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Two new isocoumarins named peniciisocoumarins I and J (1 − 2), together with four known analogues (3 − 6), were obtained from Penicillium sp. GXIMD 03001, an endophytic fungus derived from the rhizophoraceous mangrove Kandelia candel. The structures and absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by detailed analysis of their NMR, MS spectroscopic data, a modified Mosher's method and electronic circular dichroism data. All isolated isocoumarins were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against four human cancer cell lines (SPCA-1, BEL-7402, GSC-7901 and MCF-7). However, none of the compounds exhibited any appreciable activity (IC 50 > 50 μ M). [Display omitted] • Two new isocoumarins, peniciisocoumarins I–J (1 and 2) were obtained from Penicillium sp. GXIMD 03001. • The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by a modified Mosher's ester method. • Cytotoxicity of all isolates against SPCA-1, BEL-7402, GSC-7901 and MCF-7 were examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The antihyperlipidaemic effects of ODP-Ia, one of the main components of Opuntia dillenii Haw. polysaccharides, were studied. Gavage administration of ODP-Ia was observed to significantly decrease serum lipid levels and to increase serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in hyperlipidaemic rats. Similar suppressive patterns were also seen in hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Moreover, the ODP-Ia administration significantly increased serum lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity, increased the production of serum NO, inhibited hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity, augmented serum and hepatic superoxide dismutase activities and decreased the serum and hepatic malondialdehyde contents in hyperlipidaemic rats. In addition, a histopathological examination revealed that ODP-Ia administration significantly suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and the expression of VCAM-1. Together, these results indicate that ODP-Ia is a potential natural product for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia-related diseases by improving antioxidant levels, modulating the activities of enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism, promoting the production of NO and suppressing the expression of VCAM-1, thereby suppressing lipid accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]