Phytochemical Diversity of the Essential Oils of Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) Populations along an Edapho‐Climatic Gradient

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is an important aromatic plant, mainly used as flavoring and usually harvested from non‐cultivated populations. Mexican oregano essential oil showed important variation in the essential‐oil yield and composition. The composition of the essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation from 14 wild populations of L. graveolens growing along an edaphoclimatic gradient was evaluated. Characterization of the oils by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses allowed the identification of 70 components, which accounted for 89–99% of the total oil composition. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses divided the essential oils into three distinct groups with contrasting oil compositions, viz., two phenolic chemotypes, with either carvacrol (C) or thymol (T) as dominant compounds (contents >75% of the total oil composition), and a non‐phenolic chemotype (S) dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes. While Chemotype C was associated with semi‐arid climate and shallower and rockier soils, Chemotype T was found for plants growing under less arid conditions and in deeper soils. The plants showing Chemotype S were more abundant in subhumid climate. High‐oil‐yield individuals (>3%) were identified, which additionally presented high percentages of either carvacrol or thymol; these individuals are of interest, as they could be used as parental material for scientific and commercial breeding programs.     

Therapeutic role of adipose tissue–derived stem cells versus microvesicles in a rat model of cerebellar injury

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a controversial food additive reported to cause negative effects on public health. Adipose stem cells (ASCs) and their derived vesicles (MVs) represent a promising cure for human diseases. This work was planned to compare the therapeutic effects of adipose stem cells and microvesicles in MSG‐induced cerebellar damage. Forty adult healthy male Wister rats were equally divided into four groups: Group I (control group), group II (MSG‐treated), group III (MSG/ASCs‐treated), and group IV (MSG/MVs‐treated). Motor behaviour of rats was assessed. Characterization of ASCs and MVs was done by flow cytometry. The cerebellum was processed for light and electron microscopic studies, and immunohistochemical localization of PCNA and GFAP. Morphometry was done for the number of Purkinje cells in H&E‐stained sections, area per cent of GFAP immune reactivity and number of positive PCNA cells. Our results showed MSG‐induced deterioration in the motor part. Moreover, MSG increases oxidant and apoptotic with decreases of antioxidant biomarkers. Structural changes in the cerebellar cortex as degeneration of nerve cells and gliosis were detected. There were also a decrease in the number of Purkinje cells, an increase in the area per cent of GFAP immune reactivity and a decrease in the number of positive PCNA cells, as compared to the control. Rats treated with ASCs showed marked functional and structural improvement in comparison with MV‐treated rats. Thus, both ASCs and MVs had therapeutic potential for MSG‐induced cerebellar damage with better results in case of ASCs.     

Profiling the phyto-constituents of Punica granatum fruits peel extract and accessing its in-vitro antioxidant,anti-diabetic,anti-obesity,and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory properties

This context was investigated to assess the in vitro antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition traits of Punica granatum fruits peel extract. Initially, among various extracts tested, aqueous and ethanolic peel extracts depicted the presence of diverse phytoconstituents. In vitro antioxidative properties of peel extracts were determined using standard methodologies. Results showed that aqueous and ethanolic extracts had IC₅₀ values of 471.7 and 509.16 μg/mL, respectively in terms of 1,1,diphenyl 2,2,picrylhydrazyl scavenging. Likewise, IC₅₀ values of aqueous and ethanol extract were obtained as 488.76 and 478.47 μg/mL towards the degradation of hydrogen peroxide. The ethanolic extract exhibited the highest inhibition of α-glucosidase by showing activity of 53.34 ± 2.0 to 15.18 ± 1.4 U/L in a dose dependent manner (100–1000 µg/mL). Ethanolic extract was reported as the most active inhibitor of lipase with an IC₅₀ value of 603.50 µg/mL. Ethanolic extract showed increased inhibition of ACE in a concentration dependent manner (100–1000 µg/mL) with IC₅₀ value of 519.45 µg/mL. Fourier transform-infrared spectrum revealed the availability of various functional groups in the ethanolic extract of peel. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry chromatogram of peel extract illustrated 23 diversified chemical constituents including 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol, Dimethyl sulfone, 9-octadecenamide, and Pentadecanoic acid as predominant compounds. In summary, P. granatum fruits peel extract revealed promising antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive properties.     

In silico profiling of analgesic and antihyperglycemic effects of ethanolic leaves extract of Amischotolype mollissima: Evidence from in vivo studies

The aim of this study is to assess the antioxidative profile and related pharmacological potentialities of the ethanolic extract of Amischotolype mollissima leaves, traditionally used in treating pain, injury, malarial fever, epilepsy and hyperacidity, followed by a computational approach for the analysis of bioactive compounds identified by GC–MS. In GC–MS analysis, the extract yielded ten compounds, with 4,6-di-t-butyl-2-alpha-methyl benzyl phenol having the highest amount. In vitro investigation of the antioxidative properties of the plant was conducted with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. The amounts of secondary metabolites phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins were measured at 142 mg GAE/g, 534 mg QE/g, and 110 mg GAE/g, respectively. An acute toxicity study was carried out on mice, which revealed no toxicity up to the dosage of 4000 mg/kg bw. For the dosages of extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg bw, the writhing response test induced by acetic acid exhibited a statistically significant (p < 0.05) analgesic effect in mice. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity assay were used to examine the antihyperglycemic potential, in which the extract reduced the blood glucose level to 6.22 mmol/l and 3.82 mmol/l, at dosages of 250 and 500 mg/kg bw, respectively at 60 min in OGTT even though no activity was observed in the α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory assay. In an antibacterial assay, the extract's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus was determined to be 8, 16, and 8 µg/ml, respectively. This study shows that the usage of A. mollissima leaves in folklore medication is justified.     

Anti-obese activity of Butea monosperma (Lam) bark extract in experimentally induced obese rats

To study the efficacy of ethanolic extract of B. monosperma bark in cafeteria and atherogenic diet fed rats and monosodium glutamate (MSG) obese rats, different doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) of ethanolic extract of B. monosperma bark showed dose dependent decrease in body weight, daily food intake, glucose, lipids, internal organs' weight and fat pad weight in cafeteria and atherogenic diet fed rats and monosodium glutamate obese rats. The results suggested that B. monosperma has significant anti-obese activity.     

Comparative lipid and uric acid suppressing properties of four common herbs in high fat-induced obese mice with their total phenolic and flavonoid index

Our present study was designed to investigate the comparative anti-obesity efficacy of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Allium sativum L. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe in high fat-induced mice with their total phenolic and flavonoid profile. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu's and Aluminium chloride UV method respectively. In our study, 55 healthy mice were separated into 11 groups to take their respective treatments. Lipid and uric acid profile were estimated by using the enzymatic colourimetric method. Ethanolic extract of A. indica contained the highest phenolic and flavonoid content. A. indica normal and high fat diet group showed reduced weight gaining tendency than other extract groups. A. indica at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight significantly (p < 0.001) reduced serum cholesterol (SC), triglyceride (TG), and uric acid (UA) level than other three extracts when compared with the control group. Thus, a considerable correlation was found between serum uric acid reducing potentials of the present experimental extracts with a lipid-lowering profile. Pathological examination revealed that the average weight of liver and kidney were significantly decreased in A. indica normal. Results obtained from the present study it can be concluded that ethanolic extract of A. indica possesses better lipid-lowering efficacy than the other three herbs.     

Toxicity of ethanolic extracts from Lippia origanoides and Gliricidia sepium to Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Botanical compounds with insecticidal and acaricidal activities have been used in pest management with different levels of success. Toxicity of ethanolic extracts obtained from wild oregano (Lippia origanoides) and gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) to Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) were evaluated. Mite population was collected from black bean plants growing in Urachiche Municipality, Yaracuy State, Venezuela. Ethanolic extracts of wild oregano and gliricidia leaves were evaluated at different concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20%) using the leaf disk immersion technique. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and tannins, essential oils and saponins was verified in the plant material used in our study. Tetranychus cinnabarinus oviposition decreased at a rate of 43.7% or 57% when 5% oregano or gliricidia extracts were used, respectively. Also, 10% oregano or gliricidia extracts caused 42.2% or 72.5% of mortality to T. cinnabarinus, respectively. Ethanolic extracts showed acaricidal effects on T. cinnabarinus, as evidenced by maximum mortality (96.6% and 100% caused by wild oregano and gliricidia, respectively) when used at a concentration of 20%. Our results showed that gliricidia and wild oregano are promising for the management of T. cinnabarinus, although their field efficacy remains to be evaluated.     

Moringa peregrina leaf extracts produce anti-obesity,hypoglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic,and hepatoprotective effects on high-fat diet fed rats

This present research investigated the anti-obesity and hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic Moringa peregrina leaf (MPLE) and bark extracts (MPBE), in the rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Healthy male rats (n = 48) were randomly distributed to six groups (n = 8): control AIN-93 diet; HFD; HFD + MPBE bark extracts ((300 mg/kg); HFD + MPBE (600 mg/kg); HFD + MPLE (300 mg/kg); HFD + MPLE (600 mg/kg). HFD-fed rats in the Moringa peregrina (MP) treatment groups received orally administered MP leaf or bark extract daily for eight weeks. The results revealed that both doses of MP leaf extract significantly reduced HFD-induced increases in their food intake and the gained body weight, fat pad weights (visceral, subcutaneous, and epididymal), glucose and insulin plasma levels, and leptin and resistin serum levels in HFD-fed rats. Concomitantly, MP leaf extract improved glucose levels after oral or intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests, reduced serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and the low-density lipoprotein LDL concentration, reduced hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol levels, and increased serum high-density lipoproteins HDL levels and triglycerides and cholesterol levels in fecal. Moreover, the administration of MPLE to HFD-fed rats improved liver architecture, reduced fat accumulation, reduced hepatic malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were significantly increased. All observed effects were more pronounced in HFD-fed rats treated with a 600 mg/kg MP dose. However, neither dose of MPBE altered the measured markers in the HFD-fed rats. In conclusion, MPLE showed potential anti-obesity and hepatoprotective activity in HFD-induced obese rats, mediated by reduced lipid absorption, anti-hyperlipidemic effects, and hepatic antioxidant effects.     

Ethanol extract of Cassia siamea L. increases life span in Drosophila melanogaster

The stem of Cassia siamea L. (Fabaceae) has been used in traditional Thai medicine as a longevity remedy. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ethanolic stem extract of C. siamea (CSE) on the life span of Drosophila melanogaster. The results showed that a diet containing 10 mg/mL CSE could significantly extend the mean life span of D. melanogaster by 14% compared with the control diet (P < 0.01). The maximum life span was 74, 78, and 84 days in control, CSE (5 mg/mL) and CSE (10 mg/mL) groups, respectively. Supplementation of CSE at 10 mg/mL also significantly increases the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) at days 25 and 40 compared with the control diet. Treatment of CSE at 5 and 10 mg/mL significantly increased the climbing ability of D. melanogaster both on days 25 and 40 compared with the control flies. Paraquat and H₂O₂ challenge test showed that flies fed with CSE at 10 mg/mL had a longer survival time than the control flies (P < 0.01). This study provides supportive evidence that supplementation with CSE prolonged life span and reduced oxidative stress in D. melanogaster.     

Total phenolic,flavonoid contents,and biological activities of stem extracts of Astragalus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl. grown in Northern Border Province,Saudi Arabia

Background and objectiveGenus Astragalus belongs to the family Fabaceae and is one among the largest genera consisting of around 3000 species. The plants have been used traditionally in treatment of various ailments in folklore. The study was planned to assess the analgesic and inflammatory activity of Astragulus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl extract of the stem.Materials and methodsCourse powder of stems of Astragulus spinosus was extracted using chloroform and methanol as solvents. Folin ciocalteu method was employed for determination of the phenolic acid content. Aluminum chloride colorimetric procedure was followed for estimating the flavonoid content. Both chloroform and methanolic extracts at 250 and 500 mg/kg, were tested for the analgesic activity, however, only methanolic extract was selected for anti-inflammatory property based on the results of analgesic activity. The analgesic effect was executed on male rats by the hot plate model. The anti-inflammatory effect was studied in the carrageenan rat paw edema model. The experimental information was interpreted statistically using one-way ANOVA and p < 0.05 was used to express importance of the results.ResultsThe total phenolics of the methanol extract was 420 µg and that of chloroform extract was 265 µgwhile total flavonoid content in terms of quercetin was found to be 68 µg and 17.5 µg for methanol and chloroform extract respectively. Only methanolic extract exhibited significant (p < 0.001) analgesic activity by elevating the pain threshold starting from 15 min. The methanolic extract inhibited (p < 0.001) the edema in carrageenan induced model. The performance of higher dose (500 mg/kg) was better with reference to lower dose (250 mg/kg).ConclusionOutcome of the results show that the methanolic stem extracts exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory-like activity with reference to chloroform extract. Credit of which is given to flavonoids and phenolic content present in the methanolic extract. However, more research is suggested to establish the safety and effectiveness of the herbal drug to manage diseased states including pain and inflammation.     

Chemical composition and bioactivities of thirteen non-host plant essential oils against Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), is a globally destructive pest of cruciferous vegetables. Excessive use of synthetic pesticides to control this species results in negative effects on the environment, human health, and nontargeted organisms. The essential oils (EOs) derived from plants may be developed as effective alternatives to conventional pesticides. In this study, thirteen EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation, respectively. Their chemical compositions were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Furthermore, the biological activities of EOs such as toxicity, antifeedant activity, and growth inhibition effect, toward DBM larvae were investigated. Against DBM second-instar larvae, the most toxic EO was Pelargonium graveolens (LC₅₀ = 0.36 μg/μl) after 72 hr of exposure, followed by Polygonum hydropiper (LC₅₀ = 0.53 μg/μl). The Ocimum basilicum EO exhibited the highest antifeedant effect to third-instar larvae at at all set concentrations. At 15 μg/μl, the EOs of Acorus calamus, O. basilicum, and P. graveolens completely inhibited the feeding activities of larvae (100%). The Ruta graveolens EO showed the lowest relative growth rate and the highest growth inhibition rate towards third-instar larvae at diverse concentrations. And the EOs of P. hydropiper, A. calamus, and O. basilicum showed promising growth inhibition activities. Overall, the five EOs (P. graveolens, O. basilicum, R. graveolens, P. hydropiper, and A. calamus) showed moderate to high bioactivity, whereas eight EOs were found to be less active against DBM larvae. These results indicate that the five tested EOs are promising to be developed as novel botanical insecticides to control DBM population.     

3-Epi-cyclolaudenol and known triterpenes from euphorbia caudicifolia

A new tetracyclic triterpene 3-epi-cyclolaudenol (24-methyl-9,19-cyclolanost-25-en-3α-ol),cyclolaudenol and cycloartenol were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the latex of Euphorbia caudicifolia, cycloartenol 3-ketomethylursolate were obtained from the ethanolic extract of the stem of this plant.     

Evaluation of phenolic profile,antioxidant and anticancer potential of two main representants of Zingiberaceae family against B164A5 murine melanoma cells

Background

Curcuma longa Linnaeus and Zingiber officinale Roscoe are two main representatives of Zingiberaceae family studied for a wide range of therapeutic properties, including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, antibacterial, analgesic, immunomodulatory, proapoptotic, anti-human immunodeficiency virus properties and anticancer effects. This study was aimed to analyse the ethanolic extracts of Curcuma rhizome (Curcuma longa Linnaeus) and Zingiber rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in terms of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and anti-melanoma potential employing the B164A5 murine melanoma cell line.

Results

In order to evaluate the total content of polyphenols we used Folin-Ciocâlteu method. The antioxidant activity of the two ethanolic extracts was determined by DPPH assay, and for the control of antiproliferative effect it was used MTT proliferation assay, DAPI staining and Annexin-FITC-7AAD double staining test. Results showed increased polyphenols amount and antioxidant activity for Curcuma rhizome ethanolic extract. Moreover, 100 μg/ml of ethanolic plant extract from both vegetal products presented in a different manner an antiproliferative, respectively a proapoptotic effect on the selected cell line.

Conclusions

The study concludes that Curcuma rhizome may be a promising natural source for active compounds against malignant melanoma.     

Flavones and phenylpropanoids from a sedative extract of Lantana trifolia L.

The flavone glycosides, named scutellarein-7-O-β-d-apiofuranoside and apigenin-7-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-apiofuranoside, and the flavone celtidifoline (5,6,4′,5′-tetrahydroxy-7,3′-dimethoxyflavone), along with other 11 known compounds, were isolated from leaves of the ethyl acetate extract of Lantana trifolia L. using step gradient High Speed Countercurrent Chromatography (HSCCC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) techniques. The ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts produced an intense sedative effect in mice, one hour after oral administration of 1 mg/kg. This effect was neither due to a benzodiazepine-like effect of the three flavone derivatives neither of the phenylpropanoids, betonyoside F and verbascoside, that were tested for their affinity for the [³H] flunitrazepam binding sites.     

Exploring the potential of biopharmaceutical production by Rigidoporus ulmarius: Cultivation,chemistry, and bioactivity studies

Rigidoporus ulmarius is used as a medicinal fungus in Asia. Three isolates (denoted #61, #62, and #63) of R. ulmarius were collected, and their biological activities were evaluated. Extracted polysaccharides from isolate #63 showed greater inhibition activity compared to isolates #61 and #62 in an in vitro endothelial cell tube formation assay, a standard evaluation of angiogenesis. The polysaccharides and ethanolic extract of isolate #63 dose-dependently suppressed the production of the interferon (IFN)-γ-induced inflammation marker, IP-10. Chemical analyses of the polysaccharides revealed that isolate #63 contained the highest value of fucose at a concentration of 59.1 ± 1.2 μmol/g polysaccharide. These results suggest that fucose-containing polysaccharides may play a role in the inhibitory effect. Isolate #63 showed the highest values of ADP among the three isolates in the ethanolic extract. These results suggest that different isolates from R. ulmarius exhibit different abilities to regulate antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory processes.     

Antiperoxidative and Antiinflammatory Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sida Cordifolia</Emphasis> Linn. on Quinolinic Acid Induced Neurotoxicity

Sida cordifolia is a plant belonging to the Malvaceae family used in many ayurvedic preparations. This study aimed at assessing the effects of ethanolic extract of Sida cordifolia root on quinolinic acid (QUIN) induced neurotoxicity and to compare its effect with the standard drug deprenyl in rat brain. Rats were divided into six groups: (1) control group (2) QUIN (55 μg/100 g bwt/day) (3) 50% ethanolic plant extract treated group (50 mg/100 g bwt/day) (4) Deprenyl (100 μg/100 g bwt/day) (5) QUIN (55 μg/100 g bwt/day) + 50% ethanolic plant extract treated group (50 mg/100 g bwt/day) (6) QUIN (55 μg/100 g bwt/day) + Deprenyl (100 μg/100 g bwt/day). At the end of the experimental period a status of lipid peroxidation products, protein peroxidation product, activities of the scavenging enzymes and the activities of the inflammatory markers were analyzed. Results revealed that the lipid peroxidation products decreased and the activities of the scavenging enzymes increased significantly in the brain of the plant extract treated group, deprenyl treated group and also in the coadminstered groups. The activities of markers of inflammatory responses such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase were found to be significantly increased in the QUIN treated rats and this was decreased upon the administration of plant extract and deprenyl. In short, the study revealed that 50% ethanolic extract of Sida cordifolia has got potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity and the activity is comparable with the standard drug deprenyl.     

Extract and fraction of Musa paradisiaca flower have osteogenic effect and prevent ovariectomy induced osteopenia

BackgroundOsteoporosis is an asymptomatic bone disorder leading to altered bone microarchitecture, mineralization and strength. Musa paradisiaca has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in various diseases. Its impact on postmenopausal osteoporosis has not been investigated yet.PurposeThe intention of the current study was to evaluate the bone regeneration and osteoprotective potential of extract and fraction of M. paradisiaca flower in ovariectomized (Ovx) Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, a model of post-menopausal bone loss. The study also aims to identify osteogenic compounds from active fraction.MethodsEthanolic extract (MFE) and butanolic fraction (MFE-Bu) from flower of M. paradisiaca were prepared and their efficacy was tested in rat femur osteotomy model at different doses. Effective dose from both extract (250 mg/kg) and fraction (50 mg/kg) were taken for study in osteopenic bone loss model. PTH was taken as reference standard (20 µg/kg/twice a week). Bones were harvested at autopsy for dynamic and static histomorphometry. Serum was collected for ELISA. Pure compounds were isolated from butanolic fraction (MFE-Bu), and were assessed for their osteogenic effect.ResultsMFE and MFE-Bu were observed for their potential in bone healing and prevention of bone loss. Both MFE and MFE-Bu promoted new bone regeneration at injury site as assessed by microCT and calcein dye labeling studies. These also led to restoration of bone microarchitecture deteriorated as a result of osteopenia and improved bone biomechanical properties. Extract as well as the fraction exhibited dual bone anabolic and anti-resorptive properties where they elevated serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), a bone formation marker and suppressed serum C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1), a bone resorption marker. As many as four osteogenic compounds were isolated from MFE-Bu. Oleracein-E was found to be the most potent osteogenic agent based on osteoblast differentiation, mineralization assays, qPCR and protein expression studies.ConclusionOur studies demonstrates that ethanolic extract from the flower of M. paradisiaca and its butanolic fraction exhibit dual osteogenic and anti-resorptive potential, and have an advantage over PTH which though promotes bone formation but is also bone catabolic in nature.     

Association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and metabolic syndrome in obese adolescents: A possible immune-metabolic link

BackgroundToxoplasmosis as a global disease is considered as a triggering factor responsible for development of several clinical diseases. However, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an understudied parasite of potential interest in obesity research. The current study aimed to explore the role of latent T. gondii infection in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in obese adolescents through studying the relationship between serum interferon-gamma [IFN-γ] and serum chemerin in context of MetS components.MethodsEighty-three obese adolescents were serologically screened for T. gondii-IgG antibodies and compared to 35 age-matched healthy T. gondii-seronegative controls. Participants were evaluated for anthropometric measurements, total-fat mass [FM], trunk-FM, serum lipid profile, IFN-γ, and chemerin levels. Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS was significantly higher within obese T. gondii-seropositive group compared to obese T. gondii-seronegative group (P = 0.033). Seropositive obese MetS group displayed significantly higher trunk-FM, HOMA-IR, chemerin, and IFN-γ compared to seronegative obese MetS group. Serum chemerin and IFN-γ were strongly correlated (P < 0.001) and were positively correlated with BMI, WC, total-FM, trunk-FM, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, triglycerides and negatively correlated with HDLC. HOMA-IR was a common predictor for serum chemerin (P = 0.030) and IFN-γ (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe study results suggest that T. gondii infection may exert an immune-metabolic effect that may have a potential role in the development of MetS among obese adolescents.     

Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in rat thoracic aorta by Mansoa hirsuta D.C.

The vasodilator effect of the ethanolic extract of Mansoa hirsuta leaves (EEF) was assayed in rat aortic rings. EEF produced a concentration-dependent vasodilatation (pIC₅₀=5.1±0.2), which was absent in endothelium-denuded vessels. The vasodilator effect of EEF was similar to a standardized ethanolic extract of Hancornia speciosa Gomes (pIC₅₀=5.1±0.1). The endothelium-dependent vasodilatation induced by EEF was abolished by L-NAME (100 μM), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, but not by indomethacin (10 μM; pIC₅₀=4.9±0.2), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. The concentration–response curve of EEF was not modified by the addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD; 300 U/ml). In addition, EEF (50 μg/ml) displaced the 3-morpholino-sidnonimine (SIN-1; p<0.05) concentration–effect curve to the left, as well as SOD (300 U/ml). These findings lead us to conclude that EEF induces a NO- and endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in rat aortic preparations, and that this effect is, at least in some extent, due to an increase in the NO bioavailability as consequence of its antioxidant activity. The HPLC-DAD profile recorded for EEF indicates the presence of four major peaks with close retention times, exhibiting similar UV spectra with wavelength maxima compatible with heterogeneous proanthocyanidins.