Melatonin is a potential drug for the prevention of bone loss during space flight.

Astronauts experience osteoporosis-like loss of bone mass because of microgravity conditions during space flight. To prevent bone loss, they need a riskless and antiresorptive drug. Melatonin is reported to suppress osteoclast function. However, no studies have examined the effects of melatonin on bone metabolism under microgravity conditions. We used goldfish scales as a bone model of coexisting osteoclasts and osteoblasts and demonstrated that mRNA expression level of acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase, an enzyme essential for melatonin synthesis, decreased significantly under microgravity. During space flight, microgravity stimulated osteoclastic activity and significantly increased gene expression for osteoclast differentiation and activation. Melatonin treatment significantly stimulated Calcitonin (an osteoclast-inhibiting hormone) mRNA expression and decreased the mRNA expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (a promoter of osteoclastogenesis), which coincided with suppressed gene expression levels for osteoclast functions. This is the first study to report the inhibitory effect of melatonin on osteoclastic activation by microgravity. We also observed a novel action pathway of melatonin on osteoclasts via an increase in CALCITONIN secretion. Melatonin could be the source of a potential novel drug to prevent bone loss during space flight.

Current status of drug therapies for osteoporosis and the search for stem cells adapted for bone regenerative medicine.

A number of factors can lead to bone disorders such as osteoporosis, in which the balance of bone resorption vs. bone formation is upset (i.e., more bone is resorbed than is formed). The result is a loss of bone mass, with a concomitant decrease in bone density. Drugs for osteoporosis can be broadly classified as "bone resorption inhibitors", which impede bone resorption by osteoclasts, and "bone formation accelerators", which augment bone formation by osteoblasts. Here, we describe representative drugs in each class, i.e., the bisphosphonates and the parathyroid hormone. In addition, we introduce two novel bone formation accelerators, SST-VEDI and SSH-BMI, which are currently under investigation by our research group. On the other hand, regenerative therapy, characterized by (ideally) the use of a patient's own cells to regenerate lost tissue, is now a matter of global interest. At present, candidate cell sources for regenerative therapy include embryonic stem cells (created from embryos based on the fertilization of oocytes), induced pluripotent stem cells (created artificially by using somatic cells as the starting material), and somatic stem cells (found in the tissues of the adult body). This review summarizes the identifying features and the therapeutic potential of each of these stem cell types for bone regenerative medicine. Although a number of different kinds of somatic stem cells have been reported, we turn our attention toward two that are of particular interest for prospective applications in bone repair: the dedifferentiated fat cell, and the deciduous dental pulp-derived stem cell.

SSH-BM-I, a tryptamine derivative, stimulates mineralization in terminal osteoblast differentiation but inhibits osteogenesis of pre-committed progenitor cells.

SSH-BM-I was synthesized from tryptamine by using a newly developed synthetic method, and it has structural similarity to bromomelatonin. Recently, it had been reported that SSH-BM-I increases osteoblasts in scales of gold fish. However, the effect of SSH-BM-I on osteoblast differentiation in mammalian cells has not yet been examined. Therefore, this study examined the effect of SSH-BM-I on osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal progenitor-like cells and mature osteoblast-like cells. SSH-BM-I enhanced terminal osteoblast differentiation, as indicated by mineralization, which was accompanied by upregulation of the osteogenic marker genes bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin (OC). However, in mesenchymal progenitor ROB-C26 cultures, no mineralized nodules were observed regardless of SSH-BM-I treatment, although BMP-2 was able to induce nodule formation in these cells. Furthermore, BMP-2-induced nodule formation was suppressed by SSH-BM-I treatment in ROB-C26 cultures. We further investigated the impact of the timing and duration of SSH-BM-I treatment on osteoblast differentiation. The effect of SSH-BM-I treatment on osteoblast differentiation of ROB-C26 in the presence of BMP-2 switches from negative to positive sometime between day 6 and 9, because SSH-BM-I treatment enhanced the formation of mineralized nodules when it was started on day 9, but suppressed nodule formation when it was started at day 6 or earlier. These results suggest that the stimulatory effects of SSH-BM-I on the formation of mineralized nodules depend on the degree of cell differentiation.

Inhibitory effects of a tryptamine derivative on ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblasts.

MS-IPA1 is a new synthetic compound that is synthesized from tryptamine. Recently, our group demonstrated that SST-VED-I-1, which has a similar chemical structure to MS-IPA1, inhibits starvation-induced apoptosis in osteoblasts. However, the effects of MS-IPA1 on apoptosis in osteoblasts have not yet been examined. Therefore, this study examined the effects of this compound on apoptosis in osteoblasts. In this study, MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblasts were used and apoptosis was induced by ultraviolet radiation (UV). We investigated the effect of MS-IPA1 on apoptosis by analyzing caspase3/7 activity, translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS), and mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax. In addition, it was investigated whether MS-IPA1 affects cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. We found that MS-IPA1 had no effect on cell proliferation or cell cycle progression. However, MS-IPA1 suppressed UV-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner, which was accompanied with the inhibition of caspase activation and translocation of PS. Furthermore, after UV exposure, Bcl-2 expression was increased in the MS-IPA1-treated cells as compared to that in the vehicle-treated cells. In contrast, Bax expression was decreased in the MS-IPA1-treated cell as compared to that in the vehicle-treated cells. These results suggest that MS-IPA1 has an inhibitory effect on apoptosis in osteoblasts through a Bcl-2 family-dependent signaling pathway.

Inhibitory Effects of a Tryptamine Derivative on Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 Mouse Osteoblasts.

MS-IPA1 is a new synthetic compound that is synthesized from tryptamine. Recently, our group demonstrated that SST-VED-I-1, which has a similar chemical structure to MS-IPA1, inhibits starvation-induced apoptosis in osteoblasts. However, the effects of MS-IPA1 on apoptosis in osteoblasts have not yet been examined. Therefore, this study examined the effects of this compound on apoptosis in osteoblasts. In this study, MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblasts were used and apoptosis was induced by ultraviolet radiation (UV). We investigated the effect of MS-IPA1 on apoptosis by analyzing caspase3/7 activity, translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS), and mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax. In addition, it was investigated whether MS-IPA1 affects cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. We found that MS-IPA1 had no effect on cell proliferation or cell cycle progression. However, MS-IPA1 suppressed UV-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner, which was accompanied with the inhibition of caspase activation and translocation of PS. Furthermore, after UV exposure, Bcl-2 expression was increased in the MS-IPA1-treated cells as compared to that in the vehicle-treated cells. In contrast, Bax expression was decreased in the MS-IPA1-treated cell as compared to that in the vehicle-treated cells. These results suggest that MS-IPA1 has an inhibitory effect on apoptosis in osteoblasts through a Bcl-2 family-dependent signaling pathway.

A tryptamine derivative, SST-VEDI-1, inhibits apoptosis and stimulates mineralization in osteoblasts.

SST-VEDI-1(VEDI-1) is a new synthetic compound that is synthesized from tryptamine, and has structural similarity to the SSH-BM family of compounds. However, the biological effects of VEDI-1 have yet to be well characterized. A recent report has demonstrated that SSH-BM-type compounds can stimulate osteoblast activity in cultured scales of goldfish. In this study, we examined the effects of VEDI-1 on osteoblastic differentiation as well as its effects on apoptosis, which is known to be closely related to osteoblastic differentiation. We found that VEDI-1 enhanced the formation of mineralized nodules in rat osteoblast cell lines, including ROS17/2.8 cells, and in mouse pre-osteoblast cell lines, including MC3T3-E1 cells, in a dose dependent manner, which was accompanied by increased expression of late osteoblast markers, bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin (OC). Furthermore, VEDI-I inhibited apoptotic cell death and regulated the expression of proteins in the Bcl-2 family. These results suggest that VEDI-1 may facilitate late differentiation of osteoblasts and may have an inhibitory effect on apoptosis.

A new synthetic compound, SST-VEDI-1, inhibits osteoblast differentiation with a down-regulation of the Osterix expression.

SST-VEDI-1(VEDI-1) is a new synthetic compound which is synthesized from tryptamine. However, the effect of VEDI-1 on various bio-phenomena in cells has not yet been examined. Tryptamine is one of the known trace amines. Trace amines are present in the central nervous system at very low concentrations and they are generally considered to have potent sympathomimetic actions. On the other hand, SSH-BM-I and SSH-BM-II-type compounds have been demonstrated to stimulate osteoblast activity in the cultured scales of goldfish. These compounds are also synthesized from tryptamine. VEDI-1 has a similar chemical structure to that of SSH-BM-I and SSH-BM-II-type compounds. Therefore, this study examined the effect of VEDI-1 on osteoblastic differentiation. VEDI-1 inhibited the osteoblast differentiation identified by mineralization, which was accompanied by the down-regulation of the expression of an osteogenic transcription factor, Osterix (OSX). Furthermore, as well as VEDI-1-treatment, the suppression of the OSX expression by stable-transfection with OSX/shRNA decreased the formation of mineralized nodules. These results suggest a possibility that VEDI-1 inhibits the osteoblast differentiation by suppressing the OSX expression.

Novel bromomelatonin derivatives as potentially effective drugs to treat bone diseases.

Several reports indicate that melatonin is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. To examine the direct effect of melatonin on osteoclasts and osteoblasts, we developed an in vitro assay using fish scales that contain osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and bone matrix, all of which are similar to those found in mammalian membrane bone. Using the assay, we demonstrated that melatonin suppressed osteoclastic and osteoblastic activities. These findings are in agreement with the reports from in vivo studies in mice and rats. In an attempt to develop molecules that increase bone mass, novel bromomelatonin derivatives were synthesized, and the effects of these chemicals on osteoclasts and osteoblasts using the scale assay were examined. As a result, novel bromomelatonin derivatives with the ability to possibly increase bone formation were identified. In scale osteoclasts, particularly, 1-benzyl-2,4,6-tribromomelatonin had a more potent activity than melatonin. In reference to osteoblasts, this agent (10(-9)-10(-6)M) significantly activated osteoblasts. The effect of 1-benzyl-2,4,6-tribromomelatonin on bone formation was confirmed in ovariectomized rats. Thus, the oral administration of 1-benzyl-2,4,6-tribromomelatonin augmented the total bone mineral density of the femoral metaphysis of ovariectomized rats. The stress-strain index of the diaphysis in 1-benzyl-2,4,6-tribromomelatonin-treated rats significantly increased in comparison with that in ovariectomized rats. In rats fed a low-calcium diet, the total bone mineral density of the femoral metaphysis significantly increased following the oral administration of 1-benzyl-2,4,6-tribromomelatonin. These studies identified a melatonin derivative that may have potential use in the treatment of bone diseases, such as osteoporosis.

[Imagination and creation: 1-hydroxyindole chemistry and the dream challenge].

We have had five dreams to challenge through our life. To meet our end, we needed imaginary compounds, 1-hydroxytryptophans. This review describes how we had conceived the 1-hydroxyindole hypothesis, how we created a general synthetic method for 1-hydroxyindoles after 20 years' research, and how we have developed the chemistry of 1-hydroxytryptophans with full of new findings and discoveries. During the period, we defined "the efficient synthesis" and "the ideal synthesis" consisting of originality rate (OR), intellectual property factor (IPF), and application potential factor (APF). For evaluating the originality and the efficiency of the synthetic research, these indexes are more effective than both citation index and impact factor. Taking advantage of our 1-hydroxyindole chemistry, we have achieved three "ideal syntheses" approximately with high OR, IPF, and APF values. The methods employ only conventional reagents and reaction conditions without using any protecting groups. These methods made possible to produce such intellectual properties as leads for an alpha(2)-blocker, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, an anti-osteoporosis agent, and a promising medicine for combating desertification, changing Gobi desert to the tract with full of green plants. These would be suitable for realizing our five dreams. Chemical conversion of enmein to gibberellin A(15), four-step total synthesis of optically active ergot alkaloids, and various new reactions for the synthesis of 4-substituted indoles are also involved.

Novel bromomelatonin derivatives suppress osteoclastic activity and increase osteoblastic activity: implications for the treatment of bone diseases.

The teleost scale is a calcified tissue that contains osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and bone matrix, all of which are similar to those found in mammalian membrane bone. Using the goldfish scale, we recently developed a new in vitro assay system and previously demonstrated that melatonin suppressed both osteoclastic and osteoblastic activities in this assay system. In mammals, 2-bromomelatonin possesses a higher affinity for the melatonin receptor than does melatonin. Using a newly developed synthetic method, we synthesized 2-bromomelatonin, 2,4,6-tribromomelatonin and novel bromomelatonin derivatives (1-allyl-2,4,6-tribromomelatonin, 1-propargyl-2,4,6-tribromomelatonin, 1-benzyl-2,4,6-tribromomelatonin, and 2,4,6,7-tetrabromomelatonin) and then examined the effects of these chemicals on osteoclasts and osteoblasts. All bromomelatonin derivatives, as well as melatonin, had an inhibitory action on osteoclasts. In particular, 1-benzyl-2,4,6-tribromomelatonin (benzyl-tribromomelatonin) possessed a stronger activity than melatonin. At an in vitro concentration of 10(-10) m, benzyl-tribromomelatonin still suppressed osteoclastic activity after 6 hr of incubation. In reference to osteoblasts, all bromomelatonin derivatives had a stimulatory action, although melatonin inhibited osteoblastic activity. In addition, estrogen receptor mRNA expression (an osteoblastic marker) was increased in benzyl-tribromomelatonin (10(-7) m)-treated scales. Taken together, the present results strongly suggest that these novel melatonin derivatives have significant potential for use as beneficial drug for bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

Simple indole alkaloids and those with a non-rearranged monoterpenoid unit.

This review covers newly isolated simple indole alkaloids, structure determinations, total syntheses and biological activities reported in the literature in 2003.

Simple indole alkaloids and those with a nonrearranged monoterpenoid unit.

This review covers simple indole alkaloids and those with a nonrearranged monoterpenoid unit. Newly isolated alkaloids, structure determinations, total syntheses and biological activities are included. The literature from January to December 2001 is reviewed and 166 references are cited.

Synthetic studies of psilocin analogs having either a formyl group or bromine atom at the 5- or 7-position.

Psilocin analogs having either a formyl group (9-12) or a bromine atom (13-18) at the 5- or 7-position have been prepared for the first time. Syntheses of 5- and 7-bromo derivatives of 4-hydroxy- (23, 24, 28) and 4-benzyloxyindole-3-carbaldehyde (19, 25, 29, 30), 4-benzyloxyindole-3-acetonitriles (20, 31), and 4-benzyloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (32, 34, 35) have also been established.