Clinical outcome of endovascular therapy using a VIABAHN VBX-covered stent for complex aortoiliac artery disease: the AVOCADO II study.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of a balloon-expandable covered stent (CS) for aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). However, the real-world clinical outcomes and the underlying factors remain unclear. We assessed the clinical outcomes and factors associated with primary patency after implantation of a balloon-expandable CS for patients with complex AIOD. This prospective multicenter observational study enrolled 149 consecutive patients undergoing VIABAHN® VBX-CS (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) implantation for complex AIOD (age, 74 ± 9 years; male, 74%; diabetes mellitus, 46%; renal failure on dialysis, 23%; chronic limb-threatening ischemia, 26%). The primary study endpoint was 1-year primary patency, and the secondary endpoints were procedural complications, freedom from occlusion, clinical-driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), and surgical revision at 1 year. Risk factors for restenosis were explored using random survival forest analysis. The median follow-up period was 13.1 months (interquartile range 9.7-14.0 months). Procedural complications were observed in 6.7% of the patients. The 1-year primary patency was 94.8% (95% confidence interval 91.0-98.6%), while the 1-year freedom rate from occlusion, CD-TLR, and surgical revision rates were 96.5% (93.5-99.5%), 94.7% (90.9-98.6%), and 97.8% (95.4-100%), respectively. The presence of chronic total occlusion, aortic bifurcation lesion, the number of disease regions, and TASC-II classification was significantly associated with the restenosis risk. In contrast, the calcification severity, IVUS use, IVUS parameters were not associated with restenosis risk. We observed excellent 1-year real-world outcomes after implantation of a balloon-expandable CS for complex AIOD; only a few perioperative complications occurred.

Seasonal variation in the total saponin content of platycodon roots cultivated in Japan.

Roots of Platycodon grandiflorus A. De Candolle (Campanulaceae), with the bark removed, have been used as food and frequently employed as herbal medicines for inflammatory diseases such as tonsillitis, dermatitis, and cough. Platycodins are the bioactive saponin components of these crude medicines. Recently, P. grandiflorus have been cultivated in Japan and are harvested from October to December according to conventional practices. Seasonal fluctuations in the total saponin content of these roots were determined using LC/MS methods to recommend harvesting times when the saponin content is high. Platycodins A and C are monoacetylated forms of platycodin D; however, the acetyl form is unstable and deacetylates easily. Here, the contents of platycodin D, platycodin D2, and platyconic acid A were measured as the total saponin content using alkaline hydrolysis for monoacetylated platycodins D, D2, and platyconic acid A. The results demonstrated that the saponin content in the roots decreased in summer, increased in autumn, but decreased again in late autumn.

Discrimination of Curcuma species from Asia using intron length polymorphism markers in genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase and curcumin synthase.

Recently, Curcuma rhizome-related foods with claimed health benefits have been used worldwide; however, correct identification and quality assessment have not been conducted. Due to the wide distribution and morphological similarities of Curcuma species, the classification of some species is debated and nomenclature is inconsistent among countries. In this study, to elucidate specific molecular markers of medicinally used Curcuma species in Asia, and to solve the confusion on the reported botanical origin of crude drugs, molecular analysis based on the intron length polymorphism (ILP) in genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase and curcumin synthase and the trnK intron sequences was performed using 59 plant specimens and 42 crude drug samples from 13 Curcuma species, obtained from Asian countries. The ILP patterns of the respective species from both plant specimens and crude drug samples revealed high consistency in C. aromatica, C. zedoaria, C. phaeocaulis, C. aeruginosa, C. wenyujin, and C. zanthorrhiza, but showed intraspecies polymorphism in C. longa, C. kwangsiensis, C. amada, C. mangga and C. comosa. The C. longa specimens and samples were separated into three subgroups which were highly consistent with their geographical origins. Based on the ILP markers and the trnK intron sequences, the botanical origins of "Khamin oi" from Thailand were correctly determined to be C. longa or a hybrid between C. longa and other species, and "Wan narn kum" from Thailand and "Kasturi manjal" from India were correctly determined to be C. zanthorrhiza.

Impact of Longer Hemodialysis Vintage with Higher Serum Phosphorus Level on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Presenting Tissue Loss after Endovascular Therapy.

AIMS: Hemodialysis vintage and serum phosphorus levels adversely affect outcomes in patients on hemodialysis. Whether these factors have a similar prognostic impact on patients who are on hemodialysis and have chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) has not been systematically studied. We aimed to explore the risk factors, including hemodialysis vintage and serum phosphorus levels, on clinical outcomes after endovascular therapy (EVT) in hemodialysis patients with CLTI. METHODS: The current study rerospectively analyzed 374 hemodialysis patients with CLTI presenting with ischemic tissue loss (age: 72.3±9.0 years, male: 73.3%, diabetes mellitus: 68.2%, Rutherford 5: 75.9%, 6: 24.1%, WIfI stage 4: 50.0%) primarily treated with EVT between April 2007 and December 2016. The primary outcome measure was 1-year amputation-free survival (AFS), while the secondary outcome measure was 1-year wound healing. Predictors for each outcome were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis significantly associated longer hemodialysis vintages with higher serum phosphorus levels (hazard ratio [HR], 0.599; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.394-0.910; p=0.016) with 1-year AFS. Longer vintages for hemodialysis with higher serum phosphorus levels were marginally, but not significantly, associated with 1-year wound healing. (HR, 0.684; 95% CI, 0.467-1.000; p=0.050). CONCLUSION: Longer hemodialysis vintages with higher serum phosphorus levels adversely affect outcomes after EVT for hemodialysis patients with CLTI presenting with ischemic tissue loss.

Low-Voltage-Area Ablation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation　- Extended Follow-up Results of the VOLCANO Trial.

BACKGROUND: The randomized controlled VOLCANO trial demonstrated comparable 1-year rhythm outcomes between patients with and without ablation targeting low-voltage areas (LVAs) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation among paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients with LVAsMethods and Results:An extended-follow-up study of 402 patients enrolled in the VOLCANO trial with PAF, divided into 4 groups based on the results of voltage mapping: group A, no LVA (n=336); group B, LVA ablation (n=30); group C, LVA without ablation (n=32); and group D, incomplete voltage map (n=4). At 25 (23, 31) months after the initial ablation, AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence rates were 19% in group A, 57% in group B, 59% in group C, and 100% in group D. Recurrence rates were higher in patients with LVAs than in those without (group A vs. B+C, P<0.0001), and were comparable between those with and without LVA ablation (group B vs. C, P=0.83). Among patients who underwent repeat ablation, ATs were more frequently observed in patients with LVAs (Group B+C, 50% vs. A, 14%, P<0.0001). In addition, LVA ablation increased the incidence of AT development (group B, 71% vs. C, 32%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LVAs demonstrated poor long-term rhythm outcomes irrespective of LVA ablation. ATs were frequently observed in patients with LVAs, and LVA ablation might exacerbate the occurrence of iatrogenic ATs.

Left Atrial Localized Low-Voltage Areas Indicate Whole Left Atrial Electrophysiological Degeneration in Atrial Fibrillation Patients.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of ablation targeting low-voltage areas (LVAs) is controversial, although LVA presence is well known to be associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after ablation. AF substrate may not localize within LVAs.Methods and Results:This observational study enrolled 405 consecutive patients who underwent an initial AF ablation procedure. The left atrial (LA) voltage map was obtained after pulmonary vein isolation. LVAs were defined as areas with voltage <0.5 mV. To estimate whole LA electrophysiological degeneration, mean regional voltage at each of the 6 regions and LA total conduction velocity were measured. LVAs existed in 143 of 405 (35.3%) patients. Patients with LVAs demonstrated lower mean regional voltages throughout all 6 regions compared to those without LVAs (1.3 [1.8, 0.8] vs. 0.6 [1.0, 0.2] mV for the anterior wall, P<0.001). In contrast, LA conduction velocity was lower in patients with LVAs than in those without (0.89 [1.01, 0.74] vs. 0.93 [1.03, 0.87] m/s, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that low LA total conduction velocity and a higher number of regions with mean voltage reduction were independently associated with AF recurrence, although LVA presence was not. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with localized LA LVAs were characterized by whole LA electrophysiological degeneration as assessed by mean regional voltage and conduction velocity. In addition, whole LA electrophysiological degeneration parameters were well associated with AF recurrence.

One-pot discriminant LC/MS quantitative analysis of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine using Finger Masher and their distribution in the aerial stems of Ephedra plants.

A discriminant LC/MS quantitative analysis of ephedrine (EP) and pseudoephedrine (PEP) in Ephedrae herba was performed. Aerial parts of three Ephedra species were separated into internodes and extracted using Finger Masher with minimum loss. The contents of EP and PEP were measured by LC/MS/MS using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method. Their contents in old-year branches were lower than those current-year branches and tended to be higher in the middle part than in the tip of each branch. The content ratio of EP and PEP was reversed in some branches depending on their extent of growth. In E. sinica, the contents were low at the first internode closest to the central main stem at each branch. The contents drastically increased from the second internode and were highest at the third internode. There was a strong correlation between the internode distance and alkaloid (EP + PEP) contents. The distribution of alkaloids in one internode was examined and the results showed that the part closest to the node had the lowest contents.

A new clinical risk score for predicting the prevalence of low-voltage areas in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Although the presence of left atrial low-voltage areas (LVAs) is strongly associated with the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablation, few methods are available to classify the prevalence of LVAs. The purpose of this study was to establish a risk score for predicting the prevalence of LVAs in patients undergoing ablation for AF. METHODS: We enrolled 1004 consecutive patients who underwent initial ablation for AF (age, 68 ± 10 years old; female, 346 (34%); persistent AF, 513 (51%)). LVAs were deemed present when the voltage map after pulmonary vein isolation demonstrated low-voltage areas with a peak-to-peak bipolar voltage of <0.5 mV covering ≥5 cm2 of the left atrium. RESULTS: LVAs were present in 206 (21%) patients. The SPEED score was obtained as the total number of independent predictors as identified on multivariate analysis, namely female sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.4 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.2-5.2], p < .01), persistent AF (OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.1-3.0], p = .02), age ≥ 70 years (OR, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.5-3.4], p < .01), elevated brain natriuretic peptide ≥100 pg/ml or N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide ≥400 pg/ml (OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.02-2.8], p = .04), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.1-2.8], p = .02). LVAs were more frequent in patients with a higher SPEED score, and prevalence increased with each additional SPEED score point (OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 2.0-2.8], p < .01). CONCLUSION: The SPEED score accurately predicts the prevalence of LVAs in patients undergoing ablation for AF.

Additional Low-Voltage-Area Ablation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Results of the Randomized Controlled VOLCANO Trial.

Background The efficacy of low-voltage-area (LVA) ablation has not been well determined. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of LVA ablation in addition to pulmonary vein isolation on rhythm outcomes in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results VOLCANO (Catheter Ablation Targeting Low-Voltage Areas After Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients) trial included paroxysmal AF patients undergoing initial AF ablation. Of 398 patients in whom a left atrial voltage map was obtained after pulmonary vein isolation, 336 (85%) had no LVA (group A). The remaining 62 (15%) patients with LVAs were randomly allocated to undergo LVA ablation (group B, n=30) or not (group C, n=32) in a 1:1 fashion. Primary end point was 1-year AF-recurrence-free survival rate. No adverse events related to LVA ablation occurred. Procedural (124±40 versus 95±33 minutes, P=0.003) and fluoroscopic times (29±11 versus 24±8 minutes, P=0.034) were longer in group B than group C. Patients with LVAs demonstrated lower AF-recurrence-free survival rates (88%) than those without LVA (B, 57%, P<0.0001; C, 53%, P<0.0001). However, LVA ablation in addition to pulmonary vein isolation did not impact AF-recurrence-free survival rate (group B versus C, P=0.67). Conclusions The presence of LVA was a strong predictor of AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal AF. However, LVA ablation had no beneficial impact on 1-year rhythm outcomes. Registration URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr; Unique identifier: UMIN000023403.

Left atrial voltage mapping with a direction-independent grid catheter: Comparison with a conventional circular mapping catheter.

INTRODUCTION: A recently introduced grid mapping catheter (GMC) is designed for better electrode-tissue contact and can collect bipolar signals both along and across the splines, which may allow more efficient voltage map generation independent of propagation direction. We compared the GMC with a conventional circular mapping catheter (CMC) for left atrial (LA) voltage mapping. METHODS: This study included 20 consecutive patients undergoing repeat ablation for recurrent atrial fibrillation who had demonstrated LA low-voltage areas (LVAs, <0.10 mV). Following pulmonary vein isolation, LA voltage mapping was performed twice, once using the GMC and once using the CMC. RESULTS: Voltage mapping was more efficient using the GMC than the CMC in terms of mapping time (459 [404, 543] vs 602 [496, 814] seconds; P = .014) and the number of mapping points (2446 [2099, 3104] vs 1841 [1494, 2314]; P = .002). The incidence of catheter-induced ectopies was lower (44 [28, 62] vs 114 [74, 188]; P < .0001) using the GMC. The GMC utilizing all bipoles detected LVAs in 85% of patients with LVAs detected by CMC. LVA measurements were significantly smaller on maps generated by the GMC using bipoles along or across the splines than those measured with the CMC (11.1 [4.6, 17.2] or 9.7 [2.5, 16.0] vs 16.4 [6.8, 26.8] cm2 ; P = .008 and P = .001, respectively), and were even smaller when using all bipoles (7.9 [1.1, 13.5] cm2 , P = .0001). CONCLUSION: The GMC allowed a more efficient mapping procedure and enabled more selective identification of LVAs with smaller LVA size.

Centrifugal Wave Front Propagation Speed for Localizing the Origin of Ventricular Arrhythmias: Investigation Using a New Ultra-High-Resolution Mapping System.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the use of wave front propagation speed on a right ventricular map for determining the earliest activation site as the origin of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). BACKGROUND: VAs with centrifugal right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) activation can be from an RVOT focus or a focus outside the RVOT. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 23 patients with idiopathic outflow tract VAs. Mapping of the RVOT was performed using a new ultra-high-resolution electroanatomic mapping system. The wave front propagation speed was estimated from the area surrounded by a propagated wave front at 5, 10, 15, and 20 ms after the earliest activation. RESULTS: VAs disappeared following ablations in the RVOT in 15 patients (RVOT origin). The remaining 8 patients had VAs of non-RVOT origin determined by ablation success at another site or ablation failure. The areas surrounded by a propagated wave front were significantly smaller in VAs of RVOT origin than non-RVOT VAs at 5 ms (1.0 [0.7 to 1.1] cm2 vs. 2.2 [1.6 to 4.4] cm2), 10 ms (1.9 [1.4 to 2.2] cm2 vs. 4.5 [3.2 to 5.8] cm2), 15 ms (3.2 [2.3 to 4.4] cm2 vs. 7.1 [6.3 to 9.8] cm2), and 20 ms (5.0 [3.0 to 6.6] cm2 vs. 9.8 [9.3 to 14.8] cm2). A propagated area of <5.0 cm2 at 15 ms predicted RVOT VAs with 87% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 91% predictive accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: VAs with slow wave front propagation speed on the right ventricular map indicate an RVOT origin.

Construction of Prediction Models for the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Subtype 1 (TRPV1)-Stimulating Activity of Ginger and Processed Ginger Based on LC-HRMS Data and PLS Regression Analyses.

To construct a model formula to evaluate the thermogenetic effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) from the ingredient information, we established transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1)-stimulating activity prediction models by using a partial least-squares projections to latent structures (PLS) regression analysis in which the ingredient data from liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and the stimulating activity values for TRPV1 receptor were used as explanatory and objective variables, respectively. By optimizing the peak extraction condition of the LC-HRMS data and the data preprocessing parameters of the PLS regression analysis, we succeeded in the construction of a TRPV1-stimulating activity prediction model with high precision ability. We then searched for the components responsible for the TRPV1-stimulating activity by analyzing the loading plot and s-plot of the model, and we identified [6]-gingerol (1) and hexahydrocurcumin (3) as TRPV1-stimulating activity components.

Comparison of Left Atrial Voltage between Sinus Rhythm and Atrial Fibrillation in Association with Electrogram Waveform.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of low-voltage-guided ablation in addition to pulmonary vein (PV) isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported with voltage mapping being performed during sinus rhythm (SR) or AF. The study aimed to compare the left atrial voltage between SR and AF in association with the electrogram waveform. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 30 consecutive patients with persistent AF. After completion of PV isolation, electrogram points were taken during both SR and AF at the identical locations evenly throughout the left atrium. Electrograms were divided into two types: normal (sharp electrogram with ≤3 peaks or duration <50 ms) and fractionated (>3 peaks and duration ≥50 ms). RESULTS: During SR, 14 (47%) patients had low-voltage (0.5 mV) substrate with an area of 6.8 ± 4.5 cm2 . In a total of 1,063 point pairs, 135 (13%) demonstrated a fractionated electrogram during SR and 483 (45%) during AF. The locations with fractionated electrograms during AF more frequently showed fractionation during SR compared to those with normal electrograms during AF (23% vs 5%, P < 0.0001), and had lower amplitude during SR (1.47 ± 1.29 mV vs 2.03 ± 1.19 mV, P < 0.0001). Electrogram amplitude was higher during SR than that during AF (1.77 ± 1.27 mV vs 0.96 ± 0.77 mV, P < 0.0001) with a weak correlation (r = 0.56, P < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the correlation was relatively strong (r = 0.73, P < 0.0001) among the electrogram amplitudes with normal waveform during SR and AF. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in electrogram voltage and fractionation degree may exist between SR and AF at the same locations in patients with persistent AF.

Identification of New Diterpenes as Putative Marker Compounds Distinguishing Agnus Castus Fruit (Chaste Tree) from Shrub Chaste Tree Fruit (Viticis Fructus).

Agnus Castus Fruit is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia as the dried ripe fruit of Vitex agnus-castus. In Europe it is used as a medicine targeting premenstrual syndrome and climacteric disorder. In Japan, Agnus Castus Fruit is becoming popular as a raw material for over-the-counter drugs and health food products, though its congenic species, Vitex rotundifolia and Vitex trifolia, have been used as Shrub Chaste Tree Fruit in traditional medicines. Therefore, it is important to discriminate these Vitex plants from the viewpoint of regulatory science. Here we tried to identify putative marker compounds that distinguish between Agnus Castus Fruit and Shrub Chaste Tree Fruit. We analyzed extracts of each crude drug by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and performed differential analysis by comparison of each chromatogram to find one or more peaks characteristic of Agnus Castus Fruit. A peak was isolated and identified as an equilibrium mixture of new compounds named chastol (1) and epichastol (1a). The planar structures of 1 and 1a were determined spectroscopically. Their relative configurations were revealed by nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy and differential nuclear Overhauser effect-NMR data. Since avoiding contamination from closely related species is needed for the quality control of natural pharmaceuticals, this information will be valuable to establish a method for the quality control of both, Agnus Castus Fruit and Shrub Chaste Tree Fruit products.

Callicarpa longissima extract, carnosol-rich, potently inhibits melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells.

Cosmetic industries focus on developing materials and resources that regulate skin pigmentation. Melanin, the major pigment in human skin, protects the skin against damage from ultraviolet light. An ethanolic extract of the leaves of Callicarpa longissima inhibits melanin production in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells by suppressing microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) gene expression. Following purification and analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), NMR, and biochemical assays, carnosol was determined to be responsible for the major inhibitory effect of the C. longissima extract on melanin production. Carnosol is an oxidative product of carnosic acid, whose presence in the extract was also confirmed by an authentic reference. The carnosol and carnosic acid content in the extract was approximately 16% (w/w). These results suggest that C. longissima is a novel, useful, and attractive source of skin-whitening agents.

Influence of genetic factors on the ephedrine alkaloid composition ratio of Ephedra plants.

We investigated the ephedrine alkaloid [(-)-ephedrine and (+)-pseudoephedrine] composition ratio of a crude Chinese herbal drug described in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia 'Ephedra herb (Chinese name: Mahuang)'. There were marked changes in the alkaloid composition ratio of wild plants in areas where both male and female clusters coexisted. However, in genetically homogeneous areas with the growth of male or female clusters alone, all of the coefficients of the regression lines were positive, but each gradient varied. This suggests that the alkaloid composition ratio has a clear tendency in each individual. Based on this, we cultivated individuals for vegetative propagation, and evaluated the alkaloid content ratio. Those propagated by separating the roots showed a specific tendency regardless of the cultivation area (Wakayama, Tanegashima). Those propagated by separating the herbaceous stem showed a specific tendency regardless of the soil or harvest time. In addition, we surveyed the (-)-ephedrine content ratio of 3- to 6-year-old strains. There was a high positive correlation coefficient between the previous and subsequent years. These findings suggest that the ephedrine alkaloid composition ratio of Ephedra herb depends on genetic factors, but not on environmental factors or the growth period.

Methyl caffeate as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor from Solanum torvum fruits and the activity of related compounds.

In screening experiments for rat intestinal alpha-glucosidase (sucrase and maltase) inhibitors in 325 plants cultivated in Japan's southern island, of Tanegashima, marked inhibition against both sucrase and maltase was found in the extract of the fruit of Solanum torvum. Enzyme-assay guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of methyl caffeate (1) as a rat intestinal sucrase and maltase inhibitor. We examined 13 caffeoyl derivatives for sucrase- and maltase-inhibitory activities. The results showed that methyl caffeate (1) had a most favorable structure for both sucrase and maltase inhibition, except for a higher activity of methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxycinnamate (14) against sucrase. Its moderate inhibitory action against alpha-glucosidase provides a prospect for antidiabetic usage of S. torvum fruit.

[Characteristics of Cannabis sativa L.: seed morphology, germination and growth characteristics, and distinction from Hibiscus cannabinus L].

Illegal cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation is still a social problem worldwide. Fifty inquiries on cannabis that Research Center for Medicinal Plant Resources (Tsukuba Division) received between January 1, 2000 and March 31, 2009 were itemized in to 8 categories; 1: seed identification, 2: plant identification, 3: indoor cultivation, 4: outdoor cultivation, 5: germination and growth characteristics, 6: expected amount of cannabis products derived from illegal cannabis plant, 7: non-narcotic cannabis and 8: usage of medicinal cannabis. Top three inquiries were 1: seed identification (16 cases), 3: indoor cultivation (10 cases) and 4: outdoor cultivation (6 cases). Characteristics of cannabis, namely seed morphology, germination and growth characteristics, and distinction from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) that is frequently misjudged as cannabis, were studied to contribute for prevention of illegal cannabis cultivation.

Screening of indigenous plants from Japan for modulating effects on transformation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor with which halogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as dioxins and benzo[a]pyrene interact as ligands. Since such compounds cause various toxicological effects, including cancer, through the transformation of AhR, it is important to determine influence of modulating factors. It has been reported that certain plant components such as flavonoids and indoles can affect AhR transformation. In this study, to obtain clues to novel ligands of AhR, 191 species of indigenous plants were collected in Japan, and their 50% methanolic extracts (total 368 plant parts) were tested for modulating effects on AhR transformation in a cell-free system using a rat hepatic cytosolic fraction. Among tested extracts at a concentration of 1 mg dry weight of plant/mL, 174 of 368 extracts suppressed 1 nM 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced AhR transformation to 50% or less, while 9 extracts per se induced AhR transformation equivalent to more than 20% of that induced by 1 nM TCDD. Mallotus japonicus (Thunb.) Muell. (leaf) and Trichosanthes rostrata Kitamura (fruit and fruit skin) strongly suppressed 1 nM TCDD-induced AhR transformation, while Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht (seed) per se strongly induced AhR transformation. These results suggest that a large variety of plants in Japan contain various compounds modulating, mainly suppressing, AhR transformation.