Xanthone C-glycosides isomers purified from Dryopteris ramosa (Hope) C. Chr. with bactericidal and cytotoxic prospects

Xanthones C-glycosides are plants secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities. Among the C-glycoside xanthones, the mangiferin (MF) is of widespread occurrence in plants while isomangiferin (IsoMF) is not very common. For the present study mangiferin (MF) and isomangiferin (IsoMF) were isolated from Dryopteris ramosa. The antibacterial potential of MF and IsoMF was evaluated by using agar well diffusion method while cytotoxic properties of MF and IsoMF were assessed by brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT). The antibacterial potential of MF and IsoMF increases in dose dependent manner. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) indicated strong antibacterial potential of MF against Salmonella setubal (125 µg/mL) and Bacillus subtilis (125 µg/mL) while MF showed weak antibacterial potential against Escherichia coli (500 µg/mL). On the other hand the IsoMF showed better antibacterial potential against all the tested strain including Escherichia coli (MIC = 250 µg/mL). The MF and IsoMF showed poor cytotoxicity towards Brine shrimp nauplii as indicated by their LD₅₀ (969.77 ± 0.67 and 768.92 ± 0.81 µg/mL respectively). The present study has highlighted the antibacterial potential of MF and IsoMF. Further evaluation of these two isomeric compounds may prove to be the future remedies for various bacterial infections and other human ailments.     

Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant potential of Daphne mucronata Royle and action against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rabbits

The paracetamol-induced injuries of liver and kidneys in animals are mostly used to screen out the hepato and nephroprotective effect of extract or other therapeutic agents. In the present study total phenolic and flavonoid contents, in vitro antioxidant, and in vivo hepato/nephroprotective (on paracetamol-induced intoxication in experimental rabbits) potentials of the Daphne mucronata leaves methanolic extract were determined. For the identification of possible phytochemicals, HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) analysis was carried out and a total of eight phenolic compounds; malic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, morin, ellagic acid, and rutin were identified. D. mucronata extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight were given for eight days to paracetamol intoxicated rabbits and the observed results were compared with standard Silymarin. The level of liver enzymes like aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, serum triglyceride, serum cholesterol, serum bilirubin, and kidneys biomarkers like serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine, as well as lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde contents were increased while the antioxidant enzymes like reduced glutathione and total antioxidant capacity were decreased. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of the liver and kidney tissues of control and treated groups also confirmed the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect of the D. mucronata which was most probably due to its high antioxidant phenolic and flavonoid phytoconstituents.     

Association between periodontitis and vitamin D status: A case-control study

Vitamin D deficiency and periodontitis are commonly prevalent among Saudi adults. However, the association between periodontitis and vitamin D status has not been well documented. This study aims to examine the association between periodontitis and vitamin D status among adults in the Albaha region of Saudi Arabia. A case-control study of 123 Saudi adults was conducted; 60 had severe or moderate periodontitis, and 63 were periodontally healthy. Data was collected by an online self-reported sociodemographic questionnaire. All participants then underwent a full periodontal examination. Blood samples were also provided to assess participants’ vitamin D statuses through serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). A total of 60 cases and 63 controls matched for BMI (30.2 ± 4.86 kg/m²), age (40.01 ± 7.73 years), and sex (46.3% and 53.7% male and female, respectively) participated in the study. Mean levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in periodontitis participants than in controls (25.03 ± 8.55 ng/ml, 29.19 ± 12.82 ng/ml, p = 0.037, respectively). Lower odds of periodontitis were detected per unit of 25(OH)D level (OR 0.964, 95% CI; 0.931–0.999, p = 0.043). In conclusion, periodontitis is significantly associated with deficient and insufficient levels of vitamin D among Saudi adults in the Albaha region. Future longitudinal research with a larger sample size may be suggested to confirm these results.     

Anti-aging and antioxidant of four traditional malaysian plants using simplex centroid mixture design approach

Aging is a naturally biological process with adverse effects. The continuous accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger cellular and tissue damage by activating several aging enzymes. The antioxidant properties of traditional medicinal plants used by Jakun aborigine’s community are a promising approach to alleviate aging process and prevent Alzheimer. The aim of the current investigation was to optimize a novel anti-aging formulation from traditional plants (Cnestis palala stem, Urceola micrantha stem, Marantodes pumilum stem and Microporus xanthopus fruiting bodies) using simplex centroid mixture design (SCMD). After selecting the optimal formulations based on desirability function of antioxidant activity (DPPḢ, ABTS^̇+ and FRAP), they were further examined against the activity of aging-related-enzymes (collagenase, tyrosinase, acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase). The single extracts of C. palala, U. micrantha and the binary mixture of C. palala and U. micrantha were the optimal formulations with high antioxidant activities. Single extract of U. micrantha showed the highest inhibition towards matrix metalloproteinase-1 (49.44 ± 4.11 %), while C. palala water extract showed highest inhibitions towards tyrosinase (14.06 ± 0.31%), acetylcholinesterase (32.92 ± 2.13%) and butyrylcholinesterase (34.89 ± 2.84%) enzymes. The single extracts of C. palala and U. micrantha displayed better activity as compared to the binary mixture formulation. In conclusion, these findings could be a baseline for further exploration of novel anti-aging agents from natural resources.     

Loranthus acaciae: Alternative medicine for β-lactamase producer and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Recently, we reported high antibacterial efficiency of Loranthus acaciae (LA) against different standard strains of bacteria including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Therefore, this study aimed to confirm the effectiveness of LA against clinically isolated Staphylococcus aureus (SA) including β-lactamase producer (Blac) and MRSA. Forty-eight SA isolates collected from various clinical samples were used in this study. Antibiotics susceptibility profile was determined for twenty different antibiotics using automated Microscan Walkaway 96 Plus system as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. This system also identified β-lactamase producers and MRSA. In the meantime, LA ethanolic extract was fractionated using liquid–liquid fraction method to hexane, dichloromethane DCM and methanol 80% fractions. Antimicrobial activities of LA extract and fraction were performed with agar well diffusion method for all SA isolates, MIC and MBC were also recorded. Phytochemical screening for various phyto-constituent classes of LA ethanolic extract was determined. Out of 48 SA isolates, Cefoxitin-positive MRSA represent 31 (64.6%), Blac 17 (35.4%), and 41 (85.4%) were multidrug-resistant SA, which was resistant at least to one antibiotic from three different categories. All isolates were resistant to ampicillin and penicillin. Antimicrobial activities of LA extract and fractions revealed that ethanol extract was active against all isolated SA with inhibition zone ranged from 33 ± 2.00 to 25 ± 3.05 mm. While DCM exhibited the largest inhibition zone range from 37 ± 3.00 to 33 ± 2.00 mm. This study is first of its kind conforming the high antibacterial activity of LA against SA isolated from a different source of infection. The study concluded that LA extract and fractions are active and give positive result for all isolated SA. Therefore, suitable pharmacological formulation of LA extract as a promising antibacterial agent for the treatment of SA infection should be given extreme priority.     

Nordic Walking Improves Cardiometabolic Parameters,Fitness Performance,and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of Nordic walking (NW) on cardiometabolic health, physical performance, and well-being in sedentary older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsFifteen subjects with T2D (female, 5; male, 10; age, 65 ± 6.2 years [mean ± standard deviation]; body mass index, 27.3 ± 4.9 kg/m² [mean ± standard deviation]) were enrolled in a 6-month NW training program. The fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, lipid profile (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressures were measured before and after the intervention. Participants’ quality of life (Short-Form Health Survey) and physical fitness (6-minute walking test) were also evaluated.ResultsCompared with baseline, NW significantly improved the fasting glucose level (103.5 ± 18.5 vs 168.7 ± 37.7 mg/dL, P = .01), SBP (121.8 ± 12.2 vs 133 ± 14.4 mm Hg, P = .02), physical fitness (759.88 ± 69 vs 615.5 ± 62.6 m, P < .001), and both mental health (54.5 ± 4.4 vs 45.7 ± 5.6, P < .01) and physical health (49.8 ± 4.7 vs 40.3 ± 5.9, P < .01). The levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (6.15% ± 0.8% vs 6.4% ± 1%, P = .46), total cholesterol (162.2 ± 31.2 vs 175.5 ± 28.8 mg/dL, P = .13), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95.2 ± 24.2 vs 106.3 ± 32.3 mg/dL, P = .43), and triglycerides (135.5 ± 60.8 vs 127.6 ± 57.4 mg/dL, P = 0.26) improved without reaching significance.ConclusionNW training improved the glycemic levels, SBP, physical fitness, and perception of quality of life in older adults with T2D. NW represents a suitable complementary strategy to improve the global health status in this population.     

A new isoflavonol and other constituents from Cameroonian propolis and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory,antifungal and antioxidant potential

Propolis is rich in diverse bioactive compounds. Propolis samples were collected from three localities of Cameroon and used in the study. Column chromatography separation of propolis MeOH:DCM (50:50) extracts yielded a new isoflavonol, 2-hydroxy-8-prenylbiochanin A (1) alongside 2′,3′-dihydroxypropyltetraeicosanoate (2) and triacontyl p-coumarate (3) isolated from propolis for first time together with seven compounds: β-amyrine (4), oleanolic acid (5), β-amyrine acetate (6), lupeol (7), betulinic acid (8), lupeol acetate (9) and lupenone (10). These compounds were tested for their inhibitory effect on oxidative burst where intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced from zymosan stimulated human whole blood phagocytes and on production of nitric oxide (NO) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated J774.2 mouse macrophages. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated on NIH-3 T3 normal mouse fibroblast cells, antiradical potential on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylhydrazyl (DPPH·) as well as their anti-yeast potential on four selected candida species. Compound 1 showed higher NO inhibition (IC₅₀ = 23.3 ± 0.3 µg/mL) than standard compound L-NMMA (IC₅₀ = 24.2 ± 0.8 µg/mL). Higher ROS inhibition was shown by compounds 6 (IC₅₀ = 4.3 ± 0.3 µg/mL) and 9 (IC₅₀ = 1.1 ± 0.1 µg/mL) than Ibuprofen (IC₅₀ = 11.2 ± 1.9 µg/mL). Furthermore, compound 1 displayed moderate level of cytotoxicity on NIH-3 T3 cells, with IC₅₀ = 5.8 ± 0.3 µg/mL compared to the cyclohexamide IC₅₀ = 0.13 ± 0.02 µg/mL. Compound 3 showed lower antifungal activity on Candida krusei and Candida glabrata, MIC of 125 μg/mL on each strain compared to 50 μg/mL for fuconazole. The extracts showed low antifungal activities ranging from 250 to 500 μg/mL on C. albicans, C. krusei and C. glabrata and the values of MIC on Candida parapsilosis were 500 μg/mL and above. DPPH* scavenging activity was exhibited by compounds 1 (IC₅₀ = 15.653 ± 0.335 μg/mL) and 3 (IC₅₀ = 89.077 ± 24.875 μg/mL) compared to Vitamin C (IC₅₀ = 3.343 ± 0.271 μg/mL) while extracts showed moderate antiradical activities with IC₅₀ values ranging from 309.31 ± 2.465 to 635.52 ± 11.05 µg/mL. These results indicate that compounds 1, 6 and 9 are potent anti-inflammatory drug candidates while 1 and 3 could be potent antioxidant drugs.     

Mangiferin: A promising natural xanthone from Mangifera indica for the control of acyclovir – resistant herpes simplex virus 1 infection

Mangiferin is found in many plant species as the mango tree (Mangifera indica) with ethnopharmacological applications and scientific evidence. The emergence of resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) strains to Acyclovir (ACV) has encouraged the search for new drugs. We investigated the in vitro and in vivo activity of mangiferin obtained from M. indica against ACV-resistant HSV-1 (AR-29) and sensitive (KOS) strains. The in vitro activity was performed under varying treatment protocols. The substance showed a CC₅₀ > 500 μg/mL and IC₅₀ of 2.9 μg/mL and 3.5 μg/mL, respectively, for the AR-29 and KOS strains. The in vivo activity was performed in Balb/c mice treated with 0.7% topical mangiferin formulation. This formulation inhibited most effectively the AR-29 strain, attenuated the lesions, postponed their appearance or enhanced healing, in comparison to control group. We demonstrated the potentiality of mangiferin from M. indica to control HSV replication with emphasis to ACV-resistant infection.     

Pomegranate peels waste hydrolyzate optimization by Response Surface Methodology for Bioethanol production

Unwanted agricultural waste is largely comprised of lignocellulosic substrate which could be transformed into sugars. The production of bioethanol from garbage manifested an agreeable proposal towards waste management as well as energy causation. The goal of this work is to optimize parameters for generation of bioethanol through fermentation by different yeast strains while Saccharomyces cerevisiae used as standard strain. The low cost fermentable sugars from pomegranate peels waste (PPW) were obtained by hydrolysis with HNO₃ (1 to 5%). The optimum levels of hydrolysis time and temperature were elucidated via RSM (CCD) ranging from 30 to 60 min and 50 to 100 °C respectively. The result shows that optimum values (g/L) for reducing sugars was 61.45 ± 0.01 while for total carbohydrates was 236 ± 0.01. These values were found when PPW was hydrolyzed with 3% HNO₃, at 75 °C for one hour. The hydrolyzates obtained from the dilute HNO₃ pretreated PPW yielded a maximum of 0.43 ± 0.04, 0.41 ± 0.03 g ethanol per g of reducing sugars by both Metchnikowia sp. Y31 and M. cibodasensis Y34 at day 7 of ethanologenic experiment. The current study exhibited that by fermentation of dilute HNO₃ hydrolyzates of PPW could develop copious amount of ethanol by optimized conditions.     

Combined immobilized lipases for effective biodiesel production from spent coffee grounds

This work describes the enzymatic transesterification of the oil extracted from SCGs for synthesis of biodiesel as a promising alternative to diesel fuels based on petroleum. Biocatalysts from various sources were tested for biodiesel synthesis using coffee oil among which CaCO₃- immobilized Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus stearothermophilus showed the highest conversion yields (61 ± 2.64% and 64.3 ± 1.53%, respectively) in 4 h. In further optimizing reaction parameters, methanol to oil molar ratio, biocatalyst quantity, water content, as well as incubation time and temperature markedly improved oil-to-biodiesel conversion up to 99.33 ± 0.57 % in a solvent free reaction after 12 h at 55 °C. A mixture of inexpensive CaCO₃-immobilized bacterial lipases at a 1:1 ratio was the best environment-friendly catalyst for biofuel synthesis as well as the ideal trade-off between conversion and cost. Obtained coffee biodiesel remained stable beyond 40 days at ambient storage conditions and its chemical characteristics were comparable to those of other known biodiesels according to the European requirements (EN14214). Collectively, SCGs, after oil extraction, could be an ideal substrate for the production of an environment-friendly biodiesel by using appropriate mixture of CaCO₃-immobilized lipases.     

Rhodopirellula aestuarii sp. nov., a novel member of the genus Rhodopirellula isolated from brackish sediments collected in the Tagus River estuary,Portugal

Bacteria within the phylum Planctomycetota are biologically relevant due to unique characteristics among prokaryotes. Members of the genus Rhodopirellula can be abundant in marine habitats, however, only six species are currently validly described. In this study, we expand the explored genus diversity by formally describing a novel species. The pink-coloured strain ICT_H3.1^T was isolated from brackish sediments collected in the Tagus estuary (Portugal) and a 16S rRNA gene sequence-based analysis placed this strain into the genus Rhodopirellula (family Pirellulaceae). The closest type strain is Rhodopirellula rubra LF2^T, suggested by a similarity of 98.4% of the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Strain ICT_H3.1^T is heterotrophic, aerobic and able to grow under microaerobic conditions. The strain grows between 15 and 37 °C, over a range of pH 6.5 to 11.0 and from 1 to 8% (w/v) NaCl. Several nitrogen and carbon sources were utilized by the novel isolate. Cells have an elongated pear-shape with 2.0 ± 0.3 × 0.9 ± 0.2 µm in size. Cells of strain ICT_H3.1^T cluster in rosettes through a holdfast structure and divide by budding. Younger cells are motile. Ultrathin cell sections show cytoplasmic membrane invaginations and polar fimbriae. The genome size is 9,072,081 base pairs with a DNA G + C content of 56.1 mol%. Genomic, physiological and morphological comparison of strain ICT_H3.1^T with its relatives suggest that it belongs to a novel species within the genus Rhodopirellula. Hence, we propose the name Rhodopirellula aestuarii sp. nov., represented by ICT_H3.1^T (=CECT30431^T = LMG32464^T) as the type strain of this novel species.16S rRNA gene accession number: GenBank = OK001858.Genome accession number: The Whole Genome Shotgun project has been deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession JAMQBK000000000. The version described in this paper is version JAMQBK010000000.     

Post-COVID-19 effect on biochemical parameters in children: Should we take heed?

The aim of this research is to analyze the potential impact of the COVID-19 infection on the serum biochemical concentration of children 6 months after recovery from the infection.The study included 72 children with a median age of 11 years. The case group consisted of 37 children who had contracted COVID-19 6 months prior to the analysis. They reported no other pre- or post-covid chronic or systemic diseases. The control group consisted of 35 children who had no prior record of COVID-19 infection.The analysis showed a substantial variation (P = 0.026) in the mean urea values (mmol/L) between the case group (4.513 ± 0.839) and the control group (5.425 ± 1.173). However, both groups' urea levels were within the normal range of their age group. No statistical differences were found analyzing the variations between the two groups in the levels of LDH, AST, ALT, BiliT, GGT, AlbBCG2, CRP, CK, AlKP, UA, Phos, Crea2, Gluc, Ca, Na, K, Cl, TP, TC, TG, and HDL (P > 0.05). The DMFT score was substantially greater (P < 0.002) in the infected team (5.38 ± 2.841) in comparison to the non-infected group (2.6 ± 2.257).The study indicates that COVID-19 infection does not leave biochemical alterations among children who did not have pre-existing conditions. The biochemical analysis suggests that children recover better than adults from COVID-19. Furthermore, it calls for investigating non-lethal COVID-19 infection as a tool to discover underlying conditions. The DMFT score shows a correlation between COVID-19 infection and caries. However, the nature of the correlation is yet to be investigated.     

Optimization of growing conditions for pigments production from microalga Navicula incerta using response surface methodology and its antioxidant capacity

Navicula incerta is a marine microalga distributed in Baja California, México, commonly used in aquaculture nutrition, and has been extended to human food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries due to its high biological activity. Therefore, the study aimed to optimize culture conditions to produce antioxidant pigments. A central composite experimental design and response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to analyze the best culture conditions. The medium (nitrogen-deficient concentrations), salinity (PSU = Practical Salinity Unity [g/kg]), age of culture (days), and solvent extraction (ethanol, methanol, and acetone) were the factors used for the experiment. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) and total carotenoids (T-Car), determined spectroscopically, were used as the response variables. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH^? and ABTS^?+ radical inhibition, FRAP, and anti-hemolytic activity. According to the overlay plots, the optimum growth conditions for Chl a and T-Car production were the following conditions: medium = 0.44 mol·L^-1 of NaNO₃, salinity = 40 PSU, age of culture: 3.5 days, and solvent = methanol. The pigment extracts obtained in these optimized conditions had high antioxidant activity in ABTS^?+ (86.2–92.1% of inhibition) and anti-hemolytic activity (81.8–96.7% of hemolysis inhibition). Low inhibition (33–35%) was observed in DPPH^?. The highest value of FRAP (766.03 ± 16.62 μmol TE/g) was observed in the acetonic extract. The results demonstrated that RSM could obtain an extract with high antioxidant capacity with potential applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry, which encourages the use of natural resources for chemoprevention of chronic-degenerative pathologies.     

Impact of iterative reconstructions on image quality and detectability of focal liver lesions in low-energy monochromatic images

PurposeTo assess the impact of iterative reconstructions on image quality and detectability of focal liver lesions in low-energy monochromatic images from a Fast kV-Switching Dual Energy CT (KVSCT) platform.MethodsAcquisitions on an image-quality phantom were performed using a KVSCT for three dose levels (CTDI_vol:12.72/10.76/8.79 mGy). Raw data were reconstructed for five energy levels (40/50/60/70/80 keV) using Filtered Back Projection (FBP) and four levels of ASIR (ASIR30/ASIR50/ASIR70/ASIR100). Noise power spectrum (NPS) and task-based transfer function (TTF) were measured before computing a Detectability index (d′) to model the detection task of liver metastasis (LM) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as function of keV.ResultsFrom 40 to 70 keV, noise-magnitude was reduced on average by −68% ± 1% with FBP; −61% ± 3% with ASIR50 and −52% ± 6% with ASIR100. The mean spatial frequency of the NPS decreased when the energy level decreased and the iterative level increased. TTF values at 50% decreased as the energy level increased and as the percentage of ASIR increased. The detectability of both lesions increased with increasing dose level and percentage of ASIR. For the LM, d′ peaked at 70 keV for all reconstruction types, except for ASIR70 at 12.72 mGy and ASIR100, where d' peaked at 50 keV. For HCC, d’ peaked at 60 keV for FBP and ASIR30 but peaked at 50 keV for ASIR50, ASIR70 and ASIR100.ConclusionsUsing percentage of ASIR above 50% at low-energy monochromatic images could limit the increase of noise-magnitude, benefit from spatial resolution improvement and hence enhance detectability of subtle low contrast focal liver lesions such as HCC.     

Punica granatum waste to ethanol valorisation employing optimized levels of saccharification and fermentation

Pomegranate peels (PPW) as municipal waste is inexpensive biomass that could be a renewable source of sugars particularly rich in hemicellulosic contents. The subsequent conversion of available sugars in PPW can provide prospective strategy for cost-effective bioenergy production. In this study, an experimental setup based on CCD was implemented with the aim of bioconversion of biomass into bioethanol. The factors considered were Hydrochloric acid concentration (X₁), the hydrolysis temperature (X₂) and time (X₃) for optimization with dilute Hydrochloric acid (HCl) saccharification. The present study investigates the optimised level of bioethanol synthesis from acid pre-treated PPW explained by RSM. Subsequently, three yeasts viz. Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7, Metschnikowia sp. Y31 and M. cibodasensis Y34 were utilized for fermentation of acid hydrolysed and detoxified feed stocks. Optimum values of reducing sugars 48.02 ± 0.02 (gL^?1) and total carbohydrates 205.88 ± 0.13 (gL^?1) were found when PPW was hydrolyzed with 1% HCl concentration at 100?C of temperature for 30 min. Later on, fermentation of PPWH after detoxification with 2.5% activated charcoal. The significant ethanol (g ethanol/g of reducing sugars) yields after fermentation with Metschnikowia sp. Y31 and M. cibodasensis Y34 found to be 0.40 ± 0.03 on day 5 and 0.41 ± 0.02 on last day of experiment correspondingly. Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7 also produce maximum ethanol 0.40 ± 0.00 on last day of incubation utilizing the PPWH. The bioconversion of commonly available PPW into bioethanol as emphasize in this study could be a hopeful expectation and also cost-effective to meet today energy crisis.     

Pharmacological intervention of biosynthesized Nigella sativa silver nanoparticles against hexavalent chromium induced toxicity in male albino mice

Hexavalent chromium, toxic heavy metal, among the top-rated environmental contaminants, is declared a potent endocrine disruptor in humans and animals. The present study was planned to find harmful effects on the reproductive system caused by Cr (VI) and the ameliorative effect of Nigella sativa and Nigella sativa-mediated AgNP on male mice (Mus musculus). In the present study, known infertility medicine, clomiphene citrate is also used as a positive control. The main objective of the present study was to assess the ameliorative potential of oral administration of a dose of 50 mg/kg BW clomiphene citrate (control), AgNP via chemical synthesis, Nigella sativa seed extract, and Nigella sativa-mediated AgNP against the Cr (VI) at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg BW from K₂Cr₂O₇ orally induced toxicity over eight weeks on the reproductive performance of male albino mice. Nigella sativa mediated AgNPs were characterized by UV, SEM, FTIR, and XRD. The histological analysis, smear study, antioxidant capacity test, and hormone analysis were conducted by blood samples of albino mice. Cr exposed groups showed a significant decrease in sperm head breadth (5.29 ± 0.54 µ) and length (19.54 ± 1.18 µ), middle piece length, tail length, LH (1.65 ± 0.15 ng/mL), testosterone (2.63 ± 0.29 ng/mL), SOD (61.40 ± 2.48 mmol/mL), CAT (87.40 ± 6.01 mmol/mL), GSH (1.54 ± 0.09 µmol/mL), and no of spermatogonia (1.22 ± 0.25), and spermatocytes (2.33 ± 0.943). However, FSH level (160.00 ± 4.98 ng/mL), seminiferous tubule CSA (1094.69 ± 49.76 mm²), size of spermatogonia (41.30 ± 1.24 µ), and spermatocytes (26.07 ± 1.34 µ) were significantly increased. Administration of Nigella sativa and Nigella sativa-mediated AgNPs reduced the toxicity.     

In-vivo hyperglycemic,antioxidant, histopathological changes,and simultaneous measurement of kaempferol verified by high-performance thin layer chromatography of Setaria italica in streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats

BackgroundSetaria italica (common name- foxtail, kangni) is one of the major food crops which is prominently cultivated in southern regions of India and in certain regions of Uttar Pradesh. Besides the crop’s consumption as a general source of carbohydrate rich cereal, the seeds of the crop are comprised of more fiber. So, it is recommended to add in the dietary supplementation of the diabetic people across the country.ObjectiveIn this paper, it intends to investigate the antidiabetic activity and antioxidant activity of S. italica (foxtail millet) seeds in diabetic rats.MethodsThe six genotypes of foxtail millets (S. italica) namely Kangni-1, Kangni-4, Kangni-5, Kangni-6, Kangni-7 & Kangni-10 respectively were subjected to in vitro investigations via. comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) involving blood glucose study, Kidney & Liver function test, and antioxidant study (Catalase test; Glutathione S-transferase (GST); Superoxide Dismutase (SOD); glutathione (GSH); hiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) & Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and were performed in vivo animal investigations in Wistar rats. The STZ induced diabetic rats were fed with doses of different S. italica seed aqueous extract to evaluate its anti-hyperglycemic activity by oral administration of SISAE. Further, it was compared with Glibenclamide which acts as one of the standard oral hypoglycemic agents.ResultsFrom achieved outcomes, a significant fall of blood glucose level (70%) produced 300 mg SISAE/kg b.w. after 6 h of extract administration. However, no change could be produced by these doses of the SISAE in normal rats’ blood glucose levels. A significant fall in glucose level along with significant glycemic control by lower HbA1c levels was observed in diabetic treated rats after 3 weeks of treatment with 300 mg of SISAE/kg b.w./day when comparing to untreated diabetic rats. Among these five genotypes of S. italica, the differences in the glycemic index were found. a significant fall could be found in blood glucose levels of Wistar rats, when every experimental rat was incorporating with the extract of different genotypes of Setaria italica L. Beauv than the rats treated with Glibenclamide in every 7 days of interval. The level of catalase, SOD, GST, GPx, GSH and TBARS showed variation while the rats were fed with the extract of S. italica in the liver test of rats. In kidney function test, the result shows that there is significant relationship between foxtail extract and kidney function of STZ induced diabetes rats. They show the change in their serum creatinine level, serum urea and serum uric acid.ConclusionThe result obtained from the study shows that the extract of S. italica seeds is capable for the hypolipidemic and antihyperglycemic activities, thereby, they serve as one of the good sources for herbal medicinal items.     

Development of simple and effective PCR based assay to detect PCCA mutation (c.425G > A) among Saudi carriers and functional study of the homozygous PCCA mutations

The aim of this study is to develop a rapid and effective method to screen for Saudi carriers of one of the most common propionic acidemia mutations (c.425G > A) and to study the functional impact of this mutation. Using allele-specific primers, we have developed a qPCR assay that clearly distinguishes heterozygotes from mutated and wild type homozygotes that overcome the dependence on labor-intensive gene sequencing. We show here that (i) qPCR rapid test has strong accuracy in detecting (c.425G > A) mutation in heterozygotes and homozygotes individuals and that the Ct-value cut-offs were estimated to be and 23.37 ± 0.04 (CV-6 %, 95 %CI-7.25) for homozygote, 25.06 ± 0.02 (CV-3.5 %, 95 %CI-7.85) for heterozygote PCCA c.425G > A mutation and 29.55 ± 0.002 (CV-11 %, 95 %CI-1.41) for PCCA wild type; (ii) the incidence of PA heterozygotes/carriers in Saudi population is about 550/100,000; (iii) skin fibroblast assays show that homozygote c.425G > A mutation induced propionyl-CoA carboxylase activity abrogation, (iv) PA patients showed an increased level of propionyl carnitine C3 in blood and 3-hydroxy propionic acid and methyl citrate in urine. Conclusion: qPCR represent an effective strategy to assess for PCCA mutation carriers in the Saudi population and we believe that will help in preventing homozygosity in the population after been implemented in pre-marriage screening program.     

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.