Isolation of chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Verbascum thapsus and their antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activities.

Phytochemical investigation of Verbascum thapsus led to the isolation and identification of one new iridoid compound named verbathasin A, along with ten known compounds. The structure and relative stereochemistry of verbathasin A were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data. All the isolates except 10-deoxyeucommiol and ajugol were tested for antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activities, and compounds luteolin and 3-O-fucopyranosylsaikogenin F showed promising antiproliferative activities, with an obvious effect of inducing apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells.

Chemical constituents of Excoecaria acerifolia and their bioactivities.

A new kaurane diterpenoid, 3alpha,18-dihydroxy-3beta,20-epoxykaur-15-ene (1), was isolated from the aerial parts of Excoecaria acerifolia (Euphorbiaceae) together with 16 known compounds. Their structures were identified by extensive spectral analysis, especially 2D NMR techniques. Antiangiogenic effects of compounds 1-6 and 9-17 were evaluated using a zebrafish model, with compound 9 being active in this bioassay. At the same time, compounds 4, 6, 10, 11 showed activity in inhibiting the growth of A549 lung cancer cells, and the compound 10 also showed apoptosis-inducing effects on A549 lung cancer cells.

Chemical constituents from Clematis delavayi var. spinescens.

A new coumarin, 7-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxy-5-methylcoumarin (1), was isolated from the aerial parts of Clematis delavayi var. spinescens together with 17 known compounds. Their structures were identified by extensive spectral analysis, especially 2D NMR techniques. Antiangiogenic effects of all compounds were evaluated using a zebrafish model.

Ingol and ingenol diterpenes from the aerial parts of Euphorbia royleana and their antiangiogenic activities.

Ten new ingol lathyrane-type diterpenes (1-10) and two known ingenol derivatives (11 and 12) were isolated from the aerial parts of Euphorbia royleana. The structures of 1-10 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR analysis, and the structure of compound 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Antiangiogenic effects of all compounds except for 5 were tested using a zebrafish model, with compounds 11 and 12 being active in this bioassay.

[Clinical applications of the postfemur island flap pedicled with the postfemur neurocutaneous nutrient vessel].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of the island flap based on the postfemur neurocutaneous nutrient vessel. METHODS: The flap was designed and applied to repair the defects in the gluteal, popliteal fossa or the bilateral postfemur areas. A total of 11 cases (12 defects) were treated with this method. The size of the defects ranged from 4.0 cm x 7.8 cm to 8.3 cm x 16.6 cm. RESULTS: Of the 12 defects, 9 achieved complete success. Epidermal necrosis occurred in the distal part of the flap in 3 defects owing to venous stasis, which were cured with skin grafting. Postoperative follow-up for 8-19 months showed that the appearance, texture, and function of the flap were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of the flap lie in the reliable blood supply, constant anatomy, and without sacrificing a major artery. The key points for the flap survival are utilizing the "Superficial vein-nutrient vessel of the cutaneous nerve system" and retaining a comet tail-shaped soft-tissue pedicle in the flap creation.