Inhibition Effect of Eucommia ulmoides Leaf Extract on Interleukin 8 Production by A549 Cells.

Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airway mucosa. As Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaf extract (ELE) has been known to have anti-inflammatory properties, herein, we investigated the effect of ELE on interleukin (IL-) 8 production in A549 cells, a human airway epithelial cell line. The addition of ELE 1 h before tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) stimulation inhibited IL-8 production by A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The addition of geniposidic acid, the main component of ELE, also inhibited IL-8 production. To further investigate the mechanism by which ELE inhibits IL-8 production, the effect of ELE or geniposidic acid on TNFα-stimulated p38 phosphorylation was examined by Western blotting. After 30 min of TNFα stimulation, p38 phosphorylation was inhibited by the addition of ELE or geniposidic acid, suggesting that ELE inhibited IL-8 production in TNFα-stimulated A549 cells by suppressing one of the signal transducers of p38 phosphorylation. These results indicate that ELE can be used as an effective measure against asthma, particularly neutrophilic asthma.

[Dexmedetomidine for endoscopic submucosal dissection in a patient with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Here we report an anesthetic management of a 74-year-old man with gastric cancer and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We maintained spontaneous breathing during ESD under monitored anesthesia care with dexmedetomidine (DEX). ESD lasted 5.5 hours with sufficient analgesia, and he required no airway management with the exception of supplemental mask oxygen during the procedures. He tolerated the procedure well and recovered with no complications. He was discharged without sequelae on the fifth postoperative day. DEX is a selective alpha2 agonist that has both sedative and analgesic properties, and it does not suppress ventilation. It should be used judiciously, and understanding the potential adverse effects and how to treat them is of paramount importance. However, with vigilant monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and level of consciousness during the ESD, it can be administered safely, thus lessening the anesthetic requirements and possibly improving the surgical outcome of the high risk patients. Especially, patients with severe COPD have demonstrated an increased risk for oxygen desaturation following general anesthesia, and to avoid this complication, spontaneous breathing sedation with DEX during ESD is one of the suitable management methods for COPD patients.

[Acute pulmonary edema in adult caused by tonsillar hypertrophy following removal of laryngeal mask airway].

Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) has been described after acute airway obstruction. In the following case, we observed a rare occurrence of pulmonary edema caused by chronic tonsillar hypertrophy in a woman following removal of laryngeal mask airway (LMA). A 38-year-old woman with breast cancer underwent mastectomy under general anesthesia using the LMA. With the patient fully awake, the LMA was removed. Abruptly 7 minutes afterward, she showed signs of intense dyspnea, generalized rhonchus and progressive desaturation, and obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy was noticed. Acute lung edema was suspected and treatment started with oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, intravenous corticoids and loop diuretics. She was then intubated to secure airway and provide adequate ventilation with PEEP. Fortunately, the symptoms progressively remitted satisfactorily, and she was subsequently extubated 18 hours later with no complications. NPPE is an infrequent medical emergency and its early diagnosis and recognition are likely to lead to successful management of this potentially serious complication.

[Tube introducer catheter as an adjunct to the airway scope for tracheal intubation in a manikin model].

BACKGROUND: The Airway Scope (AWS) is a video laryngoscope and there are some problems associated with its use in insertion of the tracheal tube despite its ability to view the glottis. For the purpose of improving the problems, we devised the tube introducer catheter (TIC) for use with AWS. METHODS: Using the normal and fixed bent orotracheal tubes, wire-reinforced endotracheal tube, PORTEX and Phycon double lumen tubes, and Univent tube, TIC was attached to one of these tubes with AWS. And, we compared the efficacy and safety of the TIC with the AWS in facilitating tracheal intubation in a manikin model. RESULTS: With about all tubes, correct placement of the endotracheal tube was achieved in the TIC-facilitated tracheal intubations. In addition, the TIC can administer oxygen to prevent desaturation during the intubation. Excessive secretions in the oropharynx were effectively removed under vision with the TIC connected to the suction catheter. The topical anesthetics were sprayed on the vocal cords through the spray channels of the TIC. Furthermore, it can be used for exchange of tracheal tube in a patient. CONCLUSIONS: The TIC was significantly effective in facilitating tracheal intubation using the AWS in a manikin model.

[New lung isolation device, Fuggiano's bronchial blocker, facilitates lung isolation more effectively].

BACKGROUND: One-lung ventilation and lung isolation are frequently required in thoracic surgery. In clinical practice, lung isolation is achieved by use of a double-lumen endotracheal tube and a bronchial blocker. A novel bagel shaped bronchial blocker, the Fuggiano's bronchial blocker, has been designed to prevent displacement of the blocker from its position in the bronchus. In this study, we evaluated the clinical performance of the Fuggiano's bronchial blocker for the lung isolation. METHODS: In thirty patients undergoing thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, the Fuggiano's bronchial blockers were placed to the bronchus. Fifteen patients received a left-sided bronchial block, and fifteen a right-sided block. The position of the devices was checked using fibreoptic bronchoscope. RESULTS: In all cases, successful lung isolation and the properly collapsed lung were achieved. It took significantly longer time to place a right bronchial block. Intraoperative repositioning of the device was not required. The quality of lung deflation was judged excellent in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, for routine use, the Fuggiano's bronchial blocker is preferable to achieve a lung isolation because of its facility in placement and a better quality of lung deflation. Fuggiano's bronchial blocker may be an alternative airway device for one-lung ventilation, and further work is required.

Studies on the constituents from the fruits of Phaleria macrocarpa.

From the fruits of Phaleria macrocarpa, icariside C(3) (1), phalerin (2), and mangiferin (3) were isolated and their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic data. Icariside C(3) (1) showed a slow vasorelaxant activity against noradrenaline-induced contraction of isolated rat aorta. The structure of phalerin (2) was revised as 2,4',6-trihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-2-O-beta-D-glucoside.

Cyclonatsudamine A, a new vasodilator cyclic peptide from Citrus natsudaidai.

A new cyclic heptapeptide, cyclonatsudamine A (1), cyclo (-Gly-Tyr-Leu-Leu-Pro-Pro-Ser-), has been isolated from the peels of Citrus natsudaidai and the structure was elucidated by 2D NMR analysis and chemical degradation. Cyclonatsudamine A (1) relaxed norepinephrine-induced contractions of rat aorta, which may be mediated through the increased release of NO from endothelial cells.

Vasorelaxant effects of Acer nikoense extract and isolated coumarinolignans on rat aortic rings.

The organic extract of the heartwood of Acer nikoense Maxim. (Aceraceae) showed vasorelaxant activity on rat aorta with or without endothelium. Coumarin [scopoletin (1)] and coumarinolignans [cleomiscosin A (2) and aquillochin (3)] were isolated as major constituents from the organic extract of the heartwood of A. nikoense. Compounds 1-3 exhibited moderate vasorelaxant effects on rat aorta, while 2 and 3 showed vasorelaxant effects in the norepinephrine-stimulated and also in high K+-depolarized preparations.

Inhibitory effects of methyl brevifolincarboxylate isolated from Phyllanthus niruri L. on platelet aggregation.

A platelet-aggregatory inhibitor was isolated from the 50% MeOH extract of Phyllanthus niruri L. leaf. Its structure was determined to be methyl brevifolincarboxylate on the basis of the 1H-, 13C-NMR, and high-resolution mass spectral data. We compared the antiplatelet aggregatory effects of the constituent with adenosine, a well-known inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation was induced by collagen or adenosine 5'-diphosphate as an activating agent; the extent of inhibition was monitored with a platelet aggregometer employing a laser-scattering method. The inhibitory effects of methyl brevifolincarboxylate were found to be as potent as adenosine that is known to act on an A2A subtype receptor.

Structure of a new cyclic nonapeptide, segetalin F, and vasorelaxant activity of segetalins from Vaccaria segetalis.

A new cyclic nonapeptide, segetalin F, has been isolated from the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis and the structure including absolute stereochemistry was elucidated by using 2D NMR and chemical means. A series of segetalins showed a vasorelaxant activity against norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractions of rat aorta.

Vasorelaxant activity of cyclic peptide, cyclosquamosin B, from Annona squamosa.

A cyclic octapeptide, cyclosquamosin B (2), isolated from the seeds of Annona squamosa showed a vasorelaxant effect on rat aorta. It showed a slow relaxation activity against norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractions of rat aorta with/without endothelium. It showed inhibition effect on vasocontraction of depolarized aorta with high concentration potassium, but moderately inhibition effect on NE-induced contraction in the presence of nicardipine. These results showed that the vasorelaxant effect by 2 might be attributed mainly to inhibition of calcium influx from extracellular space through voltage-dependent calcium channels.

Cycloleonuripeptides E and F, cyclic nonapeptides from Leonurus heterophyllus.

Two new cyclic nonapeptides, cycloleonuripeptide E, cyclo (-Ala-Pro-Ile-Val-Ala-Ala-Phe-Thr-Pro-), and cycloleonuripeptide F, cyclo (-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Leu-Pro-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Pro-), have been isolated from the fruits of Leonurus heterophyllus, and their structures were elucidated by 2D NMR analysis and chemical degradation. Cycloleonuripeptides E (1) and F (2) showed moderate vasorelaxant effects on rat aorta.

Daphmanidins E and F, alkaloids from Daphniphyllum teijsmannii.

Two new Daphniphyllum alkaloids, daphmanidins E (1) and F (2), have been isolated from the leaves of Daphniphyllum teijsmannii, and the structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Daphmanidins E and F showed a moderate vasorelaxant effect on rat aorta.

Vasorelaxant effects of methyl brevifolincarboxylate from the leaves of Phyllanthus niruri.

Methyl brevifolincarboxylate (1) isolated from the leaves of Phyllanthus niruri L. showed a vasorelaxant effect on rat aortic rings. Compound 1 exhibited slow relaxation activity against norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractions of rat aorta with or without endothelium. The compound did not affect contractions induced by a high concentration (60 mM) of K+, whereas it inhibited NE-induced vasocontraction in the presence of nicardipine. These results suggest that the inhibition of NE-induced vasocontraction by compound 1 is in part attributable to a decrease in [Ca2+]i through receptor-operated Ca2+ channels.

Dichotomins J and K, vasodilator cyclic peptides from Stellaria dichotoma.

Two new cyclic peptides, dichotomins J (1) and K (2), have been isolated from the roots of Stellaria dichotoma, and their structures were elucidated by chemical degradation and extensive 2D NMR methods. Dichotomins J (1) and K (2) showed a moderate vasorelaxant effect on rat aorta.

4-benzyl-3-phenyl-5H-furan-2-one, a vasodilator isolated from Malbranchea filamentosa IFM 41300.

Screening of Malbranchea filamentosa IFM 41300 for bioactive compounds led to the identification of 4-benzyl-3-phenyl-5H-furan-2-one (1) as a vasodilator and erythroglaucin (2). The structure of 1 was established on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical investigations. Compound 1 inhibited Ca2+-induced vasocintraction in aortic rings pretreated with high K+ (60mM) or norepinephrine. Finally, compound 1 did not exhibit activity against human pathogenic microorganisms.

[Vasorelaxant effects of forsythiaside from the fruits of Forsythia suspensa].

The vasorelaxant effects of forsythiaside (compound 1) from the fruits of Forsythia suspensa on isolated rat aortic rings were studied. Compound 1 showed a slow relaxation activity against norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractions of rat aorta with/without endothelium. This compound did not affect contractions induced by a high concentration of potassium (K(+) 60 mM), while it inhibited NE-induced vasocontraction in the presence of nicardipine. These results show that the inhibition by compound 1 of NE-induced vasocontraction is due to a decrease in calcium influx from the extracellular space caused by NE.

[Vasorelaxant activity of N-caffeoylamino acids].

Twelve N-caffeoylamino acids and N-cinnamoylamino acids were synthesized and their vasorelaxation activity against norepinephrine (NE)-induced contraction of rat aorta was examined. The following structure-activity relationships were found. 1) On the benzene ring, the caffeoyl structure is effective for vasorelaxation, while the cinnamoyl structure reduced vasorelaxation activity. 2) Four to six carbons are more effective as the carbon chain connecting the acylamino and carboxyl terminal groups. N-Caffeoyl-beta-alanine and N-caffeoyltranexamic acid were used to investigate the action mechanism of vasorelaxing activities. It is believed that these compounds antagonize NE-induced vasocontraction by inhibiting receptor-operated calcium channels.

Adenine, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, from the leaves of Cassia alata.

Adenine was isolated as a platelet aggregating inhibitor from the leaves of Cassia alata by HPLC using a triacontylsilyl silica (C(30)) column. The inhibitory effects of adenine and adenosine (positive control) on the platelet aggregation induced by collagen or adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) as an aggregating agent was evaluated with a platelet aggregometer using a laser-scattering method. As a result, the inhibitory effect of adenine was observed in the platelet aggregation induced by collagen (1.0 microg/ml as the final concentration), but little inhibitory effect was noted in the aggregation induced by ADP (5.0 microM as the final concentration), whereas adenosine exhibited potent inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation induced both by collagen and ADP under the same experimental conditions.