Diarylheptanoids with inhibitory effects on melanogenesis from the rhizomes of Curcuma comosa in B16 melanoma cells.

The methanolic extract from the dried rhizomes of Curcuma comosa cultivated in Thailand was found to inhibit melanogenesis in theophylline-stimulated murine B16 melanoma 4A5 cells. From the methanolic extract, three new diarylheptanoids, diarylcomosols I-III, were isolated together with 12 known diarylheptanoids. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. The diarylheptanoids inhibited melanogenesis, and several structural requirements of the active constituents for the inhibition were clarified. In particular, (3R)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-(6E)-6-hepten-3-ol exhibited stronger inhibitory effect [IC50=0.36 µM] without inducing cytotoxicity. The biological effect was much stronger than that of a reference compound, arbutin [IC50=174 µM]. We conclude that diarylheptanoid analogs are promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of skin disorders.

Formation of a liquid organic ion associate in aqueous solution and its application to the GF-AAS determination of trace cadmium in environmental water as a complex with 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(N-propyl-N-sulfopropylamino)phenol.

The formation of a liquid organic ion associate in an aqueous sample was applied to the concentration and determination of cadmium in environmental water samples. Cadmium was converted into a complex with 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(N-propyl-N-sulfopropylamino)phenol (5-Br-PAPS) in a 40-mL sample solution, and was extracted into a liquid ion associate of phenolsulfonate and benzethonium during phase formation. More than 400-fold enrichment was easily attained by this technique, because the volume of the liquid organic phase formed was very small, ca. 2 microL. After dilution of the organic phase with a small volume of 2-methoxyethanol, the cadmium in the solution was determined by GF-AAS. The detection limit was 0.09 ng/L (3sigma(b)). This method was applied to the determination of cadmium in river water and seawater.

Denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in a patient with bone metastases of prostate cancer: A case report and literature review.

Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody directed against the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κß ligand (RANKL), is used for the treatment of patients with metastatic cancer of the bone or osteoporosis. Recent reports have demonstrated that denosumab can induce osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), but reported cases of this are uncommon. The present study reports the case of an 86-year-old male with prostate cancer patient exhibiting bone metastases who developed ONJ whilst receiving denosumab. To elucidate the influence of denosumab on the development of ONJ, the present study also reviewed the literature, including clinical trials and case reports. In the clinical trials, the prevalence of denosumab-related ONJ was higher in patients with cancer compared with those with osteoporosis. The high risk of ONJ in patients with cancer was thought to be associated with the differing dose and frequency of denosumab administration. The prevalence of ONJ was not significantly different between patients receiving denosumab and bisphoshonate (BP). In the reported cases, denosumab-related ONJ had a similar clinical presentation to BP-related ONJ. There was also a tendency for denosumab-related ONJ to develop in the mandible of elderly patients. Previous invasive dental treatment was a commonly shared characteristic of patients with denosumab-related ONJ. A complex medical history was also suspected to affect the prevalence. No clear association between the dose or duration of denosumab treatment and the development of ONJ was observed. Although conservative treatments are given for denosumab-related ONJ, non-improving cases were managed surgically with primarily positive results. Because denosumab may offer superior results compared with BP for the treatment of metastatic cancer of the bone or osteoporosis, the use of denosumab is expected to increase in the near future. Clinicians should also be aware of the risk factors for denosumab-related ONJ, in order to aid in its diagnosis. In addition, patients treated with denosumab should receive prophylactic treatment to maintain their oral health prior to, during and after denosumab treatment.

Parathyroid adenoma causing spontaneous cervical hematoma: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Although spontaneous rupture of a cervical parathyroid adenoma with extracapsular hemorrhage is rare, it may cause cervical and mediastinal hematoma, leading to potentially fatal consequences. CASE PRESENTATION: The first case was a 76-year-old Asian female who presented with pharyngeal discomfort and anterior chest ecchymosis. Endoscopic investigation showed submucosal hemorrhage in the pharynx and larynx. The second case was a 62-year-old Asian male who presented with anterior chest ecchymosis and suspected of a ruptured blood vessel. Both cases were diagnosed parathyroid adenoma with extracapsular bleeding by hypercalcemia, high levels of intact parathyroid hormone and presence of a nodule behind the thyroid. Both cases were treated with excision of tumor 7 months after initial presentation. After surgery, serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels had decreased to normal level in both cases. CONCLUSION: Extracapsular bleeding of a parathyroid adenoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of non-traumatic neck hematoma.

Quantitative analysis of expression of NeuroD, GAP43 and receptor tyrosine kinase B in developing mouse olfactory neuroepithelium.

OBJECTIVE: The mammalian olfactory neuroepithelium (OE), which harbors olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), has the unusual characteristic of continuous neurogenesis throughout its lifetime. This unique feature provides an excellent model for neuronal differentiation. Recently, we found dual-phase expression of NeuroD, a member of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor family, in the developing mouse OE, suggesting multiple roles of NeuroD during the development of mammalian ORNs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to better understand the molecular mechanism of the development of ORNs, we performed quantitative analysis of expression of NeuroD, GAP43 and receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), as well as 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled cells, in the developing mouse OE from gestational Day 10 to postnatal Day 28. RESULTS: During the embryonic period, NeuroD expression is mostly confined to the basal compartment. During the neonatal period, NeuroD expression is detected in two compartments: the middle compartment and the basal compartment. GAP43-expressing cells were located between these two NeuroD-positive layers. TrkB-expressing cells were located above the NeuroD-positive layer in the middle compartment. As the mice grew, the numbers of NeuroD-expressing cells and BrdU-labeled cells in the basal compartment significantly decreased, while the number of NeuroD-expressing cells in the middle compartment gradually increased. The number of TrkB-expressing cells dramatically increased. The number of GAP43-expressing cells also gradually increased. However, the relative proportion of GAP43 cells decreased as the OE developed. CONCLUSION: NeuroD is a useful molecular marker for studying olfactory neurogenesis.