A systematic review and meta-analysis of the stability of peripheral immune markers in healthy adults.

Peripheral immune markers are widely used to predict risk for inflammatory disease. However, whether single assessments of inflammatory biomarkers represent stable individual differences remains unclear. We reviewed 50 studies (N = 48,674; 57 % male; mean age 54 (range 13-79) years) that assessed markers of inflammation on >1 occasion, with time between measures ranging from 24 h to 7+ years. Separate random effects meta-analyses were conducted for each inflammatory marker and time interval. Markers that had broad coverage across most time intervals included C-reactive protein (CRP; k = 37), interleukin (IL)-6 (k = 22), TNF-α (k = 10), and fibrinogen (Fg; k = 9). For CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α, stability estimates generally decreased with time, with strong to moderate stability over intervals <6 months (r's = 0.80-0.61), modest to moderate stability over 6 months - 3 years (r's = 0.60-0.51), and low stability for >3 years (r's = 0.39-0.30). Estimates were less reliable for Fg for time intervals ≤ 3 years although they generally followed the same pattern; more reliable findings suggested greater stability for Fg than other markers for intervals >3 years (r = 0.53). These findings suggest that single measures of inflammatory biomarkers may be an adequate index of stable individual differences in the short term (<6 months), with repeated measures of inflammatory biomarkers recommended over intervals ≥ 6 months to 3 years, and absolutely necessary over intervals >3 years to reliably identify stable individual differences in health risk. These findings are consistent with stability estimates and clinical recommendations for repeated measurement of other cardiovascular measures of risk (e.g., blood lipids, blood pressure).

A rifapentine-containing inhaled triple antibiotic formulation for rapid treatment of tubercular infection.

PURPOSE: The potential for rifapentine-containing oral therapeutic regimens to significantly shorten the current six-month anti-tubercular treatment regimen is confounded by high plasma protein binding of rifapentine. Inhaled aerosol delivery of rifapentine, a more potent anti-tubercular antibiotic drug, in combination with other first-line antibiotics may overcome this limitation to deliver a high drug dose at the pulmonary site of infection. METHODS: A formulation consisting of rifapentine, moxifloxacin and pyrazinamide, with and without leucine, was prepared by spray-drying. This formulation was assessed for its physico-chemical properties, in vitro aerosol performance and antimicrobial activity. RESULTS: The antibiotic powders, with and without leucine, had similar median aerodynamic diameters of 2.58 ± 0.08 µm and 2.51 ± 0.06 µm, with a relatively high fine particle fraction of 55.5 ± 1.9% and 63.6 ± 2.0%, respectively. Although the powders were mostly amorphous, some crystalline peaks associated with the δ polymorph for the spray-dried crystalline pyrazinamide were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Stabilisation of the powder with 10% w/w leucine and protection from moisture ingress was found to be necessary to prevent overt crystallisation of pyrazinamide after long-term storage. In vitro biological assays indicated antimicrobial activity was retained after spray-drying. Murine pharmacokinetic studies are currently underway.

(S)-[6]-Gingerol enhances glucose uptake in L6 myotubes by activation of AMPK in response to [Ca2+]i.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of (S)-[6]-gingerol in promoting glucose uptake in L6 skeletal muscle cells. METHODS: The effect of (S)-[6]-gingerol on glucose uptake in L6 myotubes was examined using 2-[1,2-3H]-deoxy-D-glucose. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured using Fluo-4. Phosphorylation of AMPKα was determined by Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: (S)-[6]-Gingerol time-dependently enhanced glucose uptake in L6 myotubes. (S)-[6]-Gingerol elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration and subsequently induced a dose- and time-dependent enhancement of threonine172 phosphorylated AMPKα in L6 myotubes via modulation by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that (S)-[6]-gingerol increased glucose uptake in L6 skeletal muscle cells by activating AMPK. (S)-[6]-gingerol, a major component of Zingiber officinale, may have potential for development as an antidiabetic agent.

Gingerols of Zingiber officinale enhance glucose uptake by increasing cell surface GLUT4 in cultured L6 myotubes.

In this study we investigate the active constituents of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, Roscoe (ginger) and determine their activity on glucose uptake in cultured L6 myotubes and the molecular mechanism underlying this action. Freeze-dried ginger powder was extracted with ethyl acetate (1 kg/3 L) to give the total ginger extract, which was then separated into seven fractions, consisting of nonpolar to moderately polar compounds, using a short-column vacuum chromatographic method. The most active fraction (F7) was further purified for identification of its active components. The effect of the extract, fractions, and purified compounds on glucose uptake was evaluated using radioactive labelled 2-[1,2-³H]-deoxy-D-glucose in L6 myotubes. The pungent phenolic gingerol constituents were identified as the major active compounds in the ginger extract enhancing glucose uptake. (S)-[6]-Gingerol was the most abundant component among the gingerols, however, (S)-[8]-gingerol was the most potent on glucose uptake. The activity of (S)-[8]-gingerol was found to be associated primarily with an increase in surface distribution of GLUT4 protein on the L6 myotube plasma membrane, as detected by expression of hemagglutinin epitope-tagged GLUT4 in L6 muscle cells. The enhancement of glucose uptake in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells by the gingerol pungent principles of the ginger extract supports the potential of ginger and its pungent components for the prevention and management of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes.

Preventive and Protective Properties of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Complications, and Associated Lipid and Other Metabolic Disorders: A Brief Review.

Zingiber officinale (ginger) has been used as herbal medicine to treat various ailments worldwide since antiquity. Recent evidence revealed the potential of ginger for treatment of diabetes mellitus. Data from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials has demonstrated the antihyperglycaemic effect of ginger. The mechanisms underlying these actions are associated with insulin release and action, and improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The most active ingredients in ginger are the pungent principles, gingerols, and shogaol. Ginger has shown prominent protective effects on diabetic liver, kidney, eye, and neural system complications. The pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and the safety issues of ginger are also discussed in this update.

Three Australian Lepidosperma Labill. Species as sources of prenylated and oxyprenylated derivatives of piceatannol, resveratrol and pinosylvin: Melatoninergic binding and inhibition of quinone reductase 2.

Prenylated and hydroxyprenylated piceatannol, resveratrol and pinosylvin derivatives were isolated from resin produced by three Australian Lepidosperma Labill. Species (Cyperaceae). From L. congestum R.Br. one known compound, 3',5'-bis-prenyl-E-resveratrol, and five undescribed compounds were isolated, 3'-O-prenyl-5'-prenyl-E-piceatannol, 5',6'-bis-prenyl-E-piceatannol, 5'-prenyl-E-piceatannol, 3',5'-bis(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-E-resveratrol and 3',5'-bis-E-hydroxyprenyl-E-resveratrol. From L. gunnii Boeckeler one undescribed compound was isolated, 3'-E-hydroxyprenyl-5'-Z-hydroxyprenyl-E-resveratrol. From L. laterale R.Br. six undescribed compounds were isolated, 3-O-prenyl-E-pinosylvin, 3-O-Z-hydroxyprenyl-E-pinosylvin, 3'-Z-hydroxyprenyl-E-resveratrol, 3-O-Z-hydroxyprenyl-E-resveratrol, 3-O-Z-hydroxyprenyl-4'-O-methyl-E-resveratrol, and 3-O-prenyl-3'-δ,δ'-dihydroxyprenyl-E-resveratrol. Compounds, including a reference compound 3-O-prenyl-3'-O-methyl-E-piceatannol, were screened in an assay for melatoninergic binding to MT1 and MT2 receptors and binding to QR2/MT3 enzyme, and for inhibition of QR2/MT3 in a functional assay. Strong binding was observed for 3-O-Z-hydroxyprenyl-E-resveratrol with a Ki of 0.022 nM and the strongest inhibition of QR2/MT3 observed was for the reference compound, 3-O-prenyl-3'-O-methyl-E-piceatannol, with an inhibition of 61% at 1 µM and 95% at 10 µM. The three most active binders and inhibitors of QR2/MT3 were found to have a common substructure corresponding to 3-O-prenylresveratrol.

Modulation of P-glycoprotein-mediated anticancer drug accumulation, cytotoxicity, and ATPase activity by flavonoid interactions.

Flavonoids are components of plant foods and of many herbal medicines taken in combination with anticancer drugs. We have examined the potential of flavonoids to affect the accumulation and cytotoxicity of 3 cytotoxic drugs [vinblastine (VLB), daunorubicin (DNR), and colchicine (COL)] that are substrates for the ABC transporter, P-glycoprotein in a vinblastine-resistant T-cell leukemia, CEM/VBL(100), that overexpresses P-glycoprotein. The effects of the flavonoids on accumulation and cytotoxicity of these drugs were different depending on the P-gp substrate used. Most of the 30 flavonoids tested decreased DNR accumulation in the VBL-resistant, but not sensitive, leukemia cells. By contrast, flavonoids that inhibited DNR accumulation enhanced the accumulation of fluorescently labeled vinblastine. None of these flavonoids affected COL accumulation. The effects of the flavonoids on the cytotoxicities of these drugs paralleled their effects on accumulation; the same flavonoids decreased DNR cytotoxicity but increased VLB cytotoxicity and had no effect on COL. Verapamil reversed the accumulation deficit and cytotoxicity of all three P-gp substrates. These effects correlated with the effects of flavonoids on P-gp-ATPase activity. Flavonoids that decreased DNR accumulation stimulated DNR-activated P-gp ATPase, whereas flavonoids that increased fluorescently labeled VLB accumulation inhibited VBL-stimulated P-gp ATPase activity, thereby accounting for the decrease or increase in cancer drug accumulation in resistant cells. We conclude that flavonoids often ingested by cancer patients may have different effects on anticancer drugs and that these findings should be considered in designing future combination treatments for cancer patients.

Kangaroo Island propolis types originating from two Lepidosperma species and Dodonaea humilis.

The endemic Australian plants Lepidosperma sp. Flinders Chase (Cyperaceae), Lepidosperma viscidum (Cyperaceae) and Dodonaea humilis (Sapindaceae) were found to be the botanical origin of three propolis types found on Kangaroo Island identified by TLC and 1H NMR matching of propolis and plant resin analytical profiles. Resin samples extracted from the plant, Lepidosperma sp. Flinders Chase, were chromatographically fractionated to give: methyl 3-phenyl-2-(E-cinnamoyloxy)propanoate (1), 3-(E-8-methoxy-8-oxo-3,7-dimethyloct-2-enyl)-4-hydroxy-E-cinnamic acid (2), 3-(E-6,7-dihydroxy-3,7-dimethyloct-2-enyl)-4-hydroxy-E-cinnamic acid (3), previously undescribed; and the known stilbenes, 2-prenyl-3,5-dihydroxy-E-stilbene (6) and 2-prenyl-3-methoxy-5-hydroxy-E-stilbene (7). The resin from L. viscidum gave: 5'-(E-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl)-4,2',4'-trihydroxydihydrochalcone (4); 5'-(E-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl)-4'-methoxy-4,2'-dihydroxydihydrochalcone (5), previously undescribed; and three known flavanones, farrerol (8), 5,7,3',5'-tetrahydroxy-6,8-dimethylflavanone (9) and 5,7,3',5'-tetrahydroxy-6-methylflavanone (10). The major constituent in the propolis identified as being sourced from D. humilis was identified as 6,8-diprenyl-5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavanone (11), a known compound identified in several unrelated plant species.

Topical 'Sydney' propolis protects against UV-radiation-induced inflammation, lipid peroxidation and immune suppression in mouse skin.

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a honeybee product that has been used in traditional medicine for antioxidant, immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Here, the potential of the topical application of a crude ethanolic extract of Sydney propolis to protect against UV-radiation-induced impairments associated with an increased risk of photocarcinogenesis has been tested in the hairless mouse. METHODS: Solutions providing between 10 and 200 mg/kg propolis were applied to the skin following UV irradiation. The inflammation from exposure to UV (290-400 nm) was quantitated by measurement of increased skinfold thickness; lipid peroxidation was assayed by the induction of thiobarbituric acid reactive species in the skin; immune function was measured by the contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reaction and supported by the changes in epidermal cytokine expression. RESULTS: Propolis protected significantly and dose-dependently against both sunburn oedema and the suppression of CHS, and (at 100 mg/kg) against lipid peroxidation. The overexpression of IL-10 and the depletion of IL-12 characteristic of photoimmune suppression were markedly reduced by propolis. Further, the upregulation of IL-6 was decreased, and the associated induction of haem oxygenase was shown to play a role in propolis skin protection. CONCLUSIONS: Sydney propolis was able to effectively reduce cutaneous inflammation, immunosuppression and lipid peroxidation induced by UV exposure. It is concluded that Sydney propolis might have strong beneficial protective effects against photodamage and skin cancer development in humans.

High-performance liquid chromatography assays for desmethoxyyangonin, methysticin, kavain and their microsomal metabolites.

Three novel, simple and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography quantitative assays with UV detection were developed and validated for three major kavalactones--desmethoxyyangonin, methysticin and kavain--in rat liver microsomes using diazepam as an internal standard; liquid-liquid extraction was used for sample preparation and analysis was performed on a Shimadzu 10A high-performance liquid chromatography system. The analysis was carried out in reversed-phase mode with a Luna C(18) column (150 x 2.00 mm, 3 microm) at 40 degrees C. The limit of quantitation was 0.1 microg/mL using 0.25 mL of microsomal solution. The assays were linear over the range 0.1-10 microg/mL for desmethoxyyangonin, methysticin and kavain. Quality control samples exhibited good accuracy and precision with relative standard deviations lower than 15% and recoveries between 85 and 105%. The assays exhibited satisfactory performance with high sensitivity for quantifying desmethoxyyangonin, methysticin and kavain in rat liver microsomes and were successfully used to determine the three kavalactones and their microsomal metabolites.

Osteochondral Tissue Chip Derived From iPSCs: Modeling OA Pathologies and Testing Drugs.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease mainly characterized by degenerative changes in cartilage, but other joint elements such as bone are also affected. To date, there are no disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs), owing in part to a deficiency of current models in simulating OA pathologies and etiologies in humans. In this study, we aimed to develop microphysiological osteochondral (OC) tissue chips derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model the pathologies of OA. We first induced iPSCs into mesenchymal progenitor cells (iMPCs) and optimized the chondro- and osteo-inductive conditions for iMPCs. Then iMPCs were encapsulated into photocrosslinked gelatin scaffolds and cultured within a dual-flow bioreactor, in which the top stream was chondrogenic medium and the bottom stream was osteogenic medium. After 28 days of differentiation, OC tissue chips were successfully generated and phenotypes were confirmed by real time RT-PCR and histology. To create an OA model, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) was used to challenge the cartilage component for 7 days. While under control conditions, the bone tissue promoted chondrogenesis and suppressed chondrocyte terminal differentiation of the overlying chondral tissue. Under conditions modeling OA, the bone tissue accelerated the degradation of chondral tissue which is likely via the production of catabolic and inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest active functional crosstalk between the bone and cartilage tissue components in the OC tissue chip under both normal and pathologic conditions. Finally, a selective COX-2 inhibitor commonly prescribed drug for OA, Celecoxib, was shown to downregulate the expression of catabolic and proinflammatory cytokines in the OA model, demonstrating the utility of the OC tissue chip model for drug screening. In summary, the iPSC-derived OC tissue chip developed in this study represents a high-throughput platform applicable for modeling OA and for the screening and testing of candidate DMOADs.

Monoepoxy octadecadienoates and monoepoxy octadecatrienoates 1: NMR spectral characterization.

Methyl esters of gamma-linolenic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and stearidonic acid were epoxidised using m-chloroperbenzoic acid to achieve nine cis-monoepoxy-C18 fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), including novel methyl cis-monoepoxy derivatives of stearidonic acid and a cis-6,7-epoxy derivative of gamma-linolenic acid. These nine monoepoxy FAMEs were purified by normal-phase HPLC, identified by LC-MS, 1H and 13C NMR, and characterized by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. This study is focused on structural characterization of these C18 monoepoxy FAMEs using techniques in NMR spectroscopy including 1H, 13C, 1H-1H correlated spectroscopy (COSY) and 1H-13C heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR). The proton and carbon NMR chemical shifts of the epoxide, the double bonds, and the interrupted methylenes are assigned. Also discussed is an interpretation of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of these monoepoxides including the changes in the 13C resonance of the olefinic carbons on the neighboring double bonds resulting from epoxide formation.

Monoepoxy octadecadienoates and monoepoxy octadecatrienoates 2: mass spectral characterization.

Methyl esters of C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and stearidonic acid, were epoxidised using m-chloroperbenzoic acid. Nine monoepoxides were obtained by normal-phase HPLC, identified using LC-MS and NMR, and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. This study is focused on structural characterization using LC-MS and LC/APCI/MS/MS. The elution profiles of these monoepoxides in RP-HPLC are determined as 12,13->9,10->6,7-epoxy, 9,10->15,16->12,13-epoxy and 15,16->12,13->9,10-epoxy derivatives of gamma-linolenic, alpha-linolenic and stearidonic acid methyl esters, respectively. The major diagnostic fragmentations in MS/MS identified are postulated to be induced by cleavages of the epoxide ring and alpha-bond cleavage to the epoxy group from [M+H]+ and/or [M+H-MeOH]+.

Stability of [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids.

The degradation kinetics of [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol were investigated in simulated gastric (pH 1) and intestinal (pH 7.4) fluids at 37 degrees C. Degradation products were quantitatively determined by HPLC (Lichrospher 60 RP select B column, 5 microm, 125 mm x 4 mm; mobile phase: methanol-water-acetic acid (60:39:1 v/v); flow rate: 0.6 ml/min; detection UV: 280 nm). In simulated gastric fluid (SGF) [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol underwent first-order reversible dehydration and hydration reactions to form [6]-shogaol and [6]-gingerol, respectively. The degradation was catalyzed by hydrogen ions and reached equilibrium at approximately 200 h. In simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) both [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol showed insignificant interconversion between one another. Addition of amino acids glycine, 3-amino propionic acid (beta-alanine) and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), and ammonium acetate at a range of concentrations of 0.05-0.5mM had no effect on the rate of degradation of [6]-shogaol in SGF and 0.1M HCl solution. However, at exceedingly high concentration (0.5M) of ammonium acetate and glycine, significant amounts of [6]-shogaol ammonia and glycine adducts were detected. The degradation profile of [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol under simulated physiological conditions reported in this study will provide insight into the stability of these compounds when administered orally.

A sedge plant as the source of Kangaroo Island propolis rich in prenylated p-coumarate ester and stilbenes.

Propolis samples from Kangaroo Island, South Australia, were investigated for chemical constituents using high-field nuclear magnetic resonance spectral profiling. A type of propolis was found containing a high proportion of prenylated hydroxystilbenes. Subsequently, the botanical origin of this type of propolis was identified using a beehive propolis depletion method and analysis of flora. Ligurian honey bees, Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola, were found to produce propolis from resin exuded by the Australian native sedge plant Lepidosperma sp. Montebello (Cyperaceae). The plants, commonly known as sword sedge, were found to have resin that matched with the propolis samples identified as the most abundant propolis type on the island containing C- and O-prenylated tetrahydroxystilbenes (pTHOS) in addition to a small amount of prenylated p-coumarate. The isolation of five pTHOS not previously characterized are reported: (E)-4-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-3,4',5-trihydroxy-3'-methoxystilbene, (E)-2,4-bis(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-3,3',4',5-tetrahydroxystilbene, (E)-2-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)-3',4',5-trihydroxystilbene, (E)-2,6-bis(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxystilbene and (E)-2,6-bis(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-3,4',5-trihydroxy-3'-methoxystilbene. A National Cancer Institute 60 human cell line anticancer screen of three of these compounds showed growth inhibitory activity. The large Australasian genus Lepidosperma is identified as a valuable resource for the isolation of substances with medicinal potential.

Hyperforin and its analogues inhibit CYP3A4 enzyme activity.

Literature indicates that herb-drug interaction of St. John's wort is largely due to increased metabolism of the co-administered drugs that are the substrates of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 enzyme, alteration of the activity and/or expression of the enzyme. The major St. John's wort constituents, acylphloroglucinols, were evaluated for their effects on CYP3A4 enzyme activity to investigate their roles in herb-drug interaction. Hyperforin and four oxidized analogues were isolated from the plant and fully characterized by mass spectral and NMR analysis. These acylphloroglucinols inhibited activity of CYP3A4 enzyme potently in the fluorometric assay using the recombinant enzyme. Furoadhyperforin (IC(50) 0.072 microM) was found to be the most potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 enzyme activity, followed by furohyperforin isomer 1 (IC(50) 0.079 microM), furohyperforin isomer 2 (IC(50) 0.23 microM), hyperforin (IC(50) 0.63 microM) and furohyperforin (IC(50) 1.3 microM). As the acylphloroglucinols are potent inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme, their modulation of the enzyme activity is unlikely to be involved in increased drug metabolism by St. John's wort.

Harpagoside suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression through inhibition of NF-kappa B activation.

Preparations of Harpagophytum procumbens, known as devil's claw, are used as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of pain and osteoarthritis. Pharmacological evaluations have proven the effectiveness of this herbal drug as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. The present study has investigated the mechanism of action of harpagoside, one of the major components of Harpagophytum procumbens, using human HepG2 hepatocarcinoma and RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines. Harpagoside inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced mRNA levels and protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide in HepG2 cells. These inhibitions appeared to correlate with the suppression of NF-kappaB activation by harpagoside, as pre-treating cells with harpagoside blocked the translocation of NF-kappaB into the nuclear compartments and degradation of the inhibitory subunit IkappaB-alpha. Furthermore, harpagoside dose-dependently inhibited LPS-stimulated NF-kappaB promoter activity in a gene reporter assay in RAW 264.7 cells, indicating that harpagoside interfered with the activation of gene transcription. These results suggest that the inhibition of the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide by harpagoside involves suppression of NF-kappaB activation, thereby inhibiting downstream inflammation and subsequent pain events.

A novel LXR-alpha activator identified from the natural product Gynostemma pentaphyllum.

Liver X receptors (LXR) play an important role in cholesterol homeostasis by serving as regulatory sensors of cholesterol levels in tissues. The present study reports a novel LXR-alpha activator, (20S)-2alpha, 3beta, 12beta, 24(S)-pentahydroxydammar-25-ene 20-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (TR1), a dammarane-type gynosaponin, isolated from the herbal medicine, Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Gynosaponin TR1 demonstrated greater selectivity toward activation of the LXR-alpha isoform than LXR-beta in HEK293 cells. TR1 selectively enhanced LXR-mediated transcriptional activation and protein expression of ABCA1 and apoE gene expression and secretion in THP-1-derived macrophages. The selectivity of TR1 for LXR-alpha was consistent with ligand docking studies, which showed favourable interaction of TR1 in the LXR-alpha-binding domain, whereas the presence of the sugar substituent interfered with binding to the LXR-beta site. Findings from the present study may provide insight into the development of pharmaceutical agents for treating atherosclerosis.

Murine pharmacokinetics of rifapentine delivered as an inhalable dry powder.

A novel inhalable rifapentine dry powder formulation could improve pulmonary rifapentine concentrations resulting in a significantly shorter time to treat tuberculosis infection. The pharmacokinetics of rifapentine (20mg/kg) in healthy mice was compared following intratracheal (IT) and intraperitoneal (IP) administration. Plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and tissue samples were collected and drug levels were quantified at time points up to 24h. Concentration-time data were analysed using a mixed-effects modelling approach to provide model-based estimates of area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0-∞). IT delivery had considerably higher peak rifapentine lung and BAL concentrations and associated AUC0-∞ compared with IP delivery. The plasma AUC0-∞ following IT dry powder delivery was ca. four-fold smaller than the value for IP delivery. Inhaled delivery of rifapentine has the potential to selectively enhance therapeutic efficacy at the pulmonary site of infection whilst minimising systemic exposure and related toxicity.

Gingerols: a novel class of vanilloid receptor (VR1) agonists.

1. Gingerols, the pungent constituents of ginger, were synthesized and assessed as agonists of the capsaicin-activated VR1 (vanilloid) receptor. 2. [6]-Gingerol and [8]-gingerol evoked capsaicin-like intracellular Ca(2+) transients and ion currents in cultured DRG neurones. These effects of gingerols were blocked by capsazepine, the VR1 receptor antagonist. 3. The potency of gingerols increased with increasing size of the side chain and with the overall hydrophobicity in the series. 4. We conclude that gingerols represent a novel class of naturally occurring VR1 receptor agonists that may contribute to the medicinal properties of ginger, which have been known for centuries. The gingerol structure may be used as a template for the development of drugs acting as moderately potent activators of the VR1 receptor.