Identification and characterization of chlorin e(4) ethyl ester in sera of individuals participating in the chlorophyllin chemoprevention trial.

Chlorophyllin (CHL), a mixture of water soluble derivatives of chlorophyll, has been shown to be an effective inhibitor of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) carcinogenesis and AFB(1)-DNA adduct formation in rainbow trout and rats [Breinholt, V., Hendricks, J., Pereira, C., Arbogast, D., and Bailey, G. (1995) Cancer Res. 55, 57-62; Kensler, T. W., Groopman, J. D., and Roebuck, B. D. (1998) Mutat. Res. 402, 165-172]. The chemopreventive action of CHL has been previously attributed to molecular complexing. In 1997, a randomized, double-blind clinical trial of CHL was conducted in Qidong, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China. At the completion of the study, when serum samples were regrouped by subject identification number, it was noted that many of the participant samples were green in color. Using HPLC, ESI/MS, and MS/MS techniques, serum samples from individuals receiving CHL were found to contain previously unreported copper chlorin e(4) ethyl ester (CuCle(4) ethyl ester) as well as copper chlorin e(4) (CuCle(4)). Both chlorins originated in the study tablet, were absorbed into the bloodstream, and conferred a green color to the sera. This initial finding of in vivo absorption and bioavailability of two chlorin derivatives suggests that the mechanism of CHL chemoprevention may lie in the actions of these two components in vivo in addition to preventing carcinogen absorption from the gut.

An American Board of Orthodontics case report. Orthodontic treatment of a patient born with a severe right unilateral cleft lip and palate.

The patient was born with a severe cleft of the right lip, alveolus, and palate. After surgical correction of these defects at a very young age, the patient began a 6-year period of active orthodontic treatment at the Eastman Dental Center. With the cooperation of the patient and his parents, successful results, both dentally and skeletally, have been achieved. The treatment results have been stable during the 3-year period following the initial placement of retention. The postretention records show a molar relationship within normal limits and some return of the original spacing located in the mandibular anterior segment. The bonded "Maryland bar" is still in place and the cast single-tooth partial is still being used. At the proper time, a fixed permanent bridge is planned.