Morphine-like activity of some N-substituted amides of met-enkephalin

Opioid activity of a homologous series of met-enkephalin alkylamides was analysed. In guinea pig ileum test, the hexylamide derivative was most active, whereas the isopropylamide derivative was most potent in analgesia test. The results suggest that structural changes of this type at the C-terminus of the pentapeptide improve the opioid activity.     

Thermal resistance of partially purified proteinase of Pseudomonas fluorescens P-26

Heat resistance of the Pseudomonas fluorescens P-26 proteinase in terms of D -value was studied in whole milk, skim milk, whey and 0.05 mol 1^-1 phosphate buffer at 72.5, 130, 135, 140, 145 and 150°C subsequent to its partial purification through (NH₄)₂ SO₄ precipitation (45–65% saturation) and solvent fractionation with 1.0 to 2.0 volumes of isopropanol. The D -value was maximum for the proteinase at all temperatures when determined in whole milk ( D ₁₅₀= 0.088).     

The optimization of enzymatic oxidation of levofloxacin,a fluoroquinolone antibiotic for wastetwater treatment

Biodegradation - The global presence of antibiotics in the environment has created concerns about the emergence of antibiotic resistance bacteria and potential hazard to humans and the ecosystem....     

Methoxychlor induces apoptosis via mitochondria- and FasL-mediated pathways in adult rat testis

In the past few years, there has been much concern about the adverse health effects of environmental contaminants in general and organochlorine in particular. Studies have shown the repro-toxic effects of long-term exposure to methoxychlor, a member of the organochlorine family. However, the insight into the mechanisms of gonadal toxicity induced by methoxychlor is not well known. In the present study we sought to elucidate the mechanism(s) underpinning the gonadal effects within hours of exposure to methoxychlor. Experimental rats were divided into six groups of four each. Animals were orally administered with a single dose of methoxychlor (50 mg/kg body weight) and killed at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 72 h post-treatment. The levels and time-course of induction of apoptosis-related proteins like cytochorome C, caspase 3 and procaspase 9, Fas–FasL and NF-κB were determined to assess sequential induction of apoptosis in the rat testis. DNA damage was assessed by TUNEL assay and flowcytometry. Administration of methoxychlor resulted in a significant increase in the levels of cytosolic cytochrome c and procaspase 9 as early as 6 h following exposure. Time-dependent elevations in the levels of Fas, FasL, pro- and cleaved caspase 3 were observed. The DNA damage was measured and showed time-dependent increase in the TUNEL positive cells, and also by flowcytometry of testicular cells. The study demonstrates induction of testicular apoptosis in adult rats following exposure to a single dose of methoxychlor.     

Maximizing EPS production from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its application in Cr and Ni sequestration

Heavy metal contamination of water bodies has been a cause of grave concern around the globe. Analysis of various industrial effluents has revealed a perilous level of Cr (VI) and Ni (II). Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) producing bacterium. EPS has a great potential in the sequestration of heavy metal ions. In the present study efforts have been made to understand the effect of time, pH, and temperature on production of EPS by P. aeruginosa (MTCC 1688). The extracted EPS has been applied for removal of Ni (II) and Cr (VI) ions from aqueous system. The results revealed that highest EPS yield (26 mg/50 mL) can be obtained after 96 h of incubation at pH 6 and 32 °C temperature in 50 mL of culture. Treatment of 10 mg/L Cr (VI) and Ni (II) with 30 mg/L EPS resulted in the removal of 26% and 9% of Cr (VI) and Ni (II), respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectral analysis revealed the involvement of –OH, –NH, C–O, diketone, and ester functional groups of EPS in the attachment of Cr (VI) ion while involvement of amide and –CO groups in Ni (II) binding with EPS. Scaling-up the production of EPS using bioreactor may further help in developing an efficient process for treatment of water polluted with Cr and Ni.     

Metachlopromide-induced hyperprolactinemia fails to affect ovarian cyclicity in the common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Intramuscular administration of metachlopromide (2.5, 5, and 10 mg) induced a dose-dependent increase in plasma prolactin levels. The magnitude and duration of metachlopromide-induced hyperprolactinemia were also dose related. However, metachlopromide treatment (5 mg/day) for 60 days failed to affect ovarian function in the common marmoset as evidenced by ovulatory plasma estradiol and progesterone profiles. During the pretreatment cycle, there was no consistent pattern in plasma prolactin levels depending on the stage of cycle. During lactation, higher levels of plasma prolactin were observed.