HPMA copolymer conjugated 5-aminolevulinic acid exhibits superior efficacy for photodynamic therapy with tumor-responsive and targeting properties.

In this study, we developed a nanoformulation of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) for tumor-targeted photodynamic therapy, in which 5-ALA was conjugated with a biocompatible polymer N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) through the hydrazone bond, i.e., P-ALA. P-ALA behaves as the nano-sized molecule with an average size of 5.5 nm in aqueous solution. P-ALA shows a largely increased release rate in acidic pH than physiological pH, suggesting the rapid release profile in acidic tumor environment. P-ALA did not show apparent cytotoxicity up to 0.1 mg/ml, however, under light irradiation, remarkable cell death was induced with the IC50 of 20-30 µg/ml. More importantly, we found significantly higher tumor accumulation of P-ALA than 5-ALA which benefit from its nano-size by taking advantage of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Consequently, P-ALA exhibited much improved in vivo antitumor efficacy without any apparent side effects. We thus anticipate the application of P-ALA as a nano-designed photosensitizer for anticancer photodynamic therapy.

Anti-proliferative Activities towards Human Brain Glioma U251 Cells and Human Carcinoma Cells (KB3-1) of Some Twin-Drug Type Bivalent C2-Symmetrical Phenylboronic Acid Derivatives.

Derivatives of C2-symmetrical bivalent phenylboronic acid exhibit several remarkable biological activities such as anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and cytotoxic activities against Vero cells and they can reverse the effect of anticancer drugs. Novel symmetrical bivalent molecules were synthesized and their biological activities were evaluated in vitro using a human brain glioma cell line (U251) and a human carcinoma cell line (KB3-1). Among the tested compounds (1a-i), bivalent C2-symmetrical phenylboronic acid derivative 1g showed the highest anti-proliferative activity towards both U251 and KB3-1 cells. The values of 50% anti-proliferative activity (IC50) of this compound against the two cell lines (U251 and KB3-1) were 19.0 and 3.78 µM, respectively. The anti-proliferative activity of compound 1g towards KB3-1 cells was higher than that of cisplatin. The bivalent C2-symmetrical compound 1g had a linear methylene linker in the molecule.

Anti-proliferative Activities of Some Bivalent Symmetrical 5-Substituted Hydantoin Derivatives towards Human Brain Glioma U251 Cells (U251) and Human Carcinoma Cells (KB3-1).

Novel bivalent twin-drug type hydantoin derivatives were evaluated in vitro using a human brain glioma cell line (U251) and a human carcinoma cell line (KB3-1). Among the 5-substituted hydantoin derivatives (1a-b and 2a-d) examined in this study, bivalent symmetrical 5-substituted hydantoin derivative 1b showed the highest anti-proliferative activity towards both U251 and KB3-1 cells. The values of anti-proliferative activity (IC50) of this hydantoin derivative against the two cell lines (U251 and KB3-1) were 0.46 and 5.21 µM, respectively. The anti-proliferative activity of all of the compounds except for compounds 2a and 2d against U251 cells was higher than that of cisplatin. Bivalent symmetrical compound 1b had a biphenylmethane linker in the molecule. All of the tested bivalent hydantoin derivatives showed higher activity against U251 cells than against KB3-1 cells. For twin-drug type hydantoin derivatives 2a-d, which have a linear methylene linker in the molecules, it was found that methylene linker length in these molecules have an effect on the anti-proliferative activity against U251 and KB3-1 cells.

Direct Potentiation of Capsaicin Current by Histamine and Its Effect by Suplatast on Rat Trigeminal Ganglia Neurons.

In this study, we investigated the effect of histamine on capsaicin-induced current and its influence by suplatast in rat trigeminal ganglia neurons using a patch-clamp technique. We found that histamine directly potentiated capsaicin-induced currents in rat sensory neurons, and suplatast had little effect on this potentiation. Since it has been known that suplatast suppresses histamine release from mast cells, it is possible that suplatast inhibits the activation of nociceptive fibers in the pathological condition via prevention of histamine-induced potentiation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor-mediated currents.

Preparation and Antiviral Activity of Some New C3- and CS-Symmetrical Tri-Substituted Triazine Derivatives Having Benzylamine Substituents.

We report the preparation of new C3- and CS-symmetrical molecules constructed on a triazine (TAZ) template. Anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (anti-HSV-1) and cytotoxic activities against Vero cells of synthesized TAZ derivatives were evaluated. The results suggested that the presence of an electron-donating group(s) on the benzene ring in benzylamine groups on the TAZ template is an important structural factor for expressing a high level of anti-HSV-1 activity and low cytotoxicity for these C3 types of TAZ derivatives. Among the tested TAZ derivatives, compounds 4f and 7h showed the highest anti HSV-1 activities (EC50=0.98 and 1.23 µM, respectively) and low cytotoxic activities to Vero cells (50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50)=292.2 and >200 µM, respectively).

Antiviral Activity and Molecular Geometry of Some New Symmetrical Tris(aminoalkyl)amine Derivatives.

We report the preparation of new tripodal receptor-type C3- and CS-symmetrical molecules constructed on a tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TAEA) template. Both the anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (anti-HSV-1) activity and cytotoxic activity of synthesized receptor-type derivatives were evaluated in order to find a characteristic structural feature for these bioactivities of compounds. Among the compounds of synthesized symmetrical TAEA-related derivatives, compound 13k showed high anti-HSV-1 activity (50% effective concentration (EC50)=16.7 µM) and low cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50)=>200 µM). The presence of a hydrogen bond donor proton in the molecule is thought to be an important structural factor for expressing potential anti-HSV-1 activities.

Antiviral Activity of Four New Resin Glycosides Calysolins XIV-XVII from Calystegia soldanella against Herpes Simplex Virus.

Four new resin glycosides, named calysolins XIV (1), XV (2), XVI (3), and XVII (4) were isolated from the leaves, stems, and roots of Calystegia soldanella ROEM.. et SCHULT. (Convolvulaceae). Their structures were determined based on spectroscopic and chemical evidence, and consisted of two different types: those (1) with a macrolactone structure and those (2-4) with a non-macrolactone structure. Their sugar moieties were partially acylated by specific organic acids, including tiglic, 2S-methylbutyric, and 2S,3S-nilic acids. Additionally, evaluation of the antiviral activity of 1-4 revealed effects against the herpes simplex virus type 1.

Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation of Some C(3)-Symmetrical Trialkoxy-Substituted 1,3,5-Triazines and Their Molecular Geometry.

As one of our projects, we here report some new molecular modifications of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCTAZ: 1) to symmetrical 2,4,6-trialkoxy- or 2,4,6-triaryloxy-substituted 1,3,5-triazine (TAZ) molecules, as well as the results of anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (anti-HSV-1) activity evaluation of synthesized 2,4,6-trisubstituted TAZ derivatives. Among the tested 2,4,6-trisubstituted TAZ derivatives, we reconfirmed that a C3-symmetrical TAZ derivative, 4e, shows the highest level of anti-HSV-1 activity with a good selectivity index. In this paper, we also report the results of the preparation of newly targeted TAZ derivatives and the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of these trialkoxy-substituted TAZ derivatives and related compounds. The sugar recognition properties of C3-symmetrical TAZ derivative 4e are also described.

Calysolins X-XIII, resin glycosides from Calystegia soldanella, and their antiviral activity toward herpes simplex virus.

Four new resin glycosides having macrolactone structures (jalapins), named calysolins X (1)-XIII (4), were isolated from the leaves, stems, and roots of Calystegia soldanella ROEM. et SCHULT. (Convolvulaceae). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data as well as chemical evidence. The sugar moieties of 1-4 were partially acylated by some organic acids, including tiglic acid, 2S-methylbutyric acid, and 2S,3S-nilic acid. Additionally, the antiviral activity of 1-4 toward herpes simplex virus type 1 was evaluated. All the compounds showed antiviral activity.

Synthesis and antiviral activities of some 2,4,6-trisubstituted 1,3,5-triazines.

We describe the synthesis and results of biological evaluation of newly designed 2,4,6-trisubstituted symmetrical 1,3,5-triazine (TAZ) derivatives. Among the tested trisubstituted TAZ derivatives, some CS-symmetrical alkoxy-amino-substituted TAZ derivatives, including 7ggp and 6dpp, showed significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The compound with the highest level of antiviral activity was C3-symmetrical trialkoxy-TAZ derivative 4bbb, which showed a considerably high selectivity index (IC50/EC50=256.6). The structure-activity relationships for anti-HSV-1 activity of the tested 2,4,6-trisubstituted TAZ derivatives are also described.

Calysolins V-IX, resin glycosides from Calystegia soldanella and their antiviral activity toward herpes.

Five new resin glycosides having macrolactone structures (jalapins), named calysolins V-IX (1-5), were isolated from the leaves, stems, and roots of Calystegia soldanella ROEM. et SCHULT. (Convolvulaceae). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data as well as chemical evidence. The isolated compounds could be classified into two macrolactone types-one having a 22-membered ring (1-4) and the other with a 27-membered ring (5). The sugar moieties of 1-5 were found to exist in partially acylated forms comprising 2S-methylbutyric acid and tiglic acid. Compounds 4 and 5 are the first representatives of the calysolic acid C as the component glycosidic acid. Additionally, the antiviral activity of 1-5, together with calysolins I-IV and soldanelline B, which are previously isolated jalapins from this plant, toward herpes simplex virus type 1 was evaluated. All the compounds showed antiviral activity.

Saponin Esculeoside A and Aglycon Esculeogenin A from Ripe Tomatoes Inhibit Dendritic Cell Function by Attenuation of Toll-like Receptor 4 Signaling.

Dendritic cells (DCs) can initiate immune response through the presenting antigens to naïve T lymphocytes. Esculeoside A (EsA), a spirosolane glycoside, is reported as a major component in the ripe fruit of tomato. Little is known about the effect of tomato saponin on mice bone marrow-derived DCs. This study revealed that EsA and its aglycon, esculeogenin A (Esg-A), attenuated the phenotypic and functional maturation of murine DCs stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that EsA/Esg-A down-regulated the expression of major histocompatibility complex type II molecules and costimulatory molecule CD86 after LPS stimulation. It was also determined that EsA-/Esg-A-treated DCs were poor stimulators of allogeneic T-cell proliferation and exhibited impaired interleukin-12 and TNF-α production. Additionally, EsA/Esg-A was able to inhibit TLR4-related and p-NFκB signaling pathways. This study shows new insights into the immunopharmacology of EsA/Esg-A, and represents a novel approach to controlling DCs for therapeutic application.

Four new resin glycosides from Ipomoea muricata seeds: muricatins XIV-XVII.

Ipomoea muricata (L.) Jacq. seeds (Convolvulaceae) are used as a traditional laxative and carminative medicine. Muricatins XIV (1), XV (2), XVI (3), and XVII (4), were isolated from I. muricata seeds as four new resin glycosides, along with seven known compounds, three of which were isolated for the first time as natural products; their structures were determined using MS and NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 1-4 are macrolactones (jalapins); the sugar moieties of 1, 2, and 4 are partially acylated with 2S-methylbutyric acid, while that of 3 is esterified with 2S-methylbutyric and 2S-methyl-3S-hydroxybutyric acids. In addition, the antiviral activities of the seven compounds obtained in this study, together with five known compounds obtained in our previous study into resin glycosides from I. muricata seeds, were evaluated against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1); their cytotoxicities against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells were also investigated. All examined jalapins exhibited similar or slightly weaker anti-HSV-1 activities than acyclovir, the positive control; however, the glycosidic acid of 4 was inactive, while its methyl ester was weakly active. On the other hand, cytotoxicity testing against HL-60 cells showed similar results to those observed during anti-HSV-1 activity testing, with the exception that one jalapin was less active.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of symmetrical 2,4,6-trisubstituted 1,3,5-triazine derivatives.

We describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of newly designed 2,4,6-trisubstituted symmetrical 1,3,5-triazine (TAZ) derivatives. Among the tested trisubstituted symmetrical TAZ derivatives, various C3- or CS-symmetrical alkoxy-amino-substituted TAZ derivatives showed significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and/or cytotoxic activity against Vero cells. The structure-activity relationships for anti-HSV-1 activity of these symmetrical 2,4,6-trisubstituted TAZ derivatives are also described. Experimental results indicated that a CS-symmetrical TAZ structure with introduction of two alkoxy groups and one amine moiety seems to be the minimally required structure for anti-HSV-1 activity.

Saponins esculeosides B-1 and B-2 in Italian canned tomatoes.

Italian canned tomatoes contain the tomato glycosides esculeosides B-1 (1, 0.0052%) and B-2 (2, 0.0068%) without esculeoside A. Herein, the structure of esculeoside B-1 (1) is characterized to be 3-O-ß-lycotetraosyl (5S,22R,23S,25S)-22,26-epimino-16ß,23-epoxy-3ß,23,27-trihydroxycholestane 27-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside. We hypothesized that these substances might be derived from esculeoside A when the cans are prepared with treatment in boiling water. To confirm that hypothesis, we refluxed esculeoside A with water for 6.5 h, providing esculeosides B-1 (1) and B-2 (2) in yields of 25.8% and 31.0%, respectively.

Garlicnin B1, an Active Cyclic Sulfide from Garlic, Exhibits Potent Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tumor Activities.

This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological activities of garlicnin B1, a cyclic sulfide compound found abundantly in garlic and structurally similar to onionin A1, which has been shown to possess strong anti-tumor effects. In vitro studies demonstrated that garlicnin B1 significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species triggered by hydrogen peroxide in colon cancer cells. In a mouse colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium, garlicnin B1 at a low dose (5 mg/kg) remarkably ameliorated the symptoms and pathological progression. Additionally, garlicnin B1 exhibited considerable tumoricidal activity with an IC50 value of ~20 µM, as observed in cytotoxicity assays. In vivo experiments using the mouse sarcoma S180 transplanted model and the azoxymethane (AOM) or DSS-induced colon cancer model showed that garlicnin B1 effectively suppressed tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner, with marked inhibition at 80 mg/kg. These results suggest that garlicnin B1 has diverse functions that could be achieved by carefully manipulating the dosing regimen. We anticipate that garlicnin B1 has the potential to be used beneficially in the future for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, although further studies are warranted to elucidate its mechanisms of action.

Molecular symmetry and biological activities of new symmetrical tris(2-aminoethyl)amine derivatives.

In terms of molecular symmetry and bioactivity, new C3- and CS-symmetrical derivatives based on the tris(2-aminoethyl)amine scaffold were designed and synthesized. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for antiviral activity with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) by a plaque reduction assay and for cytotoxic activity with Vero cells. Most of the compounds showed no significant anti-HSV-1 activity, but some of the symmetrical derivatives showed high levels of cytotoxic activitiy.

Tumor Stimulus-Responsive Biodegradable Diblock Copolymer Conjugates as Efficient Anti-Cancer Nanomedicines.

Biodegradable nanomedicines are widely studied as candidates for the effective treatment of various cancerous diseases. Here, we present the design, synthesis and evaluation of biodegradable polymer-based nanomedicines tailored for tumor-associated stimuli-sensitive drug release and polymer system degradation. Diblock polymer systems were developed, which enabled the release of the carrier drug, pirarubicin, via a pH-sensitive spacer allowing for the restoration of the drug cytotoxicity solely in the tumor tissue. Moreover, the tailored design enables the matrix-metalloproteinases- or reduction-driven degradation of the polymer system into the polymer chains excretable from the body by glomerular filtration. Diblock nanomedicines take advantage of an enhanced EPR effect during the initial phase of nanomedicine pharmacokinetics and should be easily removed from the body after tumor microenvironment-associated biodegradation after fulfilling their role as a drug carrier. In parallel with the similar release profiles of diblock nanomedicine to linear polymer conjugates, these diblock polymer conjugates showed a comparable in vitro cytotoxicity, intracellular uptake, and intratumor penetration properties. More importantly, the diblock nanomedicines showed a remarkable in vivo anti-tumor efficacy, which was far more superior than conventional linear polymer conjugates. These findings suggested the advanced potential of diblock polymer conjugates for anticancer polymer therapeutics.

Ripe Tomato Saponin Esculeoside A and Sapogenol Esculeogenin A Suppress CD4+ T Lymphocyte Activation by Modulation of Th2/Th1/Treg Differentiation.

We report that esculeoside A (EsA), a glycoside and a major component in ripe tomato fruit, ameliorated experimental dermatitis in mice. However, the underlying immunologic molecular mechanisms are unknown. The present study examined its underlying immune nutrition mechanism using concanavalin A (ConA)-blast mouse splenocyte primary culture. We found that EsA and its sapogenol esculeogenin A (Esg-A) concentration-dependently suppressed T-lymphoproliferation using CFSE-labeled flow-cytometry and water-soluble tetrazolium (WST) assay. Using ELISA and q-PCR methods, EsA/Esg-A showed profound decreases in T helper 2 (Th2)-relevant interleukin-4 (IL-4) secretion and mRNA expression, and GATA3 expression. Moreover, EsA/Esg-A suppressed CD4+ T-lymphocyte activation by decreasing IL-2 secretion and mRNA expression and CD25+ cell proportion. Further, EsA/Esg-A alleviated Treg suppressive activity by reducing IL-10 secretion, Foxp3 mRNA expression, and cell numbers. We suggest the immune nutrition function by tomato component, and highlight that EsA/Esg-A are capable of reducing CD4+ T-lymphocyte activation via a reduction in Th2-lymphocyte activity by modulation of Th2/Th1/Treg subunit differentiation.

Decrease of Hyaluronidase Activity and Suppression of Mouse CD4+ T Lymphocyte Activation by Tomato Juice Saponin Esculeoside B, and Its Sapogenol Esculeogenin B.

(1) Background: A naturally occurring glycoside, esculeoside B (EsB), has been identified as a major component in juice or canned tomato. We reported how EsB ameliorated mice experimental atopic dermatitis by a decrease in serum IgE levels. However, the underlying immunologic molecular mechanisms are unknown. (2) Methods: The present study tested the effects of EsB on hyaluronidase activity and CD4+ T lymphocyte activation using concanavalin A (ConA)-blast mouse splenocyte primary culture. (3) Results: We found that EsB and its sapogenol esculeogenin B (Esg-B) decreased hyaluronidase activity by a modified Morgan-Elson method. We demonstrated that EsB/Esg-B dose-dependently suppressed T-lymphoproliferation using CFSE-labeled flow-cytometry and water-soluble tetrazolium (WST) assay. Using ELISA and q-PCR methods, EsB/Esg-B suppressed the cytokine secretion and mRNA expression of Th2-relevant IL-4 and Th1-relevant IFN-γ. Moreover, both EsB/Esg-B showed a reduction in IL-10 secretion, but only Esg-B decreased IL-2 secretion. (4) Conclusions: Our study is the first to demonstrate how EsB/Esg-B inhibit hyaluronidase activity and reduce CD4+ T-lymphocyte activation via a reduction in Th2-lymphocyte activity by modulation of Th2/Th1/Treg subunits differentiation.