Protective Effect of Ipomoea biloba on Myocardial Antioxidant Status in Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Infarction Male Albino Rats

The protective effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Ipomoea biloba in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity and the antioxidant activity involved in this protection were investigated in rats. Myocardial infraction was produced in rats with 20 mg/kg b.wt of ISO administered subcutaneously twice at an interval of 24 h. Effect of EEIB oral treatment for 28 days at two doses (100 mg and 200 mg/kg body weight) was evaluated against ISO – induced cardiac necrosis. Level of enzymatic (SOD, CAT, GPx and GST), non-enzymatic (GSH, Vitamin C and E) and of membrane bound ATPases (Na+K+ATPase, Mg2+ATPase and Ca2+ATPase) were assayed in heart homogenate. Significant myocardial infarction, depletion of endogenous antioxidants enzymatic and non-enzymatic were observed in ISO-treated animals when compared with the normal animals. Rats induced with ISO, showed a significant (P<0.05), decrease in the activities of GSH, Vitamin C and Eon comparison with normal rats. EEIB elicited a significant cardioprotective activity by elevated the levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx and GR. A significant decrease in the activity of Na+/K+ ATPase and a corresponding increase in the activities of Ca2+ ATPase and Mg2+ ATPase were observed in isoproterenol induced rats when compared to normal control rats. Pretreatment with EEIB was able to efficiently prevent the increase in activity of Mg2+ ATPase and maintain the activities of Na+ /K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase at near normality. There is no significant difference between the control and plant alone treated rats. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the antioxidant effects on the main cardioprotective activity of ethanolic leaf extract Ipomoea biloba.

Purification and Characterization of Superoxide Dismutase Enzyme from Punica granatum L.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) constitutes a very important antioxidant defense against oxidative stress in the body. SOD is found aplenty in many organisms, from microorganisms to plants and animals. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peels and fruits have been used in traditional medicine. In this study, SOD (E.C 1.15.1.1) was purified from Punica granatum L. For this purpose, Punica granatum L. was homogenized centrifuged, fractioned with ammonium sulfate to precipitate, and then DEAE chromatography separation was applied. Punica granatum L. was purified 16.60-fold. SOD enzyme-specific activity was found as 166 U/mg protein.

Effects of Some Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Ions on the Initial Reaction Rates of Congregibacter litoralis KT71 β-lactamase Hydrolysis of 4-Nitrophenyl Myristate

The effects of some alkali metal ions (Na+ and K+) and alkaline earth metal ions (Mg 2+ and Ba2+) on the initial reaction rates of Congregibacter litoralis KT71 β-lactamase hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl myristate was investigated by varying the concentrations of the metal ions in the assay mixture which comprised of 100 µl of standard enzyme solution, 200 µl of varying concentration of metal ions, 500 µl of 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer pH 7.5 and 200 µl of 4-nitrophenyl myristate (substrate) which was added last to the assay mixture after an incubation time of 10 minutes at 44 oC. The enzyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically using a UV-780 recording spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 405 nm. The hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl myristate to yield 4-nitrophenol was monitored by reading the absorbance at 25 minutes. Results showed that the alkaline earth metal ions (Ba2+ and Mg2+) had higher enzyme activation effect than the alkali metal ions (K+ and Na+) Also, all metal ions except Mg2+ showed enzyme stimulatory effect at low concentrations (<2 mM) but inhibitory at higher ion concentrations (2 mM - 3 mM). Mg 2+ caused a proportionate decrease in enzyme activity from its peak (when metal ion concentration was lowest). Results from this research is of great significance to the industrialist especially where the search for novel lipases with unique characteristics suitable for the industries are inevitable.

Biodegradation Capacity and Activity Enzymatic of Bacillus subtilis against Low-Density Polyethylene

Aims: The objective of this work was to determine the degradation capacity of low-density polyethylene by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis and analyze the production of extracellular laccase activity. Methodology: The experiments was realized in 50 mL of culture medium, added with a fragment of known dry weight (1 cm2 colorless polyethylene bag squares), and were incubated at 28°C, pH 6.5, for 6 months under static conditions, determining the growth of the bacterium by dry weight (68, 75, and 91 mg), the production of extracellular protein (271, 234, and 326.1 mg/mL), and the degradation of the substrate by dry biodegraded (8.57%, 5.88%, and 11.76%). Results: The production of extracellular laccase enzyme was analyzed in presence of polyethylene, finding an enzymatic activity of laccase of 2.06, 1.49, and 2,03 U/mL, while in the control without substrate, no enzymatic activity was observed, which suggests that this enzyme may participate in the degradation of polyethylene. In addition, some characteristics of the extracellular enzymatic activities were analyzed, such as stability at 4oC and 28oC, optimal pH and temperature, the effect of protein and substrate concentration. Conclusion: The extracellular protein production and dry weight of the bacterium are higher in the presence of low-density polyethylene. The laccase activity is very stable at 4oC and 28oC, the most effective pH and temperature, were 4.5 and 28oC, and present an incubation time of 5 minutes, and this data suggest that this enzymatic activitiy may participate in the degradation of low density polyethylene.

Role of Chitosan Nanoparticles in Improving Hepatic and Renal Toxicity Induced by Silver Nanoparticles Coated by Fe3O4 in Rats

Aims: Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are an important class of nanomaterials used as antimicrobial agents for a wide range of medical and industrial applications.Current study was performed to study the therapeutic effects of chitosan nanoparticles extract towards the treatments with Ag NPs in rat induced kidney and liver damage. Study Design: A total of 60 male adult albino rats were equally divided into six groups (G1, Control group; G2, chitosan group; G3, Ag NPs group as acute toxicity; G4, acute Ag NPs+Chitosan group; G5, Ag NPs group as chronic toxicity; G6, chronic Ag NPs+Chitosan). Results: Current results revealed that; a significant increase in the levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride ions and MDA in liver and kidney tissues after treatments with Ag NPs (in case of acute and chronic toxicity) as compared to control group. In contrast; a significant decrease in serum albumin, total proteins, calcium ions, SOD, catalase and GSH in liver and kidney tissues after treatments with Ag NPs as compared to control groups. Treatment of Ag NPs with Chitosan nanoparticles (Ch NPs) improved this change in liver and kidney functions as compared to Ag NPs. Conclusion: These findings suggested that the misuse of silver nanoparticles may contribute to continuous hepatic and renal damage. This shows that the desired dose of Ag NPs can safely be used with Chitosan in improving hepatic and renal damage in toxic group in young rats.

Comparative Analysis of the Hypoglycaemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Aqueous Extract of some Ethno medicinal Plants in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder associated with the development of metabolic complications. This research evaluated the hypoglycemic and hypolipidaemic effects of Moringa oleifera (MO), Treculia africana (TA) and Albizzia chevalieri (AC) plant extracts on diabetes. Albino rats were randomly divided into six (six) main groups; MC, MO, TA, AC, Normal Control (NC) and Diabetic Control (DC) groups. Group MO, TA and AC were further subdivide into three sub groups. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of alloxan 150 mg/kg body weight. Fasting blood glucose level and lipid profile were assayed using standard methods. Intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of Alloxan in the albino rats resulted in significant (p<0.05) elevation of serum glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-C), and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C). Also, there was significant decrease (p<0.05) in HDL-C and body weight of the albino rats compared with that of the NC group. Oral administration of MO, TA and AC to diabetic albino rats for 21 days significantly (p<0.05) reduced fasting blood glucose level, normalized lipid profile and restore body weight of the albino rats in treated groups compared to diabetic control groups. All the plant extracts studied in this research significantly (p<0.05) increase the regeneration of damaged pancreatic β cells. Treatment with MO (800 mg/kg) confirmed highly significant (p<0.05) effect compared to TA and AC.

Review on Evaluation of Physalis peruviana L.’s Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Biochemical Activities

In this review, it was emphasized that natural and organic foods have a rich structure in terms of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and vitamin content. Physalis peruviana L., products contain minerals, amino acids, withanolides, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids, thus representing good sources of these compounds. These compounds have protective, regulatory, and nutritional roles in metabolism. Physalis peruviana L. is a wild fruit that has been widely used for centuries, mainly in folk medicine. The fruit and juice of Physalis peruviana L., contain high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K1, and many other mineral substances. In addition, the ingredients in Physalis peruviana L., have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic effects. The available evidence has demonstrated the nutritional value of different products of Physalis peruviana L., suggesting them to be potential candidates for use in the cosmetic industry, in the preparation of functional foods, and phytomedicine for the prevention.

Assessment of Growth and Fertility Hormones of Albino Rats Exposed to Quarry Dust at a Quarry Industry

Aim: Growth and fertility hormones of albino rats exposed to quarry dust were evaluated to determine if the inhaled quarry dust and heavy metals contained in it have any effect on the fertility and growth of the rats. Methods: Sixty (30 in each of wet and dry seasons) male albino rats were used in this study and were housed in six (6) sterilized plastic cages with five (5) rats in each cage at Ugwuele quarry industry Uturu. The control (group 1) was housed at a distance of 7.2km from the quarry site. Group 2 was housed at the administration block of the quarry industry while groups 3,4,5,6 were housed at the gate, plant house, drilling pit and crusher positions of the quarry industry respectively. Heavy metals; lead, chromium, cobalt, arsenic, zinc and cadmium from dust samples were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometer while assay for hormones was also carried out using standard analytical methods. Results: All the analyzed heavy metals were present in the dust. Concentrations of heavy metals in the quarry dust were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the control and higher in the dry season than in the wet season. Concentrations of prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH) in the test samples were significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to the control while the concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the test samples were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to the control. Results also show that the concentrations of prolactin, FSH, LH and GH were lower in the dry season than in the wet season whereas, the concentrations of TSH in the exposed rats were higher in the dry season than in the wet season. Conclusion: Growth rate and fertility of the albino rats may have been compromised by the exposure to the quarry dust, since the growth and fertility hormones were all reduced.

Bisphenol a Exposure Causes Increased Oxidation of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and Its Abduct in Rats

Background and Objectives: Living organisms are exposed to oxidant agents constantly from both endogenous and exogenous sources. One of such oxidant agent is Bisphenol A (BPA) and its exposure is capable to modify biomolecules and induce damages. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a contaminant with increasing exposure. It exerts toxic effects on cells. This study investigates the possibility of BPA exposure on Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) perturbations at prevailing low exposure doses in female albino Wistar rats, following exposure for the period of three (3) month. Materials and Methods: Total 12 groups were formed; out of which 11 experimental groups, each containing 10non-pregnant female rats were administered; 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1 mg of BPA/kgbw/day. To the 12th control group was given water. Blood was collected from animals at the end of every week of the study and serum sample specimens analyzed by routine diagnostic procedures for oxidized LDL such as malondialdehyde modified- LDL (MDA-LDL), oxidized phospholipids LDL (OX-PL LDL), N (epsilon) (carboxymethyl) lysine-modified-LDL (CML LDL) and 4-hydroxynonenal-LDL (HNE-LDL) using Autochemical Analyzer. Results: Significantly increased concentrations of serum oxidized LDL such as MDA-LDL, OX-PL LDL, CML LDL and HNE-LDL were observed at all concentrations of BPA exposure. Conclusion: Bisphenol A alters oxidized LDL such as MDA-LDL, OX-PL LDL, CML LDL and HNE-LDL balance and causes disturbance of internal oxidative statues.

Effect of Ethanol Extract of the Fruiting Bodies of Pleurotus Ostreatus on Serum Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Indices of HS-HFD-STZ Induced Diabetic Rats

The effect of ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus ostreatus on serum lipid profile and atherogenic indices of high sucrose high fat diet streptozotocin (HS-HFD-STZ) induced diabetic rats was determined by standard methods. All the groups were fed high sucrose-high fat diet except the normal group. The Metformin HCl and ethanol extract was given once daily by gavage to the reference and experimental groups respectively at doses of 150mg/Kg b.w., 50mg/Kg b.w, 150mg/Kg b.w. and 300mg/Kg b.w. respectively while the normal control received saline solution. The HDL-cholesterol level was higher than the value of the disease group after 6 weeks of administration of extract at 300mg/kg and after 9 weeks administration of extract at 150mg/kg. HDL cholesterol concentration increased by 22.2% after 6 weeks of extract administration at 300mg/kg and by 16.7% and 28.3% respectively after 9 weeks of extract administration at 150mg/kg and 50mg/kg respectively, indicating that the POE extract has the capacity to reduce cardiovascular diseases. At all the doses of extract administered for treatment at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 9 weeks intervals, there was dose and time dependent lowering of LDL: HDL ratio even below the recommended risk limit of ≤ 2.5 compared to the test control with value above 2.5. After 3 weeks of treatment with extract at administration concentration level of 150mg/kg, atherogenic indices were lowered and extract levels of 150mg/kg and 300mg/kg reduced atherogenic index value after 6 weeks of administration while after 9 weeks of treatment, extract at 150mg/kg concentration reduced atherogenic indices. The atherogenic indices of the diabetic animals under treatment were dose-and time dependently reduced by POE treatment as observed in this study.These results suggest a possible use of the extracts in the management of hyperlipidemic conditions, hypertension and associated complications.