Proanthocyanidin as a cytogenetic protective agent against adverse effects of plant growth regulators supplementation in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of grape seed extract (containing proanthocyandin) against the adverse effects of plant growth regulators (GA₃ (gibberellic acid) and IAA (indoleacetic acid)). The present data showed that the administration of either GA₃ and IAA caused undesirable changes in both hepatic and testicular structure. This was evidenced by a disturbed hepatic strands, pyknotic nuclei, central vein with collapsed endothelium, dilatation in bile sinusoids, congested blood vessel, binucleatd hepatocytes, lymphocytic infiltration, vacuolation, giant hepatic cells, increased Kupffer cells and karyoryxis. Additionally, it was shown that degenerative changes in the testis, spermatogenic arrest, moderate tubular necrosis, Leydig cell degeneration and reduction in the number and size of the seminiferous tubules with some spermatogonia detached from the basement membrane. Concerning flow cytometric study of the liver a significant decrease in G0/1 % and a significant increase in S phase %, G2/M  %, P⁵³ % and apoptosis % (sub G1) were detected. However, in testis the data recorded a significant decrease in the percentage of mature sperm (percentage of haploid cells) and a significant increase in the percentage of spermatide, diploid cells, P⁵³ and of apoptotic cells. On the other hand, a distinct recovery of the mentioned hepatic and testicular histopathological and cytogenetic disorders was observed when proanthocyanidin was supplemented to rats administered either of the plant growth hormones (GA₃ and IAA).     

Synthesis of Some Pyridine Ribosides and Their Biological Activity

Abstract

A synthesis of 1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)-pyridin-2-thiones via reaction of 3-cyanopyridin-2(H)-thiones with 2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-D-ribofuranosyl bromide under basic conditions, followed by hydrolysis with methanolic ammonia is reported.     

Nutritional value of some algae from the north-western Mediterranean coast of Egypt

Fourteen taxa from Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta and Phaeophyta were collected from seven stations at different depths, along the north-western Mediterranean coast of Egypt during winter and summer 2006. Total carbohydrates (TCH), total protein (TPr), total lipids (TL), chlorophyll a, β-carotene, minerals and trace metals were determined in a total of 50 specimens. The concentrations of these components varied significantly with respect to the algal taxa and showed different patterns of distribution in the three classes. The content of TCH ranged from 5 to 20.9?%, being much higher for Cystoseira spinosa (20.9?%), TPr 3.86 to 27.65?% where Gelidium corneum showed the maximum value and TL content displayed wide variation (2.34 to 48.95?%), with Sargassum hornschuchii having the highest values. A minor component was β-carotene in all samples (1.80?2.50?×?10^?3 mg (100 g)^?1) which was much lower than in vegetables, in contrast to chlorophyll a concentrations which have attained high values (6.70?94.20 mg (100 g)^?1) and were lower than in vegetables. Mineral content was abundant in all samples and was higher than in common food and vegetables, whereas the measured trace metals all exceeded the permissible doses and were far from the accepted concentrations in the regulations of many countries. This limits their use in food consumption, except copper which recorded acceptable concentrations in the study. The maximum values of phosphorus (3,305 mg (100 g^?1), potassium (930 mg (100 g^?1) and calcium (3,070 mg (100 g^?1) were recorded in members of Chlorophyceae: Codium bursa, Udotea sp. and Udotea petiolata, whereas the red alga Rhodymenia ardissonei had the lowest concentrations in iodine (80 ppm) and sodium (1,450 mg (100 g)^?1) and the highest concentrations in the trace metals copper (3.89 ppm), nickel (13.14 ppm), zinc (38.87 ppm) and a relatively large amount of lead (41.60 ppm).