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PubMed2002

Antiviral activity of brassinosteroids derivatives against measles virus in cell cultures.

Twenty-seven brassinosteroid derivatives were tested for antiviral activity against measles virus (MV) via a virus-yield reduction assay. Compounds 6b [(22S,235)-3beta-bromo-5alpha,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one], 1d [(22R,23R)-2alpha,3alpha,22,23-tetrahydroxy-beta-Homo-7-oxa-stigmastan-6-one], 8a [(22R,23R)-3beta-fluoro-22,23-dihydroxystigmastan-6-one], 9b [(22S,23S)-3beta-fluoro-5alpha,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one] and 10b [(22S,23S)-5alpha-fluor-3beta,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one], with selectivity indexes (SI) of 40, 57, 31, 37 and 53, are the derivatives with good antiviral activity against MV. These SI values are higher than those obtained with ribavirin (used as reference drug). A comparative analysis of 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) values, using confluent non-growing cells, gives and indication of structure-activity relationship. According to their degree of cytotoxicity the compounds were divided in three groups: low, intermediate and high cytotoxicity. By observing the chemical structures of compounds belonging to the first group we can see that less cytotoxic activities are related to the presence of a 3beta-hydroxy group on C-3 (ring A) and a double bond between C-22 and C-23 (side chain). The replacement of a 5alpha-hydroxy group by a 5alpha-fluoro group enhances cytotoxicity. Halogenated brassinosteroid derivatives in C-3 position are more cytotoxic than those with an acetoxy group in the same position. For compounds 1d, 6b, 10b and ribavirin, cytotoxicity measurements were also done with replicating cells; CC50 values were low, but they still competed favourably with ribavirin against MV.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Three new and antitumor anthraquinone glycosides from Lasianthus acuminatissimus MERR.

Three new anthraquinone glycosides, lasianthuoside A (1), B (2), and C (3), were isolated from the root of Lasianthus acuminatissimus MERR., The structural elucidation of these anthraquinones was mainly established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and HR-MS spectroscopic analysis. Ten known compounds, damnacanthol (4), damnacanthol 11-methyl ether (5), damnacanthol-3-O-beta-D-primeveroside (6), asperuloside (7), asperulosidic acid (8), deacetyl asperulosidic acid (9), a nonglycosidic iridoid (10), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenol-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (11), tachioside (methoxyhydroquinone-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside) (12), and isotachioside (methoxyhydroquinone-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside) (13) were also identified for the first time from this plant in the course of the phytochemical and spectroscopic investigation. In addition to this report, a preliminary evaluation of 13 compounds in treating rheumatoid arthritis and antitumor effects of six anthraquinones are presented.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defenses: a promising strategy for prevention of skin cancers].

There is considerable evidence that ultraviolet radiation (UV) from sunlight is implicated in skin carcinogenesis. So the risks of cutaneous cancer have increased during the last decade due to increase of sun exposure. For a long time, ultraviolet B radiation (UVB: 290-320 nm) have been considered to be the more efficient wavelength in eliciting carcinogenesis in human skin. It is today clear that UVA (320-400 nm), especially UVA1 (340-400 nm) also participate to photo carcinogenesis. One of molecular mechanisms in the biological effects of UV is the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly or through endogenous photosensitization reactions. UVA radiation mainly acts via this production of ROS and the subsequent oxidative stress seems to play a crucial role in the deleterious effects of UVA. Fortunately, the skin possesses a wide range of interlinked antioxidant defence mechanism to protect itself from damage by UV-induced ROS. However, the capacity of these systems is not unlimited; they can be overwhelmed by excessive exposure to UV and then ROS can reach damaging levels. An interesting strategy to provide photoprotection would be to support or enhance one or more of these endogenous systems. In our experiments, we have evaluated the protective effect of glutathion, selenium and zinc, three compounds playing a pivotal role in the cellular defence against oxidative damage. We have irradiated both by UVA1 and UVB culture of human normal skin fibroblasts or of spontaneously immortalised human keratinocyte cell line Hacat. Before irradiation, treated cells were submitted to zinc deprivation by a diffusible zinc chelator, NNN' N'-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylene diamine (TPEN) or supplied with zinc chloride, thiols (N-acetyl-cysteine; N-acetyl-homocysteine-thiolactone, L2oxothiozolidine-4 carboxylate) selenium as sodium selenite. The cell viability was measured using the adhesion-proliferation method or a tetrazolium colorimetric assay. The damages induced to cellular membrane were appreciated by determination of thiobarbituric reactants (Tbars) by a fluorometric micromethod. Cellular DNA damage was examined by strand break determination carried out using the method described by Birnboim and Jevcak and by the Comet assay. Our results show that: UVA1 have a main part in cytotoxic effect of UVA and this effect is linked to ROS; thiols and selenium protect cells against UVA radiation with a synergic interaction and this protection acts though an increase in glutathion peroxidase activity; zinc protects against cytotoxicity of UVA and UVB and against UVB induced DNA damages; above all, DNA damages induced by UVA or UVB are significantly prevented by thiol molecules, selenium and zinc. As DNA damages have a main place in photocarcinogenesis, our results point out the potential interest of a photoprotection based on the support of endogenous antioxidant system. The research of new ways for photoprotection is indeed a necessity because sunscreens did not give convincing evidences of efficacy in preventing skin cancers.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2005

Anti-estrogenic activity of lignans from Acanthopanax chiisanensis root.

Anti-estrogenic activity of (-)-sesamin (1), helioxanthin (2), savinin (3), taiwanin C (4), and 3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-2-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)butyrolactone (5) isolated from the root of Acanthopanax chiisanensis was tested using Ishikawa cells. Among them, compound 3 exhibited anti-estrogenic activity (IC50 = 4.86 microM).

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1995

Sulphated compounds attenuate beta-amyloid toxicity by inhibiting its association with cells.

Agents that interfere with the toxic effects of beta-amyloid protein may be therapeutically useful against Alzheimer's disease. We reported recently that several sulphated glycosaminoglycans and sulphonated dyes attenuate the toxic effects of beta-amyloid fragments beta 25-35 and beta 1-40 in two clonal cell lines. We now demonstrate that this protective effect is due to interference with beta-amyloid cell association rather than effects on beta-amyloid structure. Using an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbance assay to detect cell-associated beta 1-40, we found in a range of compounds a strong correlation between inhibition of HeLa cell association of beta 1-40 and attenuation of cellular toxicity as measured by inhibition of 3-[4,5-dimethylthia-zol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction. In contrast, effects on peptide structure, as measured by Congo red binding, were generally inconsistent with the attenuating effects of the compounds on cellular toxicity. These results suggest that by binding beta-amyloid these agents prevent its interaction with cells.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

PubMed1997

Acinetobacter radioresistens metabolizing aromatic compounds. 2. Biochemical and microbiological characterization of the strain.

The metabolic potentialities of an Acinetobacter radioresistens strain, isolated from the soil adjacent to an activated sludge plant, were investigated. Among 26 aromatic substrates tested, only phenol, benzoate and catechol were metabolized. Since this strain possessed abundant plasmid DNA, the antibiotic and heavy metal resistance was examined, and the bacterial cells proved to be sensitive to all metals (Ni, Tl, Pb, Cd, Ag, Co, Zn) and antibiotics tested except for Fosfomycin and chloramphenicol. The degradation kinetics for phenol and benzoate as the sole carbon/energy source (pH 7, 30 degrees C) displayed different trends, confirmed by the bacterial growth curve. Crude extracts from phenol-grown cultures showed both phenol hydroxylating activity and catechol dioxygenating activity. Phenol hydroxylase possessed a reductase component able to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and cytochrome C, thus exhibiting differences from previously reported monocomponent phenol hydroxylases from the same genus. Catechol dioxygenase is an intradiol-cleaving enzyme recognizing also substituted catechols.

Acinetobacter↗

PubMed1988

Re-evaluation of the fructosamine reaction.

The difference in spectral characteristics between 1-deoxy-1-morpholinofructose (DMF) and protein/plasma samples in the fructosamine reaction has been related to the solubility of the diformazan formed by reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium chloride. Addition of the surfactant Triton X-100 (20 g/L) to the reagent buffer not only corrects this anomaly but also enhances the absolute response. Detailed investigation of DMF and dihydroxyacetone as calibration standards for the reaction established a clear preference for the latter. Fundamental differences in reaction kinetics were also noted between the Amadori rearrangement products of glucose formed from morpholine (DMF) or the amino lysine groups of protein (glycated albumin). From the reactivity of dihydroxyacetone, as well as glyceraldehyde, observed in the fructosamine reaction, and the presence of this class of compounds (trioses) in human plasma, we infer that they may also contribute to the differentiation of diabetic and non-diabetic samples.

Fructosamine↗

PubMedDate not supplied

In vitro cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetics and ex vivo pharmacodynamics of a new platinum compound, cis-malonato [(4R,5R-4,5-bis(aminomethyl)-1,3-dioxolane-2-spiro-1'-cyclopentane] platinum (II).

The in vitro cytotoxicity of a new platinum complex, cis-malonato [(4R, 5R)-4,5-bis(aminomethyl)-1,3-dioxolane 2- spiro 1' cyclo-pentane]platinum(II) (SKI 2054R) and cisplatin (CDDP) was evaluated against two human stomach adenocarcinoma cell lines (MKN-45 and KATO III) and a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (PC-14). The in vitro 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of SKI 2054R and CDDP against MKN-45, KATO III, and PC-14 were 1.21 and 0.51, 2.11 and 0.83, and 2.90 and 0.77 micrograms/ml, respectively. The pharma-cokinetic and ex vivo pharmacodynamic studies on SKI 2054R and CDDP were performed in beagle dogs. Equitoxic doses of SKI 2054R and CDDP (7.0 and 3.0 mg/kg, respectively) were administered i.v. bolus to beagle dose in a randomized crossover study. Plasma samples were analyzed for platinum by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Plasma concentrations of total and ultrafiltrable platinum for the two drugs declined in a biexponential fashion. The mean area under the concentration-tine curve (AUC(0)--> infinity) determined for ultrafiltrable platinum derived from SKI 2054R, as an active component was 6.61 +/- 2.34 micrograms . h/ml (mean +/- S.D.), with an initial half-life of 0.26 +/- 0.14 h, a terminal half-life of 1.57 +/- 0.71 hour, a total clearance of 17.65 +/- 4.99 ml/min/kg, and a steady-state volume of distribution of 1.46 +/- 0.11 l/kg. The ex vivo antitumor activity of SKI 2054R was assessed using the ultrafiltrable plasma against MKN-45, KATO III, and PC-14 by tetrazolium-dye (MTT) assay and was compared with that of CDDP using the antitumor index (ATI) determined from the ex vivo pharmacodynamic results of inhibition rates (%) versus time curves. The mean ATI value recorded for SKI 2054R was higher than that noted for CDDP; however, statistical difference was not observed between SKI 2054R and CDDP, suggesting that the antitumor activity of SKI 2054R is comparable to that of CDDP. These results suggest that SKI 2054R is a new platinum complex which is worth being evaluated further.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2000

Colorimetric determination of inhibition of hematopoietic progenitor cells in soft agar.

In vitro colony forming unit (CFU) assays have been used to measure the effects of compounds that regulate the growth of hematopoietic progenitor cells. These assays are time consuming and subjective and are therefore not amenable to high throughput of large numbers of compounds. Here we have shown that the traditional murine bone marrow CFU assay can be modified into a robust non-subjective colorimetric assay format. 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) was added after colony formation in an agar based 96-well plate culture system. Optical density correlated with increasing cell input concentrations in the presence of growth factor. The linearity of this response was equivalent to the standard CFU assay. Several hematopoietic inhibitors were tested in both assays. Effects on colony number and size were compared to optical density. Compounds that reduced colony numbers with little effect on colony size had identical IC(50) values in both the colorimetric assay and CFU assay. The IC(50) values of compounds that also decreased colony size did not correlate in the two assays. These results demonstrate the utility of the colorimetric assay to rapidly screen for compounds that specifically inhibit hematopoietic progenitor cell colony formation in vitro.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

A study of hydrogen peroxide generation by, and antioxidant activity of, Granuflex (DuoDERM) Hydrocolloid Granules and some other hydrogel/hydrocolloid wound management materials.

The effect of Granuflex Hydrocolloid Granules (0.01-0.50% w/v) on the rate of proliferation of murine (L929) fibroblasts was examined. The dose-response curve showed a significant (P < 0.02) pro-proliferant effect at 0.05%, and a significant (P < 0.02) antiproliferant effect at 0.50%, mirroring the dose-response curve produced by hydrogen peroxide in the concentration range 10(-9) - 10(-4) mol/l. The antiproliferant effect at 0.20% w/v was abolished by catalase, suggesting that the biological activity of Granuflex was mediated by the in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide. Formation of hydrogen peroxide by Granuflex was confirmed by performing the scopoletin-horseradish peroxidase assay in the presence and absence of catalase. The total concentration of hydrogen peroxide detected was about 8 x 10(-6) mol/l (using 0.5% w/v Granuflex) after 48 h at 37 degrees C. In contrast, when hydrogen peroxide itself was added to L929 cultures, a similar antiproliferant activity was observed at concentrations between 10(-4) and 10(-5) mol/l. These results suggested that Granuflex was undergoing autoxidation in the culture medium, and hence that it might possess antioxidant activity. In assays for antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Granuflex, and two other hydrocolloid dressings (Comfeel Powder and Bard Absorption Dressing) showed significant ability to reduce DPPH to DPPH2. These three dressings also displayed superoxide scavenging activity in a nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay. We conclude that, in addition to providing a moist wound-healing environment, Granuflex and certain other hydrocolloids might contribute to the establishment and maintenance of the reducing environment necessary for energy production and hence cell division.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Detoxified lipopolysaccharide reduces microglial cell killing of prion-infected neurons.

In vitro studies show that microglial cells kill neurons treated with the synthetic miniprion (sPrP106) or with amyloid-beta1-42 (a neurotoxic peptide found in Alzheimer's disease) by a process requiring the CD14 protein. The killing of treated primary cortical neurons by microglial cells was reduced by the addition of detoxified lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a deacylated form of LPS. Detoxified LPS also increased the survival of prion-infected neuroblastoma cells incubated with microglial cells. The presence of detoxified LPS reduced cytokine production in these co-cultures, and from isolated microglial cells incubated with native LPS, or fibrils of sPrP106 or amyloid-beta1-42. These results suggest that some compounds that bind to CD14 might reduce microglial cell activation and increase neuronal survival in prion and Alzheimer's diseases.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

PubMed2006

New imidazole-coordinated chemotherapeutics with low epithelial toxicity.

The new imidazole-coordinated chemotherapeutics with low epithelial toxicity (NICE) presented in this article feature innovative drugs that combine epithelial toxicity comparable with that of carboplatin with novel carrier ligands optimized for DNA interaction. Recent identification of the pivotal role of basolateral organic cation transporters (OCTs) in cisplatin nephrotoxicity by a new model system (electrical resistance breakdown assay) facilitated the search for substances with a favorable organotoxic profile. The assay uses the high transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the C7-clone of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and the exclusive basolateral expression of OCT2 in these cells. TEER and caspase-3 activity of MDCK-C7-cells grown on microfilter membranes were monitored in response to exposure of either the apical or basolateral plasma membrane to platinum complexes. The impact of complexes on cancer cell lines was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide tests. Effects of substituents on pharmacological properties of NICE were systematically investigated by introducing sterically demanding groups as well as electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups. Derivatives of NICE showed different renal epithelial toxic profiles and effects on cancer cells. NICE were significantly less toxic than cis- or oxaliplatin. The chlorine substituted NICE had no effect on epithelial integrity but markedly cytotoxic activity against amelanotic melanoma cells. Together, side effect targeted screening for new anticancer drugs with the electrical resistance breakdown assay offers an interesting approach for identifying and investigating new compounds. NICE feature the first group of platinum-based cytostatics discovered by using this system for systematic screening of new chemotherapeutics with low renal epithelial toxicity.

Animals↗

PubMed1977

Inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release from rat leukocytes by auranofin. A new chrysotherapeutic agent.

Auranofin (SK&F D-39162), a new antiarthritic gold compound reported to be orally effective in animal (adjuvant rat) and human (rheumatoid) arthritic conditions, is a potent in vitro inhibitor of the release of lysosomal enzymes from phagocytizing rat leukocytes. Auranofin, at micromolar concentrations (1-10 microM), produced a dose-dependent reduction in extracellular levels of lysosomal enzyme markers (beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme) which are selectively released from rat leukocytes during phagocytosis of zymosan particles. The reduction in extracellular levels of lysosomal enzymes appears to be caused by inhibition of their selective cellular release, since effective concentrations of auranofin did not produce leukocyte cytotoxicity or inhibition of cell-free lysosomal enzyme activity. Morphologic and biochemical evidence indicated that auranofin also interferes with phagocytosis of zymosan particles. The potent in vitro activity of auranofin appears to result from its unique gold complex, since neither structurally related nongold compounds nor clinically used gold compounds (gold sodium thiomalate and gold thioglucose) were potent inhibitors of lysosomal enzyme release. The results of this investigation suggest that the antiarthritic activity of auranofin may be caused at least in part, by inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release and/or cellular processing of antigens.

Animals↗

PubMed1982

20 alpha-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the rat corpus luteum; a quantitative cytochemical study.

A quantitative cytochemical method for the demonstration of 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity (20 alpha-HSD) in the regressing corpora lutea of the adult rat ovary is described. The method employs unfixed tissue sections and relies upon the oxidation of 20 alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20 alpha-OH-P) with nitro blue tetrazolium as the hydrogen acceptor. The enzyme was dependent upon NADP+ for its activity and was inactive when 20 beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20 beta-OH-P) was used as a substrate. The apparent Km values for 20 alpha-OH-P and NADP+ were 3 x 10(-4) M and 2.5 x 10(-5) M respectively. Inhibition of 20 alpha-HSD activity by steroids was demonstrable at pH 8. Androstenedione was by far the most potent inhibitor, followed by progesterone (the product of the enzyme activity) 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, Compound S and 20 beta-OH-P. At pH 6.8, a pH more favourable to the progesterone leads to 20 alpha-OH-P reaction, only progesterone and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone were inhibitory. Testosterone was without demonstrable effect at either pH.

20-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

PubMed2005

Induction of apoptosis and modulation of production of reactive oxygen species in human endothelial cells by diphenyleneiodonium.

Diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) inhibits activity of flavoenzymes like NADPH oxidase, the major source of superoxide anion in cardiovascular system, but affects also other oxidoreductases. Contradictory data have been published concerning the effect of diphenyleneiodonium on the production of reactive oxygen species in cells, both inhibitory and stimulatory action of DPI being reported. We have examined the effect of DPI on the cellular production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and on the proliferation and apoptosis of human vascular endothelial cells. We found increased oxidation of ROS-sensitive probes (dihydrorhodamine 123 and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) when DPI (20 microM-100 microM) was present in the treated cells. However, oxidation of the fluorogenic probes was inhibited if DPI (20 microM-100 microM) was removed from the reaction medium after cell preincubation. These results suggest an artifactual oxidation of the fluorogenic probes by DPI or its metabolites. A similar pattern of influence of DPI on the production of NO (measured with 4-amino-5-methylamino-2',7'-difluorofluorescein diacetate) was observed. Modulation of generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in DPI-treated cells influenced the nitration of tyrosine residues of cellular proteins, estimated by Western blotting. Decreased level of nitration generally paralleled the lowered production of ROS. A decreased 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl)-3-3(4-sulphophenyl) tetrazolium (MTT) reducing activity of cells for was observed immediately after 1h treatment of human endothelial cells with DPI (1 microM-100 microM), in spite of lack of changes in cell viability estimated by other methods. These results point to a next limitation of MTT in estimation of viability of cells treated with oxidoreductase inhibitors. DPI inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs as well as immortalized cell line HUVEC-ST, as assessed by acid phosphatase activity test and measurement of total nucleic acid content. Proapoptotic action of DPI was observed 12 h after incubation with this compound.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed2005

Antioxidant activity and antiproliferative action of methanolic extract of Geum quellyon Sweet roots in human tumor cell lines.

Geum quellyon Sweet, a perennial herb of the Rosaceae family, has been used in the traditional medicine of the Mapuche Amerindians of Chile to treat tooth neuralgia, gastric inflammation, prostatitis and to regulate menstruation, and for its diuretic and aphrodisiac properties. Although many benefits have been claimed for this plant, few scientific studies are available in the literature. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity of a methanolic extract of Geum quellyon roots. We also examined the anticancer action of this plant on Caco-2 (colon adenocarcinoma cells), DU-145 (androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cells) and KB (oral squamous carcinoma cells) human tumor cell lines. Our data showed that Geum quellyon extract, containing tannins, exhibits interesting antioxidant properties, expressed by its capacity to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and superoxide anion (O(2)*-), to inhibit xanthine oxidase activity, to chelate metals, and to protect plasmid DNA from cleavage induced by hydroxyl radicals (*OH) and nitric oxide (NO). These results may explain, at least in part, its use in Mapuche traditional medicine for gastric inflammation and prostatitis. The assays on human tumor cell lines demonstrated that this natural product exhibits a inhibitory effect on all human cancer cells examined, and seem to indicate that necrosis cell death is triggered in KB cells and Caco-2, while apoptotic cell demise appears to be induced in DU-145. The effect evidenced in Caco-2 cells can be in part correlated to a modulation of redox-sensitive mechanisms.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

PubMed2000

Synthesis of a netropsin conjugate of a water-soluble epi-quinocarcin analogue: the importance of stereochemistry at nitrogen.

The efficient synthesis of a water-soluble C11a-epi-analogue (6b) of quinocarcin is described. This substance, and a netropsin amide conjugate (8) lack the capacity to inflict oxidative damage on DNA due to the stereoelectronic geometry of their oxazolidine nitrogen atoms. The capacity of these substances to alkylate DNA through the generation of an iminium species has been examined. Both compounds were found to be unreactive as DNA alkylating agents. The results of this study are discussed in the context of previous proposals on the mode of action of this family of antitumor alkaloids.

Alkylating Agents↗

PubMed2001

Macrophage-oriented cytotoxic activity of novel triterpene saponins extracted from roots of Securidaca inappendiculata.

It is recognized that macrophages in peripheral tissues often proliferate under pathological conditions such as tumors, inflammation and atherosclerosis. Because the growth state of macrophages is believed to be a factor regulating the pathological process of the diseases, substances that regulate macrophage growth or survival may be useful for disease control. In this paper, we identified the activity inhibiting macrophage growth in a hot water extract of roots of Securidaca inappendiculata. The extract markedly inhibited macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF/CSF-1)-induced growth of macrophages, whereas it exerted a less potent effect on growth of Concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated thymocytes or M-CSF-stimulated bone marrow cells. The inhibition of macrophage growth was caused by a cytotoxic effect rather than a cytostatic effect. Cell death was due to the induction of apoptosis, as judged by staining with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d-UTP nick end labelling (TUNEL). The cytotoxic activity seemed to be specific to peripheral macrophages; it showed a weak effect on the growth and survival of tumor cell lines including a macrophage-like cell line, J-774.1. Moreover, the saponin fraction induced apoptotic cell death of macrophages only when they were stimulated by M-CSF; it did not affect the viability of macrophages cultured without M-CSF or with granulocyte/macrophage-CSF. We determined the structures of the two active triterpene saponin compounds in the fraction, named securioside A and securioside B having a 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic group which is essential for the cell death-inducing activity. They are believed to be the primary compounds of new drugs for the treatment of pathological states in which macrophage proliferation occurs.

Animals↗