigenin reduced the level of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity, also effectively lowered NF-kappaB binding measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), which was associated with decreased p65 protein levels in the nucleus. On the basis of the above data, we suggest that the effect of irigenin in decreasing LPS-induced NO and PGE(2) synthesis is due to diminish the mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2, respectively, also may be due to under the suppression of NF-kappaB activation. Therefore, irigenin isolated from the rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis could be offered as a leading compound for anti-inflammation.     

Changes in the localization and levels of starch and lipids in cambium and phloem during cambial reactivation by artificial heating of main stems of Cryptomeria japonica trees

Background and Aims

Cambial reactivation in trees occurs from late winter to early spring when photosynthesis is minimal or almost non-existent. Reserve materials might be important for wood formation in trees. The localization and approximate levels of starch and lipids (as droplets) and number of starch granules in cambium and phloem were examined from cambial dormancy to the start of xylem differentiation in locally heated stems of Cryptomeria japonica trees in winter.

Methods

Electric heating tape was wrapped on one side of the stem of Cryptomeria japonica trees at breast height in winter. The localization and approximate levels of starch and lipids (as droplets) and number of starch granules were determined by image analysis of optical digital images obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Key Results

Localized heating induced earlier cambial reactivation and xylem differentiation in stems of Cryptomeria japonica, as compared with non-heated stems. There were clear changes in the respective localizations and levels of starch and lipids (as droplets) determined in terms of relative areas on images, from cambial dormancy to the start of xylem differentiation in heated stems. In heated stems, the levels and number of starch granules fell from cambial reactivation to the start of xylem differentiation. There was a significant decrease in the relative area occupied by lipid droplets in the cambium from cambial reactivation to the start of xylem differentiation in heated stems.

Conclusions

The results showed clearly that the levels and number of storage starch granules in cambium and phloem cells and levels of lipids (as droplets) in the cambium decreased from cambial reactivation to the start of xylem differentiation in heated stems during the winter. The observations suggest that starch and lipid droplets might be needed as sources of energy for the initiation of cambial cell division and the differentiation of xylem in Cryptomeria japonica.     

Regulation of glial inflammatory mediators synthesis: possible role of endothelins

Endothelins are well known as modulators of inflammation in the periphery, but little is known about their possible role in brain inflammation. Stimulation of astrocyte prostaglandin, an inflammatory mediator, synthesis was shown so far only by endothelin 3 (ET-3). By contrast, several studies showed no change or slight decrease of basal nitric oxide synthesis after treatment of astrocytes with endothelin 1 (ET-1) and ET-3. However, a significant increase in astrocytic and microglial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was observed after exposure to ET-1 and ET-3 in a model of forebrain ischaemia. Here we demonstrate that all three endothelins (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3) significantly enhanced the synthesis of prostaglandin E(2) and nitric oxide in glial cells. Each of the selective antagonists for ETA and ETB receptors (BQ123 and BQ788 respectively), significantly inhibited endothelins-induced production of both nitric oxide and prostaglandin E(2). These results suggest a regulatory mechanism of endothelins, interacting with both endothelin receptors, on glial inflammation. Therefore, inhibition of endothelin receptors may have a therapeutic potential in pathological conditions of the brain, when an uncontrolled inflammatory response is involved.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of roasted licorice extracts on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in murine macrophages

Licorice, the roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata, is used by practitioners of alternative medicine to treat individuals with gastric or duodenal ulcers, bronchitis, cough, arthritis, adrenal insufficiency, and allergies. We investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of 4 licorice extracts: extracts of roasted licorice obtained by ethanol (rLE) or water extraction (rLW) and extracts of raw licorice obtained by ethanol (LE) or water extraction (LW). rLE demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity through its ability to reduce nitric oxide and prostaglandin E(2) production in the LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage cell, RAW264.7. It also inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and CD14 expression on the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Further study indicated that LPS-induced degradation and phosphorylation of Ikappa-Balpha, along with DNA-binding of NF-kappaB, was significantly inhibited by rLE exposure in RAW264.7 cells. In the murine model, we found that in vivo exposure to rLE-induced an increase in the survival rate, reduced plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6, and increased IL-10 production in LPS-treated mice. Collectively, these data suggest that the use of rLE may be a useful therapeutic approach to various inflammatory diseases.     

Diurnal differences in the supply of glucomannans and xylans to innermost surface of cell walls at various developmental stages from cambium to mature xylem in Cryptomeria japonica

Summary. We investigated the diurnal differences in the innermost surface of tracheid cell walls at various developmental stages from cambium to mature xylem. Cryptomeria japonica saplings were cultivated in a growth chamber with a light cycle set at 14 h of light and 10 h of darkness. Samples were collected from the saplings during both the light and dark periods. The innermost surface of cell walls was immunogold-labeled with anti-glucomannan or anti-xylan antiserum and was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Diurnal differences in the aspect of the innermost surface of cell walls were seen only in S₂-layer-forming tracheids; cellulose microfibrils were clearly evident during the light period, and amorphous material containing glucomannans and xylans was prevalent during the dark period. Cellulose microfibrils were present at the primary-wall formation and S₁-layer-forming stages, and many warts were observed in the mature tracheids, regardless of the time of sampling. The densities of labeled glucomannans on the innermost surface of cell walls in S₁- and S₂-forming tracheids and of labeled xylans in S₂-forming tracheids during the dark period were significantly higher than those during the light period. These results suggest a diurnal periodicity in the supply of cell wall matrix containing hemicellulose to the innermost surface of developing secondary walls. Correspondence and reprints: Laboratory of Bio-material Physics, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan. Present address: Chair of Climate Change Science for Forestry and Water Resources, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.     

Phytotoxicity and volatile constituents from leaves of Callicarpa japonica Thunb

The essential oil from the leaves of Callicarpa japonica was analyzed by GC-MS, and 84 compounds were identified. The main constituents of the essential oil were spathulenol (18.1%), germacrene B (13.0%), bicyclogermacrene (11.0%), globulol (3.3%), viridiflorol (2.6%), alpha-guaiene (2.3%), and gamma-elemene (2.0%). The essential oil constituents of C. japonica were significantly different from those found in our previous work on Callicarpa americana. The oil of C. japonica was selectively phytotoxic to bentgrass compared to lettuce seeds, with 80-100% growth reduction observed at 0.3 mg/ml.     

Furostanol saponins from the rhizomes of Dioscorea japonica and their effects on NGF induction

The rhizome of Dioscorea japonica is a food and medicinal source known as ‘San Yak’ in Korea. Two new furostanol saponins, coreajaponins A (1) and B (2), together with 10 known compounds (3-12) were isolated from the rhizomes of D. japonica. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques, HRMS, and chemical methods. Nerve growth factor (NGF), a crucial factor for neuronal survival and differentiation, can potentially improve neurodegenerative diseases and diabetic polyneuropathy. We evaluated the effects of isolates (1-12) on NGF induction in a C6 rat glioma cell line. Coreajaponin B (2) upregulated NGF content without significant cell toxicity, as did 6, 8, 9, and 11.