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Comparison of five Calligonum species in Tarim Basin based on morphological and molecular data
(2013-05-13) Abdurahman, Maryamgul; Liu, Bin; Pan, Borong; Sabirhazi, Gulnur; Yin, Linke
Five Calligonum species endemic to the Tarim Basin – C. roborowskii, C. kuerlese, C. juoqiangense, C. yengisaricum, and C. taklimakanense – were compared using 14 morphological characteristics and nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-F molecular data. Intraspecific and interspecific morphological variation was uncovered, with variation between species significant for most characteristics. Based on Euclidean distances, C. roborowskii and C. kuerlese were the most similar, and C. yengisaricum and C. kuerlese were the most divergent. There was very little variation in the molecular sequence data: although several variable sites were present in ITS and trnL-F regions, none of them were parsimony informative. Results of morphological and molecular analyses suggest that the various morphological characteristics of the studied Calligonum species are strongly shaped by environmental factors, with the observed intraspecific and interspecific morphological variation a product of the spatial isolation and extreme drought of the Tarim Basin.
Cordyceps sinensis biomass produced by submerged fermentation in high-fat diet feed rats normalizes the blood lipid and the low testosterone induced by diet
(2013-05-13) Aikawa, Júlia; Bonatto, Sandro José Ribeiro; Freire dos Santos, Leandro; Habu, Sascha; Prado, Karin Braun; Rubel, Rosália; Soccol, Carlos Ricardo; Soccol, Vanete Thomaz; Torres, Maria Fernanda; Yamaguchi, Adriana Aya; Zanatta, Ana Lucia
This study investigated the effect of Cordyceps sinensis biomass supplementation obtained from submerged fermentation on blood lipid and low testosterone induced by high-fat diet (HFD). The experiments were carried out using a long-term intake of HFD and HFD plus Simvastatin or C. sinensis (4 months). Our results show that plasma cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL were decreased by Cordyceps sinensis biomass supplementation (CSBS). A longterm intake of HFD caused a significant liver damage which has been reverted by CSBS. CSBS normalized decreasing testosterone levels observed in high-fat diet feed rats. All these findings lead us to suggest that C. sinensis was able to decrease blood lipid concentration, increase hepatoprotective activity and normalize testosterone levels.
Extract of Ferula foetida regel reverses gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
(2013-05-13) Aslam, Mohd; Azhar, M.U.; Javaid, Raheela; Javaid, Rasikh; Javed, Kalim; Nizami, Qudsia
Natural products and dietary components have earlier been proven as potential chemoprotective agents, and continuous efforts are in progress to search for such new products. Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is widely used for treating the infections caused by many gram negative bacteria. However, besides other unwanted effects, the drug causes tubular cell necrosis in the proximal convoluted tubules of nephrons. Unavailability of any remedial measures in the modern medicine for such ailments therefore makes it imperative to screen for natural products that are nephroprotective against such renal impairment. Here in the undertaken study, we have tested nephroprotective effects of Hing (Ferula foetida) extracts on gentamicin-treated rats. As expected, subcutaneous administration of rats with Gentamicin (100 mg/kg) showed significant increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), as an indication of renal disorder. However, co-administration of methanol soluble and insoluble fractions of Ferula foetida (Hing), to the Gentamicin-treated rats almost showed a complete reversal of the above effects, indicating nephroprotective properties of the herbal drug. This may be an important addition to the list of studies where natural products have been discovered to be chemoprotective.
Hepatoprotective effects of pantothenic acid on carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rats
(2013-05-13) Eidi, Akram; Mortazavi, Pejman; Rohani, Ali Haeri; Safi, Shahabaldin; Tehrani, Masoud Ebrahim
The present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of pantothenic acid on CCl4-induced liver damage. Male Wistar rats were orally treated with pantothenic acid (0.005, 0.01, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 g/kg) daily, with administration of CCl4 (1 mL/kg, 50 % CCl4 in olive oil) twice a week for 28 days. The effect of pantothenic acid on serum markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase)was measured in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rat. Further, the effects on enzymatic antioxidant (superoxide dismutase) were estimated in the liver samples. CCl4 challenge not only elevated the serum marker enzyme activities but also suppressed hepatic antioxidative defense system including superoxide dismutase. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections. Histopathological examination of livers showed that pantothenic acid reduced fatty degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis in CCl4-treated rats. Therefore, pantothenic acid may be an effective hepatoprotective agent and viable candidate for treating hepatic disorders and other oxidative stress-related diseases.
Flavonoids of Piper sarmentosum and its cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress
(2012-11-16) Hui, Chua Kien; Mahdy, Zaleha Abdullah; Nordin, Nor Anita Megat Mohd; Ugusman, Azizah; Zakaria, Zaiton
Abnormalities in endothelial cell structure and function may lead to diseases such as thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis. Previous studies have shown a relationship between a diet rich in flavonoid and a reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Piper sarmentosum (PS) is a plant with high flavonoid content and it possesses antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the flavonoids present in aqueous extract of PS (AEPS) and its cytoprotective effects in oxidative stress-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). AEPS contained high total phenolic content (91.02 ± 0.02 mg QE/g DM) and total flavonoid content (48.57 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g DM). Screening using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique showed the presence of rutin and vitexin as the main flavonoids in AEPS. HUVEC were exposed to 180 μM H2O2 and treated with various concentrations of rutin or vitexin (10 to 400 μM) for 24 hours. Both rutin and vitexin at the concentration of 150-400 μM significantly increased the viability of H2O2-induced HUVEC as denoted by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Therefore rutin and vitexin as the main flavonoids present in PS may be involved in the protective effects of PS against oxidative stress.
Impaired lipid levels and inflammatory response in rats exposed to cadmium
(2012-11-16) Adedeji, Adebayo Lawrence; Adedosu, Olaniyi Temitope; Adekunle, Adeniran Sanmi; Afolabi, Olusegun Kayode; Oyewo, Emmanuel Bukoye
To investigate the subchronic effect of cadmium intoxication on lipid metabolism and the inflammatory responses accompanying it, rats were administered 50 and 100 ppm cadmium through their drinking water for 7 weeks. At both concentrations, cadmium exposure resulted in significant elevation (p < 0.05) of total cholesterol and gave rise to hypertriglyceridemia in the plasma of the animals. The proinflammatory cytokines, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α, were highly expressed in the animals. At the 50 ppm dose level, plasma IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were increased by 20 %, 87 % and 336 % respectively, while the 100 ppm dose yielded 32 %, 57 % and 470 % increases, respectively. A drastic build-up of MDA in the liver elicited by the metal led to an 85 % increase in lipid peroxidation at high dose. A 3-fold increase of lipid hydroperoxidation (LOOH) products was obtained on exposure to cadmium at 100 ppm. Cadmium caused more than a 2-fold increase in oxLDL levels at both doses tested. Paraoxonase activity was also significantly repressed, culminating in a 43 % reduction in activity at 100 ppm dose. Disruption of lipid metabolism, increased lipid peroxidation as well as imbalance in proinflammatory cytokine levels may thus, be means by which cadmium induces its toxicity.
Haematological parameters of alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with leaf essential oil of Hoslundia opposita (Vahl)
(2012-11-16) Akolade, J.O.; Muhammad, N.O.; Oloyede, O.B.; Usman, L.A.
The effect of leaf essential oil of Hoslundia opposita (Vahl) on the haematological parameters of alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Forty-eight albino rats (Rattus norvegicus), of average weight 132.5 g, were randomly selected into normal and diabetic groups, each with four sub-groups. The rats were treated with 110 and 220 mg/kg body weight (b. wt.) of the essential oil. 14.2 mg/kg body weight of metformin (Glucophage) was used as a reference drug. All treatments were administered, intraperitoneally, once a day for four days. Haematological parameters like haemoglobin (HGB), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, percentage lymphocytes (LYM) and neutrophils (NEU) were analysed. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the erythrocyte indices of all the normal (nondiabetic) rats, both treated and untreated. However, there was a significant increase (p <0.05) in the WBC count and a significant reduction (p <0.05) in the lymphocyte (LYM) percentages of the normal (non-diabetic) rats administered with higher dose of the essential oil. The results also revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the RBC counts of untreated diabetic rats and diabetic rats administered 110 mg/kg b. wt. of the oil respectively. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in the LYM of diabetic untreated rats was also observed, while administration of metformin and 110 mg/kg b. wt. Hoslundia opposita leaf essential oil (HOLEO) to diabetic rats significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the LYM percentages to values within range of the normal control animals. Overall, administration of the oil has significant ameliorative effect on alloxan-induced anaemia in diabetic state and this may be of immense benefits in the management of type 2 diabetes and its associated haematological complications.
Protective role of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract against streptozotocin induced sperm damage in diabetic rats
(2012-11-16) Budin, Siti Balkis; Idris, Muhd Hanis Md; Mohamed, Jamaludin; Osman, Mohamad
Diabetes mellitus contributes to male sexual dysfunction and infertility by modulating oxidative damage. To date, a number of studies have demonstrated antioxidant properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. This study was designed to investigate the effects of H. sabdariffa UKMR-2 variety on sperm functioning of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were allotted into four groups, namely control group (C), H. sabdariffa extract (HSE) group, diabetes group (D) and diabetes plus HSE group (D+HSE). HSE (100 mg/kg/body weight) was administered orally for 28 consecutive days. After 28-days of supplementation, the rats were sacrificed to obtain epididymal sperm. Administration of HSE significantly lowered the level of fasting blood glucose and increased plasma insulin level in D+HSE group as compared to D group (p<0.05). Sperm quality in the D+HSE group was improved with significantly higher sperm concentrations (p<0.05) and sperm motility (p<0.001) as well as lower percentage of sperm abnormality (p<0.05) as compared to the diabetic group. Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level was significantly elevated (p<0.05) in D+HSE group than in D group while no significant alteration in plasma testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) level were seen between groups. In conclusion, this study suggested that H. sabdariffa UKMR-2 variety has a potential protective role against diabetes-induced sperm damage.
IgG4-related disease and the current status of diagnostic approaches
(2012-11-16) Du, Haitao; Wan, Jun; Wu, Benyan; Wu, Yinqiao; Yan, Li
IgG4-related disease is a newly recognized systemic disease characterized by involving a wide range of organs. It includes the pancreas, biliary tree, salivary glands, periorbital tissues, upper aerodigestive tract, retroperitoneum, mediastinum, aorta, soft tissue, skin, central nervous system, breast, kidneys, prostate, lungs and lymph nodes. The elevated serum titer of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4), which is the least common (3 % to 6 %) of the 4 subclasses of IgG, is a special marker for IgG4-related disease. However, its entity is still unknown. This article reviewed the literature to learn the IgG4-related diseases and their current status of diagnostic approaches.
Protective effects of curcumin and vitamin E on carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
(2012-11-16) Indira, Pala; Sivajyothi, P.; Sudhakara, G.; Venkatanarayana, G.
The present investigation reports the protective effects of curcumin (CMN) and vitamin E against CCl4 induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in rats. The toxicant CCl4 was used to induce nephrotoxicity at a dose of 1 ml/kg as 1:1(v/v) mixture with liquid paraffin twice weekly for 8 weeks. Plasma total protein, albumin, urea and creatinine concentrations were measured to assess the renal function. Antioxidant status in the kidney was estimated by determining the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as by histopathological examination. CCl4 caused elevated levels of urea and creatinine while it decreased levels of total protein and albumin in plasma. Furthermore, CCl4 treated rats showed marked depletion of renal endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Oral administration of curcumin (100 mg/kg, daily for 8 weeks) and in combination with vitamin E (three times weekly for 8 weeks) showed significantly attenuated renal dysfunction by increased activity of antioxidant enzymes in kidney. It also increased the concentrations of plasma total protein and albumin, while reducing the concentration of urea and creatinine. Kidney sections of CCl4 induced rats showed deleterious alterations in micro anatomy. However, curcumin and vitamin E treatment prevented kidney damage induced by CCl4. This study reveals that curcumin in combination with vitamin E possesses strong antioxidant and kidney protective activity compared to curcumin alone.
Evaluation of acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity study of Baker Cleansers Bitters - a polyherbal drug on experimental rats
(2012-11-16) Amadi, U.; Ayalogu, E.O.; Charles, I.A.; Patrick-Iwuanyanwu, K.C.
Baker Cleanser Bitters (BCB) - a polyherbal formula commonly used in the treatment of diabetes, liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, rheumatism and arthritis was evaluated in an acute and sub-chronic toxicity study in Wistar albino rats. A single administration of BCB was given orally at the highest dose level of 2000 mg/kg body weight in the acute toxicity study. Signs of toxicity were observed every hour for the first 6 h and every day for 7 days. In the subchronic oral toxicity study, BCB was administered to rats at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Mortalities, clinical signs, body weight changes, biochemical and haematological parameters were monitored during the study period. There were no mortalities or clinical signs observed in rats in the acute toxicity study. In the sub-chronic study in rats, daily oral administration of BCB at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight resulted in a drop in percentage increase in body weight at the end of the 4th week. Alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), fasting blood sugar and packed cell volume (PCV) decreased significantly (p≤0.05) whereas alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and platelets increased significantly (p≤0.05) when compared to control. The high no-observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) value of 2000 mg/kg body weight implies that the drug could be safe. The study also revealed that the polyherbal drug may have good hypoglycemic effects and favourable reducing effects on the cardiovascular risk factors and explains the basis for the continual use of this plant by traditional medical practitioners.
Antinuclear antibodies in primary osteoarthritis of the knee
(2012-11-16) Hussein, Heselynn; Norazman, Mohd Rosli; Rajalingam, Shamala; Sakthiswary, Rajalingham
Objective: Although osteoarthritis (OA) is widely accepted as a degenerative disease, autoimmune processes are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis. There are limited studies in this area and most of them focused on antibodies against chondrocyte membrane. In an attempt to address the paucity of evidence in this regard, we explored the clinical significance of antinuclear antibody (ANA) in primary osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK). Method: We studied 106 patients with primary osteoarthritis of at least 1 knee and 63 healthy controls from two tertiary centres in Malaysia from September 2005 to May 2012. All subjects were tested for ANA by immunofluorescence testing, and a titer of 1:40 and above was considered positive. Besides, the radiographs of bilateral knees were evaluated for grading, tibiofemoral compartment involvement and total knee replacement (TKR) implants. We compared the clinical characteristics between the ANA positive and ANA negative OAK cases. Results: The incidence of ANA positivity among the cases (39.4 %) was higher than the controls (27 %) but this difference was statistically insignificant (p=0.754). ANA positive cases showed significantly higher incidence of bilateral and Grade IV OAK with higher frequency of TKR. In the multiple regression analysis, bilateral OAK (p< 0.0001; odds ratio 9.00), Grade IV OAK (p<0.001, odds ratio 3.44) and TKR (p=0.009; odds ratio 2.97) remained associated with ANA positivity. Conclusions: ANA test is a potential prognostic tool in primary OAK and its positivity is associated with the clinical outcomes of bilateral, Grade IV OAK and TKR.
Expertise accounts for inversion effect
(2012-11-16) Feng, Jun; Gong, Jingjing; Huang, Yonghua; Wei, Yazhou; Zhang, Weiwei; Zhang, Yan
A contextual priming paradigm was used to investigate the influence of processing of configural/featural information and activation of expertise upon inversion effect. 32 participants were divided into Faces group (Faces priming vs. English letters priming) and Chinese characters group (Chinese characters priming vs. English letters priming). Pair matching tasks were performed in the processing of configural and featural information respectively. Participants were primed with either Face/Chinese characters or Combination of English letters, and then tested on ambiguous, undefined, but identical stimuli that could be interpreted as either faces/Chinese characters or combination of English letters in terms of different contextual priming. The presence of inversion effect in Faces and Chinese characters priming (only in the processing of configural information) and the absence of such effect in the English letters priming demonstrated that inversion effect should be attributed not only to the processing of configural information but also to the specific top-down priming mechanism. However, inversion effect of Chinese characters priming was distinct from that induced in the faces priming, and such effect of inversion in Chinese characters couldn’t be explained by the recruitment of face-specific mechanisms, which justified the explanation of inversion effect by expertise.
Ascorbic acid oxidation of thiol groups from dithiotreitol is mediated by its conversion to dehydroascorbic acid
(2012-11-16) Barbosa, Nilda B.V.; Colpo, Elisangela; Klimaczewski, Cláudia V.; Lissner, Leandro A.; Rocha, Joao B.T.
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the in vitro pro-oxidant effect of ascorbic acid towards thiol groups could be mediated by free radicals formed during its autooxidation and/or by a direct oxidation of -SH groups by its oxidized form (dehydroascorbic acid). This hypothesis was examined by measuring the rate of AA (ascorbic acid) oxidation in MOPS (3-morpholinepropanesulfonic acid buffer) and phosphate buffer (PB). Here we have used dithiothreitol (DTT) as model of vicinal thiol-containing enzymes, namely delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase. The rate of AA and DTT oxidation was more pronounced in the presence of PB than in the MOPS. AA oxidation induced by iron/EDTA complex was significantly reduced by addition of superoxide dismutase, catalase and DTT to the reaction medium. H2O2 alone did not stimulate the oxidation of AA; however, AA oxidation was enhanced significantly with the addition of crescent concentrations of iron. Conversely, in DTT oxidation assay (without AA) the addition of iron, EDTA and H2O2, did not promote the oxidation of -SH groups. Our findings suggest that in the presence of physiological concentrations of AA and thiols, the oxidation of -SH groups is mediated by AA conversion to dehydroascorbic acid with the participation of iron. Furthermore, free radical species formed during the autooxidation of AA apparently did not oxidize thiol groups to a significant extent.
Ursodeoxycholic acid lowers bile lithogenicity by regulating SCP2 expression in rabbit cholesterol gallstone models
(2012-11-16) Cui, Naiqiang; Cui, Yunfeng; Li, Zhonglian; Zhang, Ju; Zhao, Erpeng
Aims: We designed this study to get insight into the disorder of lipid metabolism during cholesterol gallstone formation and evaluate the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on the improvement of bile lithogenicity and on expression of lipid related genes. Methods: Rabbit cholesterol gallstone models were induced by high cholesterol diet. Bile, blood and liver tissues were obtained from rabbits after 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks. Bile and blood lipids were measured enzymatically. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), cytochrome P450, family 7, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP7A1) and sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) mRNA expressions were detected by using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Cholesterol saturation index (CSI) was calculated by using Carey table to represent the bile lithogenicity. Results: Rates of gallstone formation of the 4 and 5 week treatment groups were 100 %, but that of the ursodeoxycholic acid treatment group was only 33.3 %. Expression of HMGCR and SCP2 mRNA in the 4 week group was upregulated and that of CYP7A1 mRNA decreased as compared with the 0 week group. Ursodeoxycholic acid could significantly extend nucleation time of bile and lower CSI. Ursodeoxycholic acid could reduce the expression of SCP2, but couldn’t influence expression of HMGCR and CYP7A1. Conclusions: Abnormal expression of HMGCR, CYP7A1 and SCP2 might lead to high lithogenicity of bile. Ursodeoxycholic acid could improve bile lipids and lower bile lithogenicity, thereby reducing the incidence of gallstones. So it might be a good preventive drug for cholesterol gallstones.
Protective effect of ethanolic extract of Commiphora mukul gum resin against oxidative stress in the brain of streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar male rats
(2012-11-16) Mallaiah, P.; Ramesh, B.; Saralakumari, D.; Sreenivasulu, N.; Sudhakara, G.
The objective of the study was to investigate the possible neuroprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Commiphora mukul gum resin (EtCMGR) against oxidative stress in the brain of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic Wistar rats. The experimental animals were divided into four groups: control (C), control treated with EtCMGR (C+CM), diabetic (D) and diabetic treated with EtCMGR (D+CM). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg body weight). Plant extract treated groups (C+CM and D+CM) were administered EtCMGR at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight/day by gavage for 60 days. Diabetic rats showed hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia with impaired insulin sensitivity. EtCMGR treatment to diabetic (D+CM group) rats prevented the rise in glucose level by 96.7 %, while enhancing insulin level (77.7 %) and improving insulin sensitivity (27.3 %) compared to D group. The brain antioxidant status of D group rats showed higher levels of lipid peroxidation (77.9 %), protein glycation (100 %), and increased activities of xanthine oxidase (47.1 %) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (101.9 %) and lowered concentration of reduced glutathione (38.2 %) and decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes i.e., glutathione reductase (24 %), glutathione peroxidase (24.4 %) and superoxide dismutase (42.1 %) and increased activities of catalase (87.4 %) and glutathione-S-transferase (45.3 %) compared to control group. While EtCMGR treatment for 60 days in D+CM group prevented the observed abnormalities of antioxidant tatus of D group. This study demonstrates that EtCMGR is a potent neuroprotective agent against oxidative damage induced under diabetes.
Acute and sub-chronic toxicological evaluation of hydro-methanolic extract of Coriandrum sativum L. seeds
(2012-11-16) Desai, Swati; Devkar, Ranjitsinh; Patel, Dipak; Ramachandran, A.V.
Coriandrum sativum L. (CS) seeds are known to possess therapeutic potentials against a variety of physiological disorders. This study assesses acute and sub-chronic toxicity profile of hydro-methanolic extract of CS seeds using OECD guidelines. In acute toxicity study, mice were once orally administered 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight of CS extract. There were no any behavioral alterations or mortality recorded in CS treated groups. The LD50 value was more than 5000 mg/kg body weight. In the sub-chronic oral toxicity study, the animals were orally administered with CS extract (1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg body weight) daily for 28 days whereas; vehicle control group received 0.5 % carboxy methyl cellulose. There was significant reduction in food intake, body weight gain and plasma lipid profiles of CS2 and CS3 (2000 and 3000 mg/kg body weight respectively) groups as compared to the control group. However, there were no alterations in haematological profile, relative organ weights, histology and plasma markers of damage of vital organs (heart, liver and kidney). The overall finding of this study indicates that CS extract is non-toxic up to 3000 mg/kg body weight and can be considered as safe for consumption.
New insights of protein folding as learned from beta-sheets
(2012-11-16) Feng, Yuanming; Gao, Shan; Ruan, Jishou; Zhang, Ning; Zhang, Tao
The folding of denatured proteins into their native conformations is called Anfinsen’s dogma, and is the rationale for predicting protein structures based on primary sequences. Through the last 40 years of study, all available algorithms which either predict 3D or 2D protein structures, or predict the rate of protein folding based on the amino acid sequence alone, are limited in accuracy (80 %). This fact has led some researchers to look for the lost information, from mRNA to protein sequences, and it encourages us to rethink the rationale of Anfinsen’s dogma. In this study, we focus on the relationship between the strand and its partners. We find two rules based on a non-redundant dataset taken from the PDB database. We refer to these two rules as the “first coming first pairing” rule and the “loveless” rule. The first coming first pairing rule indicates that a given strand prefers to pair with the next strand, if the connected region is flexible enough. The loveless rule means that the affinities between a given strand and another strand are comparable to the affinity between the given strand and its partner. Of course, the affinities between the given strand and a helix/coil peptide are significantly less than the affinity between the given strand and its partner. These two rules suggest that in protein folding, we have folding taking place during translation, and suggest also that a denatured protein is not the same as its primary sequence. Rechecking the original Anfinsen experiments, we find that the method used to denature protein in the experiment simply breaks the disulfide bonds, while the helices and sheets remain intact. In other words, denatured proteins still retain all helices and beta sheets, while the primary sequence does not. Although further verification via biological experiments is needed, our results as shown in this study may reveal a new insight for studying protein folding.
Anti-seizure activity of flower extracts of Nepeta bractaeta in Swiss albino mice
(2012-11-16) Ahmad, Mohd Aftab; Ansari, Shahid; Aslam, Mohammad; Bhat, Jalal Uddin; Khanam, Razia; Nizami, Qudsia; Parray, Shabir Ahmad; Siddiqui, Aisha
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by unprovoked, recurring seizures that disrupts the nervous system and can cause mental and physical dysfunction. Based on the ethno pharmacological information of the plant, the methanolic and aqueous extracts of the flowers of Nepeta bractaeta was evaluated for its antiepileptic activity. The methanolic and aqueous extracts of the flowers of Nepeta bracteata were observed for their antiepileptic activity by increased current Electroshock seizures (ICES) test and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) test using Swiss albino mice. Both the extracts showed significant activity in ICES and PTZ induced convulsions in comparison to control. In ICES model, NBAE at higher dose showed 16.7 % and NBME at higher dose showed 33.3 % protection against seizure and in PTZ model, NBME at higher dose showed 33.3 % protection against seizure. From the experiments performed, it can be said that Nepeta bractaeta does possess anticonvulsant property.
Amelioration of the haloperidol-induced memory impairment and brain oxidative stress by cinnarizine
(2012-11-16) Abdel-Salam, Omar M.E,; El-Mosallamy, Aliaa E.M.K.; El-Shamarka, Marwa El-Sayed; Salem, Neveen A.; Sleem, Amany A.
Haloperidol is a classic antipsychotic drug known for its propensity to cause extrapyramidal symptoms and impaired memory, owing to blockade of striatal dopamine D2 receptors. Cinnarizine is a calcium channel blocker with D2 receptor blocking properties which is widely used in treatment of vertiginous disorders. The present study aimed to see whether cinnarizine would worsen the effect of haloperidol on memory function and on oxidative stress in mice brain. Cinnarizine (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg), haloperidol, or haloperidol combined with cinnarizine was administered daily via the subcutaneous route and mice were examined on weekly basis for their ability to locate a submerged plate in the water maze test. Mice were euthanized 30 days after starting drug injection. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) were determined in brain. Haloperidol substantially impaired water maze performance. The mean time taken to find the escape platform (latency) was significantly delayed by haloperidol (2 mg/kg, i.p.) on weeks 1-8 of the test, compared with saline control group. In contrast, those treated with haloperidol and cinnarizine showed significantly shorter latencies, which indicated that learning had occurred immediately. Haloperidol resulted in increased MDA in cortex, striatum, cerebellum and midbrain. GSH decreased in cortex, striatum and cerebellum and nitric oxide increased in cortex. Meanwhile, treatment with cinnarizine (20 mg/kg) and haloperidol resulted in significant decrease in MDA cortex, striatum, cerebellum and midbrain and an increase in GSH in cortex and striatum, compared with haloperidol group. These data suggest that cinnarizine improves the haloperidol induced brain oxidative stress and impairment of learning and memory in the water maze test in mice.

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