Obscuraminol F

Testosterone-induced modulation of peroxisomal morphology and peroxisome-related gene expression in brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) primary hepatocytes.[Pubmed:29032351]

Aquat Toxicol. 2017 Dec;193:30-39.

Disruption of androgenic signaling has been linked to possible cross-modulation with other hormone-mediated pathways. Therefore, our objective was to explore effects caused by testosterone - T (1, 10 and 50muM) in peroxisomal signaling of brown trout hepatocytes. To study the underlying paths involved, several co-exposure conditions were tested, with flutamide - F (anti-androgen) and ICI 182,780 - ICI (anti-estrogen). Molecular and morphological approaches were both evaluated. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), catalase and urate oxidase were the selected targets for gene expression analysis. The vitellogenin A gene was also included as a biomarker of estrogenicity. Peroxisome relative volumes were estimated by immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy was used for qualitative morphological control. The single exposures of T caused a significant down-regulation of urate oxidase (10 and 50muM) and a general up-regulation of vitellogenin. A significant reduction of peroxisome relative volumes and smaller peroxisome profiles were observed at 50muM. Co-administration of T and ICI reversed the morphological modifications and vitellogenin levels. The simultaneous exposure of T and F caused a significant and concentration-dependent diminishing in vitellogenin expression. Together, the findings suggest that in the tested model, T acted via both androgen and estrogen receptors to shape the peroxisomal related targets.

Iron chloride catalysed PCDD/F-formation: Experiments and PCDD/F-signatures.[Pubmed:29031055]

Chemosphere. 2018 Jan;191:72-80.

Iron chloride is often cited as catalyst of PCDD/F-formation, together with copper chloride. Conversely, iron chloride catalysis has been less studied during de novo tests. This paper presents such de novo test data, derived from model fly ash incorporating iron (III) chloride and established over a vast range of temperature and oxygen concentration in the gas phase. Both PCDD/F-output and its signature are extensively characterised, including homologue and congener profiles. For the first time, a complete isomer-specific analysis is systematically established, for all samples. Special attention is paid to the chlorophenols route PCDD/F, to the 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners, and to their relationship and antagonism.

Viscum articulatum Burm. f.: a review on its phytochemistry, pharmacology and traditional uses.[Pubmed:29034952]

J Pharm Pharmacol. 2018 Feb;70(2):159-177.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review and highlight traditional and ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical constituents, IP status, biological activity and pharmacological activity of Viscum articulatum. METHODS: Thorough literature searches were performed on Viscum articulatum, and data were analysed for reported traditional uses, pharmacological activity, phytochemicals present and patents filed. Scientific and patent databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Google patents, USPTO and Espacenet were searched using different keywords. KEY FINDINGS: Viscum articulatum has been traditionally used in different parts of the world for treatment of various ailments. Almost all the parts such as leaves, root, stem and bark are having medicinal values and are reported for their uses in Ayurvedic and Chinese system of medicine for the management of various diseases. Modern scientific studies demonstrate efficacy of this plant against hypertension, ulcer, epilepsy, inflammation, wound, nephrotoxicity, HIV, cancer, etc. Major bioactive phytochemicals include oleanolic acid, betulinic acid, eriodictyol, naringenin, beta-amyrin acetate, visartisides, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Side effects of allopathic medicines have created a global opportunity, acceptance and demand for phytomedicines. Viscum articulatum could be an excellent source of effective and safe phytomedicine for various ailments if focused translational efforts are undertaken by integrating the existing outcomes of researches.

Cytotoxic Dibohemamines D-F from a Streptomyces Species.[Pubmed:29035560]

J Nat Prod. 2017 Oct 27;80(10):2825-2829.

Three dimeric analogues of bohemamines, dibohemamines D-F (1-3), together with dibohemamine A (4), were isolated from Streptomyces sp. CPCC 200497. Their structures were solved using a combination of mass spectrometry, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and CD. Dibohemamines D and E were new dimeric analogues of bohemamines, and dibohemamine F was a known compound obtained previously by semisynthesis. Dibohemamine F displayed potent cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines A549 and HepG2 with IC50 values of 1.1 and 0.3 muM, respectively. Dibohemamines D and E showed moderate cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines A549 and HepG2.