This review analytically examines the published data for erionite-related malignant pleural mesothelioma (E-MPM) and any data to support a genetically predisposed mechanism to erionite fiber carcinogenesis. Adult patients of age > or =18 years with erionite-related pleural diseases and genetically predisposed mechanisms to erionite carcinogenesis were included, while exclusion criteria included asbestos- or tremolite-related pleural diseases. The search was limited to human studies though not limited to a specific timeframe. A total of 33 studies (31042 patients) including 22 retrospective studies, 6 prospective studies, and 5 case reports were reviewed. E-MPM developed in some subjects with high exposures to erionite, though not all. Chest CT was more reliable in detecting various pleural changes in E-MPM than chest X-ray, and pleural effusion was the most common finding in E-MPM cases, by both tests. Bronchoalveolar lavage remains a reliable and relatively less invasive technique. Chemotherapy with cisplatin and mitomycin can be administered either alone or following surgery. Erionite has been the culprit of numerous malignant mesothelioma cases in Europe and even in North America. Erionite has a higher degree of carcinogenicity with possible genetic transmission of erionite susceptibility in an autosomal dominant fashion. Therapeutic management for E-MPM remains very limited, and cure of the disease is extremely rare.
Adult ; Asbestos/*adverse effects ; Asbestos, Amphibole ; Environmental Exposure/*adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/*chemically induced/radiography ; Male ; Mesothelioma/*chemically induced/radiography ; Middle Aged ; Pleura/radiography ; Pleural Effusion/radiography ; Pleural Neoplasms/*chemically induced/radiography ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Zeolites/*adverse effects

The hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of Astragalus kahiricus (Fabaceae) roots against ethanol-induced liver apoptosis was evaluated and it showed very promising hepatoprotective actions through different mechanisms. The extract counteracted the ethanol-induced liver enzymes leakage and glutathione depletion. In addition, it demonstrated anti-apoptotic effects against caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation that were confirmed by liver histopathological examination. Moreover, the phytochemical study of this extract led to the isolation of four cycloartane-type triterpenes identified as astrasieversianin II (1), astramembrannin II (2), astrasieversianin XIV (3), and cycloastragenol (4). The structures of these isolates were established by HRESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The antimicrobial, antimalarial, and cytotoxic activities of the isolates were further evaluated, but none of them showed any activity.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Astragalus Plant ; chemistry ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; drug therapy ; genetics ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; DNA Fragmentation ; drug effects ; Ethanol ; toxicity ; Female ; Humans ; Liver ; cytology ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Protective Agents ; administration & dosage ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

AIM: To study the chemical constituents and their bioactivity of Polygonum amplexicaule. METHODS: The isolation of compounds was achieved by chromatographic techniques and structure of the isolates was established by UV, IR, HRESI-MS and NMR including 1D and 2D experiments. RESULTS: Bioassay-guided fractionation of an ethanolic extract of Polygonum amplexicaule led to the isolation of a hitherto unidentified compound, 5, 6-dihydropyranobenzopyrone (1) along with nine previously known compounds (2-10). Compounds 2-10 were identified as amplexicine (2), catechin (3), rutin (4), quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (5), chlorogenic acid (6), galloyl glucose (7), caffeic acid (8), gallic acid (9) and scopletin (10). CONCLUSION Compound 1 is new. Compounds 1-10 exhibited considerable antioxidant activity in a 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay.
Antioxidants ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Biphenyl Compounds ; metabolism ; Coumarins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Molecular Structure ; Picrates ; metabolism ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Polygonum ; chemistry