Physalin pool from Physalis angulata L. leaves and physalin D inhibit P2X7 receptor function in vitro and acute lung injury in vivo.

P2X7 receptor promotes inflammatory response and neuropathic pain. New drugs capable of impairing inflammation and pain-reducing adverse effects extracted from plant extracts have been studied. Physalis angulate L. possesses traditional uses and exhibits antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, antimalarial, antileishmanial, immunosuppressive, antiasthmatic. diuretic, and antitumor activities. The most representative phytochemical constituents identified with medicinal importance are the physalins and withanolides. However, the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action is scarce. Although some physalins and withanolides subtypes have anti-inflammatory activity, only four physalins subtypes (B, D, F, and G) have further studies. Therefore, we evaluated the crude ethanolic extract enriched with physalins B, D, F, and G from P. angulata leaves, a pool containing the physalins B, D, F, G, and the physalins individually, as P2X7 receptor antagonists. For this purpose, we evaluated ATP-induced dye uptake, macroscopic currents, and interleukin 1-ß (IL-1ß) in vitro. The crude extract and pool dose-dependently inhibited P2X7 receptor function. Thus, physalin B, D, F, and G individually evaluated for 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-induced dye uptake assay, whole-cell patch-clamp, and cytokine release showed distinct antagonist levels. Physalin D displayed higher potency and efficacy than physalin B, F, and G for all these parameters. In vivo mice model as ATP-induced paw edema was potently inhibited for physalin D, in contrast to physalin B, F, and G. ATP and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pleurisy in mice were reversed for physalin D treatment. Molecular modeling and computational simulation predicted the intermolecular interactions between the P2X7 receptor and physalin derivatives. In silico results indicated physalin D and F as a potent allosteric P2X7 receptor antagonist. These data confirm physalin D as a promisor source for developing a new P2X7 receptor antagonist with anti-inflammatory action.

Immunosuppressive 9,10-Secosteroids from the Gorgonian Verrucella umbraculum Collected in the South China Sea.

Four new 9,10-secosteroids, verrucellols A-D (1-4), together with 12 known derivatives (5-16) were isolated from the gorgonian Verrucella umbraculum collected in the South China Sea. The structures of the new compounds were established by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with reported data. These compounds exhibited significant suppressive effects on CD4+ T lymphocyte cell differentiation in an in vitro bioassay. This is the first report of 9,10-secosteroids exhibiting immunomodulation activity.

A new 22,26-seco physalin steroid from Physalis angulata.

A new 22,26-seco physalin, physalin XI (1) together with 5 known compounds, were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of Physalis angulata L. The structure of isolated compounds was elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The effects of isolated compounds on in vitro cytotoxicity were investigated. Compound 1 was assessed for its cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines (HepG2, HeLa, HuCCA-1, T47-D and A-549) and a normal cell line (MRC-5), and the result showed that it has no activity. Compounds 2 and 4 are highly toxic to H69AR and MDA-MB-23 cell lines. This property appears to be related to the presence of their conjugated double bond or epoxy groups and is a more reliable indication of toxicity than substitution on C(5)-C(6).

Sarocladione, a unique 5,10:8,9-diseco-steroid from the deep-sea-derived fungus Sarocladium kiliense.

A novel ergostane, sarocladione (1), was isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungus Sarocladium kiliense, along with 20 known compounds. The structure of 1 was determined mainly by a detailed analysis of its experimental and calculated NMR spectroscopic data. It is worth noting that 1 was the first steroid bearing a 5,10:8,9-diseco moiety. All 21 compounds were tested for in vitro antitumor activities against five cancer cell lines. ß-Sitostenone (7) and 4,6-dihydroxyeudesmane (20) showed significant effects on HeLa-S3 cells with the IC50 values of 9.2 µM and 9.3 µM, respectively.

Aspersecosteroids A and B, Two 11(9 → 10)- abeo-5,10-Secosteroids with a Dioxatetraheterocyclic Ring System from Aspergillus flocculosus 16D-1.

Two 11(9 → 10)- abeo-5,10-secosteroids possessing an unprecedented dioxatetraheterocyclic ring system, aspersecosteroids A (1) and B (2), and a new ergosteroid, asperflosterol (3), were isolated from the sponge-derived fungus Aspergillus flocculosus 16D-1. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction, and computational methods. Compounds 1-3 demonstrated inhibitory effects on key pro-inflammatory cytokine production in THP-1 cells. A biogenetic pathway with oxidative cleavage, Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement, and sequential acetalization as key steps is proposed for 1 and 2.

High performance thin-layer chromatography-mass spectrometry enables reliable analysis of physalins in different plant parts of Physalis alkekengi L.

We developed first HPTLC and HPTLC-MS/MS methods which enable characterization of structurally similar and complex biologically active compounds - physalins - from crude extracts of Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi L.). Separation on HPTLC silica gel plates developed with ethyl acetate-toluene-formic acid (7:3:0.2, v/v) enabled densitometric screening of physalins in absorption and, after post-chromatographic derivatization with sulfuric acid reagent, also in fluorescence mode. Compared to existing (U)HPLC methods, in this case TLC provides an alternative selectivity, better sensitivity and higher resolution, which was exemplified by the separation of physalin L standard and its impurity, identified as 2,3,25,27-tetrahydrophysalin A. Strong ion suppression caused by the developing solvent additive - formic acid - was efficiently solved by two successive plate pre-developments with methanol-formic acid (9:1, v/v) and methanol. This significantly improved the sensitivity of HPTLC-MS/MS method, but also required a slightly modified developing solvent ethyl acetate-toluene-formic acid (6:4:0.2, v/v). Simultaneous hyphenation of HPTLC with a triple quadrupole and an ion trap mass analyzer enabled a reliable and straightforward non-targeted characterization of physalins from the same chromatographic zone (band) and determination of physalin types. The performance of developed HPTLC-densitometric and HPTLC-MS/MS methods was demonstrated by the analysis of physalins from the aqueous extracts, prepared by an optimized fast and simple extraction method under reflux. Variations in physalin profiles and abundances in different parts of P. alkekengi L. harvested at different stages of maturity were observed. This indicates that not all parts of the plant, or plant as a whole, are appropriate for specific medicinal applications. Husks are proposed as the most suitable plant part for P. alkekengi L. quality control, because they exhibited the most obvious MS2 fingerprints of physalins with minimal interferences.

The Anti-inflammatory Activities of Two Major Withanolides from Physalis minima Via Acting on NF-κB, STAT3, and HO-1 in LPS-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells.

Physalis minima has been traditionally used as a folk herbal medicine in China for the treatment of many inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about its anti-inflammatory constituents and associated molecular mechanisms. In our study, withaphysalin A (WA) and 2, 3-dihydro-withaphysalin C (WC), two major withanolide-type compounds, were obtained from the anti-inflammatory fraction of P. minima. Both WA and WC significantly inhibited the production of nitrite oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and several pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 macrophages. Further research indicated that they downregulated the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, they also suppressed nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, phosphorylation of STAT3, and upregulated HO-1 expression. Intriguingly, the activation of MAPKs was suppressed by WA but was not altered by WC. Taken together, these data provide scientific evidence for elucidating the major bioactive constituents and related molecular mechanisms for the traditional use of P. minima and suggest that WA and WC can be attractive therapeutic candidates for various inflammatory diseases.

New anti-inflammatory sterols from a gorgonian Pinnigorgia sp.

Chemical investigation on the EtOAc-soluble fraction from the MeOH/DCM extract of a gorgonian Pinnigorgia sp. afforded two new sterols, 11-acetoxy-24S-methyl-3ß,5α,6α-trihydroxy-9,11-secocholest-7-en-9-one (1) and 5ß,6ß-epoxy-(22E,24R)-ergosta-8,22-diene-3ß,7ß-diol (2). The structures of sterols 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those of related analogues. Both 1 and 2 were shown to significantly inhibit the accumulation of the pro-inflammatory iNOS and COX-2 protein in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells.

Characteristic Steroids from the South China Sea Gorgonian Muricella sibogae and Their Cytotoxicities.

Twenty-four steroid-based natural products, 9,10-secosteroids (1-10), 1,4-dien-3-one steroids (11-19), and 4-en-3-one steroids (20-24), containing varying side-chains, were isolated from the South China Sea gorgonian Muricella sibogae. The structures of one new 9,10-secosteroid, sibogol D (1), and two new 1,4-dien-3-one steroids, sibogols E and F (11 and 12), were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with the literature data. Cytotoxicities for all the isolates were evaluated against four selected tumor cell lines, HL-60, HCT116, K562, and P388. Compounds 3, 9, and 13 exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against the HL-60 cell line, with IC50 values ranging from 1.27 to 10.05 µM, and compound 3 was also cytotoxic against HCT116 with an IC50 value of 5.8 µM. The bioassay results also indicated a potential relationship between structural patterns and activity. The newly presented series of 1,4-dien-3-one and 4-en-3-one types of steroids relating to the unique 9,10-secosteroids in biogenesis were found in this species for the first time, which is of considerable chemotaxonomic significance.

Detection of novel CYP11A1-derived secosteroids in the human epidermis and serum and pig adrenal gland.

To investigate whether novel pathways of vitamin D3 (D3) and 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) metabolism initiated by CYP11A1 and previously characterized in vitro, occur in vivo, we analyzed samples of human serum and epidermis, and pig adrenals for the presence of intermediates and products of these pathways. We extracted human epidermis from 13 individuals and sera from 13 individuals and analyzed them by LC/qTOF-MS alongside the corresponding standards. Pig adrenal glands were also analyzed for these steroids and secosteroids. Epidermal, serum and adrenal samples showed the presence of D3 hydroxy-derivatives corresponding to 20(OH)D3, 22(OH)D3, 25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D3, 20,22(OH)2D3, 20,23(OH)2D3, 20,24(OH)2D3, 20,25(OH)2D3, 20,26(OH)2D3, 1,20,23(OH)3D3 and 17,20,23(OH)3D3, plus 1,20(OH)2D3 which was detectable only in the epidermis. Serum concentrations of 20(OH)D3 and 22(OH)D3 were only 30- and 15-fold lower than 25(OH)D3, respectively, and at levels above those required for biological activity as measured in vitro. We also detected 1,20,24(OH)3D3, 1,20,25(OH)3D3 and 1,20,26(OH)3D3 in the adrenals. Products of CYP11A1 action on 7DHC, namely 22(OH)7DHC, 20,22(OH)27DHC and 7-dehydropregnenolone were also detected in serum, epidermis and the adrenal. Thus, we have detected novel CYP11A1-derived secosteroids in the skin, serum and adrenal gland and based on their concentrations and biological activity suggest that they act as hormones in vivo.

New ursane triterpenoids from Salvia urmiensis Bunge: Absolute configuration and anti-proliferative activity.

Two new triterpenoids, urmiensolide B (1) and urmiensic acid (2), with rare carbon skeletons together with three known compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Salvia urmiensis Bunge, an endemic species of Iran. The structures were established by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR, and HRESIMS, and in the case of 2 and 3, their structures were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The absolute configuration of 2 was established by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. The new compounds were evaluated for their anti-proliferative activities against A549 and MCF-7 human cancer cell lines. Compounds 1 and 2 showed IC50 values of 2.8 and 1.6 µM against MCF-7 cells, respectively.

New 3,4-Secocycloartane and 3,4-Secodammarane Triterpenes from the Ecuadorian Plant Coussarea macrophylla.

Coussarea macrophylla (Mart.) Müll.Arg. (Rubiaceae) was collected in Ecuador, and the bark was extracted with AcOEt. Chromatographic separation afforded six novel 3,4-secocycloartane and 3,4-secodammarane triterpenes, named macrocoussaric acids A-F, together with the known metabolites secaubryenol and 3,4-secodammara-4(28),20,24-triene-3,26-dioic acid. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of their spectroscopic data. This is the first report of 3,4-secocycloartane and 3,4-secodammarane triterpenes occurring in a Coussarea species. Macrocoussaric acids A and B (2 and 3, resp.) were found to be moderately cytotoxic against five different tumor cell lines.

A new 9,11-secosterol with a 1,4-quinone from a Korean marine sponge Ircinia sp.

An intensive investigation of chemical components for Ircinia sp. led to the isolation of a new 9,11-secosterol. The chemical structure of this compound was elucidated based on the interpretation of NMR and MS spectroscopic data. The isolated compound exhibited antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis with MIC values of 6.3 and 25 µg ml(-1), respectively.

Physalin B not only inhibits the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway but also induces incomplete autophagic response in human colon cancer cells in vitro.

AIM: To investigate the effects of physalin B insolated from Physalis divericata on human colon cancer cells in vitro and its anticancer mechanisms. METHODS: Human HCT116 colon cancer cell line was tested. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected, and relevant proteins were measured using Western blot analyses. Autophagosomes were observed in stable GFP-LC3 HCT116 cells. Localization of autophagosomes and lysosomes was evaluated in GFP-LC3/RFP-LAMP1-co-transfected cells. Microtubules and F-actin microfilaments were observed with confocal microscope. Mitochondrial ROS (mito-ROS) was detected with flow cytometry in the cells stained with MitoSox dye. RESULTS: Physalin B inhibited the viability of HCT116 cells with an IC50 value of 1.35 µmol/L. Treatment of the cells with physalin B (2.5-10 µmol/L) induced apoptosis and the cleavage of PARP and caspase-3. Meanwhile, physalin B treatment induced autophagosome formation, and accumulation of LC3-II and p62, but decreased Beclin 1 protein level. Marked changes of microtubules and F-actin microfilaments were observed in physalin B-treated cells, which led to the blockage of co-localization of autophagosomes and lysosomes. Physalin B treatment dose-dependently increased the phosphorylation of p38, ERK and JNK in the cells, whereas the p38 inhibitor SB202190, ERK inhibitor U0126 or JNK inhibitor SP600125 could partially reduce physalin B-induced PARP cleavage and p62 accumulation. Moreover, physalin B treatment dose-dependently increased mito-ROS production in the cells, whereas the ROS scavenger NAC could reverse physalin B-induced effects, including incomplete autophagic response, accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, changes of microtubules and F-actin, activation of p38, ERK and JNK, as well as cell death and apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Physalin B induces mito-ROS, which not only inhibits the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway but also induces incomplete autophagic response in HCT116 cells in vitro.

A new 3,4-seco-oleanane-type triterpenoid with an unusual enedione moiety from Hypericum ascyron.

A novel 3,4-seco-oleanane-type triterpenoid named 3,4-seco-olean-13(18)-ene-12,19-dione-3-oic acid (1), bearing an unusual enedione moiety, was isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum ascyron, together with a known feiedelane-type triterpenoid friedelin (2). The structure of 1 with absolute configuration was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

9,11-Secosteroids with cytotoxic activity from the South China Sea gorgonian coral Subergorgia suberosa.

Nine new 9,11-secosterols (1-9), containing the same 3ß,6α,11-trihydroxy-9,11-seco-5α-cholest-7-en-9-one steroidal nucleus, whereas possessing an array of structurally diverse side chains, along with fourteen known 9,11-secosterol compounds (10-23), were isolated from the South China Sea gorgonian coral Subergorgia suberosa, of which 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, and the known compounds 11/12, 20/21 were five pairs of inseparable C-24 epimers. Their structures were established by the extensive analyses of 1D and 2D NMR spectra, high-resolution chemical ionization mass spectrometry (HRCIMS), and by the comparison with literature data. Cytotoxic effect of these metabolites against the growth of HeLa cell lines was evaluated. The result showed that the inhibitory effect of compounds 1-23 varied considerably depending on the nature of the side chain in spite of sharing the same steroidal nucleus. Compound 19, featuring both the absence of hydroxyl group and the presence of double bond in the stigmasterol side chain, exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity with IC50 being 15.1 µM. The preliminary structure activity relationship studies identified some important structural features considerably influencing the biological effect deserved, providing valuable information for chemists and pharmacologists to design and synthesize more effective antitumor agents bearing the 9,11-secosteroid framework.

A new 3,4-seco-cycloartane from the leaves of Hopea odorata Roxb.

A new 3,4-seco-cycloartane, identified as (24R,25S)-dihydroxy-26-O-nonadecylcarbonyloxy-3,4-secocycloarta-4(28)-en-3-oic acid (1), has been isolated from the leaves of Hopea odorata Roxb. (Dipterocarpaceae), together with the rare 3,4-seco-cycloart-4(28),24-diene-3,26-dioic acid (2 or abiesatrine J) and six other known compounds (3-8). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of both chemical and spectroscopic methods.

Subergorgiaols A-L, 9,10-secosteroids from the South China Sea gorgonian Subergorgia rubra.

Twelve new 9,10-secosteroids designated as subergorgiaols A-L (1-12), along with four known analogues (13-16), were isolated from the gorgonian Subergorgia rubra collected from the South China Sea. Their planar structures and the relative configurations were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic methods including NOESY spectra. The absolute configuration of 1 was established by a dimolybdenum tetraacetate [Mo2(AcO)4] induced circular dichroism (ICD) procedure and the modified Mosher's method. Compounds 1-12 represent the first series of 9,10-secosteroids characterized with a hydroxy group at C-8, which are 8-OH derivatives of astrogorgiadiols/calicoferols. Compound 4 exhibited cytotoxicity against the cervical carcinoma cell line (CaSki) with an IC50 value of 2.4 µM, and 6 showed toxicity toward brine shrimp Artemia salina with an LC50 value of 2.0 µM.

Antinociceptive properties of physalins from Physalis angulata.

Pain is the most common reason a patient sees a physician. Nevertheless, the use of typical painkillers is not completely effective in controlling all pain syndromes; therefore further attempts have been made to develop improved analgesic drugs. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antinociceptive properties of physalins B (1), D (2), F (3), and G (4) isolated from Physalis angulata in inflammatory and centrally mediated pain tests in mice. Systemic pretreatment with 1-4 produced dose-related antinociceptive effects on the writhing and formalin tests, traditional screening tools for the assessment of analgesic drugs. On the other hand, only 3 inhibited inflammatory parameters such as hyperalgesia, edema, and local production of TNF-α following induction with complete Freund's adjuvant. Treatment with 1, 3, and 4 produced an antinociceptive effect on the tail flick test, suggesting a centrally mediated antinociception. Reinforcing this idea, 2-4 enhanced the mice latency reaction time during the hot plate test. Mice treated with physalins did not demonstrate motor performance alterations. These results suggest that 1-4 present antinociceptive properties associated with central, but not anti-inflammatory, events and indicate a new pharmacological property of physalins.

Bioactive 9,11-secosteroids from Gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa collected from the South China sea.

Five new 9,11-secosteroids 1, 2, and 4-6, and seven known analogs, 3 and 7-12, with the same steroid skeleton, (5αH)-3ß,6α,11-trihydroxy-9,11-secocholest-7-en-9-one, were isolated from the South China Sea gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa. Among them, 2/3 and 4/5 are C(24)-epimeric mixtures, and 6/7 is an (E)/(Z) mixture of (C(24)C(28)). Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by using comprehensive spectroscopic methods including NOESY spectra. The absolute configuration of the steroidal nucleus was established by the modified Mosher method applied to 10 and on the basis of a common biogenesis for all of these compounds. All isolated compounds, 1-12, and five synthetic acetylated derivatives, 12a-12e, were evaluated for their cytotoxicities in vitro. Compounds 4/5, 11, 12, and 12b-12d showed cytotoxic activities against K562 cell line with the IC50 values ranging from 1.09 to 8.12 µM.