Discovery of Alkyl Triphenylphosphonium Pinostrobin Derivatives as Potent Anti-Breast Cancer Agents.

Pinostrobin demonstrated anticancer properties, but its hydrophobic feature led to a reduction in bioavailability. The mitochondria-targeted approach successfully synthesized eight new alkyl triphenylphosphonium pinostrobin derivatives (1-8) with good yield in this study. Seven compounds (1-3, 5-8) showed greater cytotoxic potency against the human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line than pinostrobin. Molecular docking studies were performed with two important targets in hormone-dependent anticancer strategies, estrogen receptor α (ERα) ligand binding domains, 3ERT (antagonist recognition and antiproliferative function), and 1GWR (agonist recognition and pro-proliferative function). In addition, the MD simulation study of the two most potent compounds (2 and 3) complexed with both ERα forms suggested that compounds 2 and 3 could serve as favourable antagonists. Furthermore, the in silico ADMET prediction indicated that compounds 2 and 3 could be potential drug candidates.

In vitro biological evaluation and in silico studies of linear diarylheptanoids from Curcuma aromatica Salisb. as urease inhibitors.

Plants of the Zingiberaceae family, specifically those belonging to the Curcuma species, are commonly under consideration as potential therapeutic agents for the management of gastrointestinal diseases. In this study, we carried out a phytochemical study on Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (or so-called "Nghe trang" in Vietnamese) grown in Vietnam, which yields three newly discovered 3,5-diacetoxy diarylheptanoids (1-3) and six known 3,5-dihydroxyl diarylheptanoids (4-9). The bioactivity assessment shows that all isolated compounds, except compounds 3, 7, and 8, could inhibit urease. Compounds 4 and 9 significantly inhibit urease, with an IC50 value of 9.6 and 21.4 µM, respectively, more substantial than the positive control, hydroxyurea (IC50 = 77.4 µM). The structure-activity relationship (SAR) of linear diarylheptanoids was also established, suggesting that the hydroxyl groups at any position of skeleton diarylheptanoids are essential for exerting anti-urease action. Through a comparative analysis of the binding sites of hydroxyurea and diarylheptanoid compounds via our constructed in silico model, the mechanism of action of diarylheptanoid compounds is predicted to bind to the dynamic region close to the dinickel active center, resulting in a loss of catalytic activity. Such insights certainly help design and/or find diarylheptanoid-based compounds for treating gastric ulcers through inhibiting urease.

A new apotirucallane-type protolimonoid from the leaves of Paramignya trimera.

This study presents a phytochemical analysis of the leaves of Paramignya trimera, revealing the isolation of a new apotirucallane-type protolimonoid, identified as 25-O-methyl-1,2-dihydroprotoxylocarpin D (1), along with two known compounds (2 and 3). The known compounds were identified as (20S,21R,23R)-21,23-epoxy-7α,24,25-trihydroxy-21-O-methyl-3-oxoapotirucalla-14-ene (2) and 7α,24,25-trihydroxy-3-oxoapotirucalla-14-en-21,23-olide (3). The three apotirucallane-type protolimonoids (1-3) did not exhibit cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells at a concentration of 100 µM. Interestingly, when MCF-7 cells were treated with compound 1 at various concentrations, a notable stimulatory response was observed, leading to a significant increase in cell viability, up to 127%.

A novel diphenylbutenoid-type compound from the rhizomes of Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr. (Zingiberaceae).

From the EtOAc-soluble extract of the rhizomes of Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr., a novel diphenylbutenoid, montadinin A (1) and a previously unreported phenylbutenoid compound, 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-ol (7), in natural source were isolated. Additionally, seven known phenylbutenoids were also identified. The structures of all compounds were elucidated through NMR spectroscopic interpretation. Compounds cis-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (2), cis-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]-3-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)cyclohex-1-ene (3), trans-3-(3,4,-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-2,4,5-trimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (5), and cis-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(Z)-2,4,5-trimethoxylstyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (6) showed weak cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with IC50 values of 122.9, 127.3, 257.5, and 168.5 µM, respectively.

Taxotrophises A and B, two new polyphenols from the stems of Taxotrophis ilicifolius.

From the EtOAc extract of the wood of the stems of Taxotrophis ilicifolius (Moraceae), two new secondary metabolites, named taxotrophises A (1) and B (2), were isolated, together with five known compounds (3-7). Their chemical structures have been elucidated by extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis. All isolated compounds have been evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. In the present work, compounds 1 and 4 showed the strongest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 6.5 and 1.5 µM, respectively, and stronger than that of a positive control, acarbose (IC50; 214.5 µM).

Management of Wrong Blood Transfusion to an RhD Negative Woman in Labor.

Blood transfusion is life-saving in massive hemorrhage. Before pre-transfusion tests with ABO and RhD typing results are available, O RhD negative packed red blood cell (PRBC) units are used without cross-matching in emergency. RhD negative girls and women of child-bearing age should always receive RhD negative blood transfusions to prevent RhD-alloimmunization because anti-D-related hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) can result in mild to severe anemia, and in a worst-case scenario death of an RhD positive fetus and/or newborn. However, "wrong blood to wrong patient" happens unintentionally. Here we report an emergency blood transfusion with one unit of RhD positive PRBCs to an RhD negative young woman when estimated blood loss was 2500 mL during delivery and surgical removal of retained placenta. Realizing the mistake, management with high dose anti-D immunoglobulin (Ig) was initiated to remove the RhD positive red blood cells (RBCs) from the patient's circulation. Such mitigation is recommended only for girls and women of child-bearing age. Follow-up was performed by flow cytometry until RhD positive RBCs were no longer detected. Ten months after the delivery, antibody screening was negative. However, we still do not know whether we managed to prevent RhD-alloimmunization.

Two new phenylbutenoids from the rhizomes of cassumunar ginger and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

An extract from the rhizomes of Cassumunar ginger (Zingiber purpureum Roscoe). was found to have significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 6.3 µg/mL. Two new phenylbutenoids, cassudimin A (1) and cassumunol N (2), and seven known compounds (3-9) were isolated. Their structures and relative configurations of two new compounds were elucidated based on spectra interpretation. Compounds 1-3, 6-9 showed more potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than a positive control, acarbose (IC50 = 168.0 µM). Dehydrozingerone (6) exhibited the most potent α-glucosidase inhibition with an IC50 value of 8.3 µM. Compounds 7 and 9 were found in Z. purpureum rhizomes for the first time.

A New abeo-Icetexane-Type Diterpenoid from the Stem Barks of Taxus wallichiana.

From a CH2 Cl2 -soluble fraction of the stem barks of Taxus wallichiana, one new abeo-icetexane-type diterpenoid, taxamairin I (1), was isolated. Its absolute configuration was elucidated based on spectroscopic interpretation and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculation of optical rotation. In addition, the plausible biosynthesis pathway for the formation of the new abeo-icetexane-type diterpenoid was proposed. Taxamairin I (1), at a concentration of 100 µM, did not show cytotoxicity against Hep3B human liver cancer cell lines.

Inflammatory markers calprotectin, NETs, syndecan-1 and neopterin in COVID-19 convalescent blood donors.

Persisting inflammation has been discovered in lungs and other parenchymatous organs of some COVID-19 convalescents. Calprotectin, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), syndecan-1 and neopterin are general key inflammatory markers, and systemically enhanced levels of them may remain after the COVID-19 infection. These inflammatory markers were therefore measured in serum samples of 129 COVID-19 convalescent and 27 healthy blood donors or employees at Oslo Blood bank, Norway. Also antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen were measured, and timing of sampling and severity of infection noted. Whereas neopterin and NETs values remained low and those for syndecan-1 were not raised to statistically significant level, concentrations for calprotectin, as measured by a novel mixed monoclonal assay, were significantly increased in the convalescents. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen were elevated, but did not correlate with levels of inflammatory markers. Difference between the groups in only one biomarker makes evaluation of ongoing or residual inflammation in the convalescents difficult. If there is a low-grade inflammation, it would in that case involve neutrophils.

Paratrimerin Z, an undescribed chromene derivative from the roots of Paramignya trimera.

From an EtOAc-soluble fraction of the roots of Paramignya trimera, one undescribed chromene derivative, paratrimerin Z (1), was isolated. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic interpretation. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by the specific rotation analysis of its acid-catalyzed hydrolysis product. Paratrimerin Z (1), at a concentration of 100 µM, did not show cytotoxicity against Hep3B human liver cancer cell line.

A new flavanone derivative from the rhizomes of Boesenbergia pandurata.

From the methanolic extract of the rhizomes of Boesenbergia pandurata, a new flavanone derivative named (2R,7″S)-8-(1-phenyl-2-carboxyethyl)pinocembrin (1) and four known flavonoids (2-5) were isolated. Its absolute configuration was concluded by NMR and MS spectroscopic analysis, together with comparison between experimental and calculated ECD data. In turn, compound 1 exhibited strong cytotoxicity against the PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cell line with a PC50 value of 6.4 µM under nutrient-deprived conditions, comparable with that of arctigenin (PC50, 0.83 µM).

Strebluses E-H, four new stilbene-like derivatives from the stems of Streblus ilicifolius.

Following bioactivity-guided isolation, four new stilbene-like derivatives, named Strebluses E-H, were isolated from the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the stems of Streblus ilicifolius (Moraceae). Their chemical structures were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic data interpretation and optical rotation calculation. Streblus E possesses potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.1 µM. Oxy-tyrosinase has two bound Cu2+ ions and a peroxide group in the binding site, which has a role in the catalytic oxidation. Thus, a docking study of Streblus E with oxy-tyrosinase was performed to analyze the ligand-protein interactions. With in silico modelling, the S value and the ligand-protein interactions suggested that Streblus E showed lower binding affinity for oxy-tyrosinase than that of Streblus C.

A new 8,3'-neolignan from Solanum procumbens Lour.

The phytochemical investigation of the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the aerial parts of Solanum procumbens Lour. has been carried out to obtain seven compounds, including a new 8,3'-neolignan named solacanin A (1). Their chemical structures were elucidated based on the spectroscopic data interpretation. All isolated compounds were tested for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 1 and 3-6 showed inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 221.5, 18.9, 6.0, 104.1, and 219.7 µM, respectively.[Formula: see text].

Two new derivatives of 8-prenyl-5,7-dihydroxycoumarin from the stems of Streblus ilicifolius (S.Vidal) Corn.

From the EtOAc-soluble extract of the stems of Streblus ilicifolius (Moraceae), two new secondary metabolites named strebluses A (1) and B (2) were isolated. Their chemical structures have been concluded based on the chemical derivatisation and the spectroscopic interpretation. All compounds have been tested for their tyrosinase inhibitory activity. They showed weaker inhibitory activity than that of kojic acid (IC50, 44.6 µM).[Formula: see text].

A new diphenylheptanoid from the rhizomes of Curcuma zedoaria.

A phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of Curcuma zedoaria was carried out, leading to the isolation of a new diphenylheptanoid, zedoaroxane A (1), together with four known compounds (2-5). Their structures were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic data. All isolated compounds possessed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with the IC50 values ranging from 35.2 to 89.0 µM, more potent than that of the positive control acarbose (IC50, 214.5 µM).

A new lignan from the stems of Buchanania lucida Blume (Anacardiaceae).

From the EtOAc-soluble extract of the stems of Buchanania lucida, one new lignan, (+)-(8S,8'S)-5'-methoxy-4,4'-di-O-methylsecoisolariciresinol (1), together with five known compounds (2-6) were isolated. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic interpretation. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined based on the Cotton effects in the ECD spectrum. In the tyrosinase inhibitory activity test, p-hydroxybenzoic acid (6) showed the strong effect, with an IC50 value of 9.35 µM.

δ-Tocopherol derivatives from the leaves of Muntingia calabura L.

From an ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the leaves of Muntingia calabura, one new trimeric δ-tocopherol derivative named as tocomuntin A (1), together with three known δ-tocopherol derivatives (2-4) were isolated. Their structures were elucidated based on the interpretation of NMR and MS spectroscopic data. In this work, δ-tocopherol (3) was found to have α-glucosidase inhibitory activity for the first time (IC50, 47.3 µM).

A new phenolic acid from the wood of Mangifera gedebe.

From the methanol extract of the wood of Mangifera gedebe (Anacardiaceae), we had isolated a new secondary metabolite named gedebic acid (1) and six known compounds (2-7). Their chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic methods as well as comparing with data in the literature. All compounds were tested for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 4-7 showed more potent inhibitory activity, with IC50 values ranging from 45.3 to 142.6 µM, than that of a positive control acarbose (IC50, 214.5 µM).

α-Conidendrin inhibits the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 induced by tumor necrosis factor-α in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells.

α-Conidendrin is a lignan isolated from Taxus wallichiana and other species. In the present study, we demonstrated that α-conidendrin inhibited the cell-surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) at an IC50 value of 40-60 µM in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. α-Conidendrin decreased ICAM-1 protein and mRNA expression levels at concentrations of 40-100 µM in TNF-α-stimulated A549 cells. The TNF-α-induced mRNA expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin, and cyclooxygenase-2 was also reduced by α-conidendrin. In the TNF-α-induced nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, α-conidendrin did not influence the translocation of the NF-κB subunit RelA from the cytoplasm to the nucleus at concentrations up to 100 µM. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that α-conidendrin at 100 µM reduced the binding of RelA to the ICAM-1 promoter in response to a stimulation with TNF-α. Collectively, these results indicated that α-conidendrin interfered with the DNA binding of RelA to the ICAM-1 promoter, thereby reducing ICAM-1 transcription.