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Three novel bile acid-based molecular dimers, 3α,3'α-bis(n-acetoxyphenylcarboxy)-5β-cholan-24-oic acid ethane-1,2-diol diesters (n = 2–4), 1–3, were synthesized from lithocholic acid (3α-hydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oic acid) ethane-1,2-diol diester and isomeric n-acetoxybenzoyl chlorides (n = 2–4). Their cleft type conformational preferences were suggested theoretically by PM3 molecular orbital calculations. Molecular weights determined by the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight technique and ¹³C NMR chemical shifts of the 1–3 are also presented. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The characteristic, bloodhound-like appearance, which degenerates gradually, of patients with primary hereditary systemic amyloidosis, also called Meretoja's syndrome (MS), is attributable to amyloid degeneration of the craniofacial skin and peripheral facial nerves, but apparently also to amyloid deposits in the muscles; a finding not previously described. A material of five patients treated with plastic surgery is presented, and the peculiarities and differences of this rare disease in comparison with other peripheral neuropathies is discussed from a reconstructive viewpoint.

3α,3'α-Bis(arylcarboxy)-5β-cholan-24-oic acid ethane-1,2-diol diesters (1–3) were synthesized by the reaction of an aroyl chloride (aroyl=2,6-dichlorobenzoyl, 2-naphthoyl and 1-pyrenoyl) with lithocholic acid (3α-hydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oic acid) ethane-1,2-diol diester. The ¹³C NMR chemical shift assignments of the formed molecular clefts 1–3, pyrene-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester (4) (used as model compound) and 1-pyrenoyl chloride (5) are based on literature data and ¹³C DEPT-135, ¹H,¹³C HMQC and ¹H,¹³C HMBC experiments. The molecular weights of 1–3 were determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.