Obesity and associated diseases are world-wide problems. The preventive effect of purple sweet potato color (PSPC) on high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity was investigated along with the mechanism underlying the effect. Eight-week-old male Sprague Dawley strain rats were grouped into 7 groups and intragastrically administered PSPC once a day. Obesity was prevented and abnormal glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels induced by the HFD for 6 weeks were restored to near-normal levels. PSPC significantly (p<0.05) reduced the level of reactive oxygen species and inhibited the receptor of advanced glycation end products and thioredoxin interacting protein in the hypothalamus, compared with controls. PSPC preserved the leptin signaling capability, leading to a decrease in hypothalamic adenosine 5'-monophosphate activated protein kinase activity. The anti-obesity effects of PSPC were mediated via attenuation of oxidative stress and regulation of leptin/AMPK signaling in the hypothalamus.

We have developed a simple and facil protocol for the synthesis of tetrahydrospiro(indoline‐3,11′‐pyrazolo[4,3‐a]acridine)‐2,10′(7′H)‐dione, tetrahydrospiro(indoline‐3, 11′‐pyrazolo[3,4‐a]acridine)‐2,10′(7′H)‐dione, and tetrahydrospiro (indoline‐3,11′‐pyrrolo[3,2‐a]acridine)‐2,10′(7′H)‐dione via PTSA·H2O‐induced cyclization reaction from isatins, dimedone, and 5‐aminoindazole (6‐aminoindazole or 5‐aminoindole) in mixed solvent (EtOH and CH3CN). In this research, 5‐aminoindazole, 6‐aminoindazole, and 5‐aminoindole were effectively used to react with isatins and dimedone to give spiroacridinone derivatives. The advantages of this method are mild conditions, convenient manipulation, high yields, and a wide range of substrates.

A simple and convenient one‐pot three‐component reactions for the synthesis of 9‐aryl‐6,9‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐f]quinoline‐8‐carbonitrile from the reactions of aromatic aldehydes, 1H‐indazol‐6‐amine, and 3‐cyanoacetyl indole (aroylacetonitrile) has been reported. Meanwhile, 1‐aryl‐1,4‐dihydrobenzo[f]quinoline‐2‐carbonitrile has been accomplished by the reaction of various aromatic aldehydes, 2‐naphthylamine and 3‐cyanoacetyl indole in acetonitrile under 80°C. The advantages of this approach are mild reaction conditions, easy work‐up, and high yields.