International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review

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https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/151200

ISSN: 2231-086X

Frequency: Quarterly

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://www.sciencedomain.org/journal-home.php?id=3

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 381

Pomegranate Juice Is Potentially Better Than Orange Juice in Improving Antioxidant Function in Elderly Subjects.
(2011-04) Parashar, Amit; Badal, Shailendra
In the present study, 26 elderly subjects were recruited and randomly divided into 2 groups, that is, orange (low in antioxidant capacity) and pomegranate (high in antioxidant capacity) groups, and 250 mL of juice was consumed daily for 4 weeks. Changes in plasma antioxidant capacity, activity of antioxidant enzymes, contents of ascorbic acid, vitamin E, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, oxidized low-density lipoprotein and carbonyls, and the degree of DNA damage in mononuclear blood cells were measured. Urine samples were collected for determination of 8- hydroxy-2′- deoxyguanosine content. Increased plasma antioxidant capacity and decreased plasma carbonyl content were demonstrated after daily consumption of pomegranate juice. In comparison, orange juice consumption presented a less significant effect on antioxidant function in elderly subjects. It is concluded that daily consumption of pomegranate juices is potentially better than orange juice in improving antioxidant function in the elderly. Because the plasma ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione contents did not differ significantly between the 2 groups in this study, the phenolics may be the functional components contained in pomegranate juice that accounted for the observations.
Studies on Anti Typhoid Properties of Aqueous Methanol Leaves Extract of Albizia ferruginea (Musase).
(2011-04) Sarkiyayi, S; Karago, J; Hassan, R
Anti typhoid properties of aqueous methanol leaves extract of Albizia ferruginea (musase) was investigated in the present study. The phytochemical screening of the aqueous methanol leave extract of Albizia ferruginea revealed the presence of alkaloid, anthraquinines, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoid, saponin, tannin and terpens. The leave extract of Albizia ferruginea does not possess acute toxicity effect on animal (mice) with a dose of (LD50) 5000mg/kg. The plant extract produced inhibitory activities against Salmonella typhi with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1000μg/ml. The plant extract is effective as anti typhoid agent against Salmonella typhi on mice infected with typhoid parasites as shown by widal test.
Lipopolysaccharide, Mediator of Sepsis Enigma: Recognition and Signaling.
(2011-04) Bashir, Asma; Banday, Mujeeb Zaffar; Haq, Ehtishamul
The outer leaflet of Gram-negative bacterial membrane contains a great amount of lipopolysaccharides, also known as endotoxins, which play a central role in the pathogenesis of sepsis and ultimately septic shock. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is potent inducer of acute sepsis or chronic inflammation. Sepsis can strike anyone, but is most likely to develop from infection associated with events such as pneumonia, trauma, surgery, and burns, or serious illnesses such as cancer and AIDS. In fact, people whose deaths are ascribed to complications of cancer, AIDS, or pneumonia, often actually die as a direct result of sepsis. Sepsis involves a complex interaction between bacterial toxins and the host immune system. LPS stimulates Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 which leads to the formation and release of range of proinflammatory mediators which are essential for the potent immune response. The massive host response to this single bacterial pattern recognition molecule is sufficient to generate diffuse endothelial injury, tissue hypoperfusion, disseminated intravascular coagulation and refractory shock. LPS recognition involves LPS binding protein (LBP), CD14 ending up in TLR4/MD-2/LPS complex. The complex leads to activation of TLR4 and subsequent signaling cascade via two pathways i. e., myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88)-dependent and TRIF-dependent. Here is a brief review of TLR4 signaling and LPS recognition biology with its impact if any on downstream pathways.
Antihypertensive Effect of Methanol Extract of Napoleona imperialis (p. beauv) in Adrenaline Induced Hypertensive Albino Rats.
(2011-07) James, Omale; Friday, Etubi Achimugu; Unekwuojo, Ebiloma Godwin
The aim of this study was to investigate the antihypertensive effect of the methanol extract of the leaf of Napoleona imperialis (p. beauv) in adrenaline induced hypertensive rats (AlHR) and compared with those of Propanolol in a cross over design. Napoleona imperialis leaf extract and the commercial drug (Propanolol) were administered orally and through intraperitoneal (I.P) route respectively for one week. Effect of the extract on different biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, serum triglycerides, serum cholesterol, serum creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, pulse rate and body weight were measured utilizing standard methods. Napoleona imperialis leaf extract at the doses of 26mg/130±17g and 52mg/130±17g of body weight were given orally every morning during treatment to show the effect of dose concentration. Propanolol at a dose of 0.084mg/130±17g of body weight was injected into rats according to its pharmacokinetic parameters. The extract administered rats had significantly lowered serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase and pulse rate compared to the non-extract administered AlHR group (P<0.05). Blood glucose, serum triglycerides and serum cholesterol were not lowered and significantly different (P<0.05) when compared with the control. These results suggest that oral administration of methanol extract of Napoleona imperialis may be useful for prevention and treatment of hypertension.
Effect of Raw Cow Milk and Gliocladium virens in Pearl Millet against Downy Mildew Disease Caused by Sclerospora graminicola.
(2011-07) Kumar, Arun; Mali, P C
Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] downy mildew (DM) is caused by the fungus Sclerospora graminicola (SACC.) SCHRŐT. is the most widespread and destructive disease of pearl millet affecting yield and quality in all the millet cultivating tracts of India. Since pearl millet is a crop of low economic value grown by resource-poor farmers, conventional technological interventions are not cost feasible. Integration of indigenous knowledge with biocontrol agents appeared as a logical strategy in the present case. Studies were, therefore, undertaken to manage DM in rainfed crop of pearl millet using raw cow milk together with Gliocladium virens. Seed and soil treatments resulted in the lowest disease incidence. Biochemical constituents (metabolites and oxidative enzymes) were analysed to determine possible mode of action of Raw Cow Milk (RCM) and Gliocladium virens. A considerable increase in sugars, phenols and ortho-dihydroxy phenols (OD) in healthy and DM infected leaves of treated pearl millet plants was recorded when compared to untreated controls. A marked increase in all the photosynthetic pigments in both healthy and diseased treated plants was observed. The induction of resistance was accompanied by increased activities of defense related enzymes. It is assumed that the combination of RCM and G. virens is capable of stimulating different systemic responses in host plant.
Ascorbic and Folic Acids Intervention in P. berghei Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice.
(2011-07) Iyawe, H O T; Onigbinde, A O
This research attempts to examine the effects of ascorbic and folic acid intervention on the haematology, antioxidants molecules and enzymes of mice exposed to malaria infection. The study involves three groups of control (non-parasitized-nontreated), parasitized-nontreated (PnT) and parasitized ascorbic and folic acid treated (P+as+faT). Intervention with ascorbic and folic acids commenced for three days after parasitemia had been established in mice. Results from this study showed that ascorbic and folic acid intervention in malaria condition reduced (P<0.05) total protein, erythrocyte fragility (EF), increased (P<0.05) packed cell volume (PCV) in comparison with PnT and control mice groups. Lipid peroxidation product in serum, Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and Catalase (CAT) activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) reduced in parasitized mice administered with ascorbic and folic acid doses, as against those of control, whereas SOD activity in Control and CAT activity in PnT observed to increase and decrease, respectively. The extent of lipid peroxidation in kidney was effectively reduced by ascorbic and folic acid compared to PnT. In liver SOD activity, CAT activity, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity significantly (P<0.05) reduced in P+as+faT as against PnT and control groups. From these observations therefore, we draw the conclusion that ascorbic and folic acids combination in malaria infection may reduce lipid peroxidation and stimulate cellular pathways that enhance the production of high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.
Biochemical Constituents in Malformed Tissues of Pearl Millet Cultivars Caused by Aggressive Pathotype of Sclerospora graminicola Causing Downy Mildew Disease.
(2011-10) Kumar, Arun; Mali, P C; Gajja, B L
Downy mildew (DM) of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] caused by Sclerospora graminicola is the most widespread and destructive disease. In DM affected plants disease symptoms appear suddenly with the emergence of green ear, which exhibits all possible degrees of proliferations and malformation of the panicle. The pathogen population at Jodhpur, India is more virulent among other prevalent pathotypes as highly resistant pearl millet lines turned susceptible at this location. Virulence of pathotype rapidly changes host physiology producing varied symptoms in leaves and ear heads. Biochemical components including carbohydrates, phenols, free proline, photosynthetic pigments and enzymes like polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POX), IAA oxidase (IAAO) and catalase were found considerably deranged in malformed tissues. Results indicated that in two highly susceptible cultivars (Nokha local and Eknath) high soluble sugars were recorded in DM necrotic/chlorotic leaves and malformed ear heads, whereas starch contents were reduced in infected ear heads. Total and O-dihydroxy phenols were higher in DM infected leaves as well as in the malformed ear heads. Free proline contents were increased manifold in DM infected leaves and in proliferated panicles. Total chlorophyll contents reduced drastically in DM infected leaves. In ear heads showing tufting and complete malformation, total chlorophyll and carotenoids were low when compared to healthy and diseased leaves. Activities of PPO, POX, IAAO and catalase were higher in DM affected leaves and suppressed and completely malformed ear heads in comparison to their healthy counterparts. The study suggests that accumulation of total phenols caused the hyperphenolicity in infected host tissues despite increased activities of POX, PPO, catalase and IAA oxidase.
Evaluation of the Protective Potential of Chromolaena odorata Linn. Extract on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Oxidative Liver Damage.
(2011-10) Alisi, Chinwe Sylvanus; Onyeze, Geoffrey Okike C; Ojiako, Okey Alphonsus; Osuagwu, Chidi G
Carbon tetrachloride and its toxic metabolites consistently produce liver injury in many species including man. The hepatoprotective potential of Chromolaena odorata Linn. (C. odorata) was evaluated in male rabbits against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. Carbon tetrachloride intoxicated control (CCl4) and ethanol extract of C. odoratatreated rabbits (ETECO TEST) received a single dose of CCl4 (0.2 ml/kg bw in liquid paraffin 1:1). Pre-treated rabbits received ethanol extract of C. odorata at 400 mg/kg/day in two divided doses of 200 mg/kg in morning and at night for 6 days prior to CCl4 administration. Sylimarin control received 50 mg/kg bw as a replacement for ETECO prior to CCl4 intoxication. Normal animals received only extract in the above stated dose and served as extract controls (ETECO CTRL). Pre-treatment with C. odorata significantly (p<0.05) prevented the elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanineaminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma glutamyl transferase ( ץ-GT), total bilirubin and malondialdehyde (MDA) resulting from carbon tetrachloride intoxication. C. odorata extract also significantly (p<0.05) prevented a decrease in serum total protein, albumin, and glutathione (GSH) concentrations. The extract also significantly (p<0.05) prevented a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activities. The presence of secondary plant metabolites like alkaloids, saponins,phenolic compouds, flavonoids and tannins found in C. odorata extract could be responsible for its hepatoprotective action.
gorithm of Insulin Human P01308 - Position 102 - Determinante 2029.
(2011-10) Kurić, Lutvo
The modern science mainly treats the biochemical basis of sequencing in biomacromolecules and processes in medicine and biochemistry. One can ask weather the language of biochemistry is the adequate scientific language to explain the phenomenon in that science. Is there maybe some other language, out of biochemistry, that determines how the biochemical processes will function and what the structure and organization of life systems will be? The research results provide some answers to these questions. They reveal to us that the process of sequencing in bio-macromolecules is conditioned and determined not only through biochemical, but also through cybernetic and information principles. Many studies have indicated that analysis of protein sequence codes and various sequence-based prediction approaches, such as predicting drug-target interaction networks (He et al., 2010), predicting functions of proteins (Hu et al., 2011; Kannan et al., 2008), analysis and prediction of the metabolic stability of proteins (Huang et al., 2010), predicting the network of substrate-enzyme-product triads (Chen et al., 2010), membrane protein type prediction (Cai and Chou, 2006; Cai et al., 2003; Cai et al., 2004), protein structural class prediction (Cai et al., 2006; Ding et al., 2007), protein secondary structure prediction (Chen et al., 2009; Ding et al., 2009b), enzyme family class prediction (Cai et al., 2005; Ding et al., 2009a; Wang et al., 2010), identifying cyclin proteins (Mohabatkar, 2010), protein subcellular location prediction (Chou and Shen, 2010a; Chou and Shen, 2010b; Kandaswamy et al., 2010; Liu et al., 2010), among many others as summarized in a recent review (Chou, 2011), can timely provide very useful information and insights for both basic research and drug design and hence are widely welcome by science community. The present study is attempted to develop a novel sequence-based method for studying insulin in hopes that it may become a useful tool in the relevant areas.
Characterization of an Avian Protease Inhibitor.
(2011-10) Salman, Khushtar Anwar; Ahmed, Sharique; Saxena, Indu
Ovomucoid is a serine proteinase inhibitor in the egg whites of all avian species at a concentration of about 10 mg/ml. The involvement of proteinases in a multitude of control functions in an organism has created an interest in their physiological inhibitors. Regulation of proteolytic activity in tissues is a critical requirement in the maintenance of homeostasis. Egg white proteins possess ACE-inhibitory activity, & also high radical-scavenging activity. The combined antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory properties of egg white hydrolysates, or the corresponding peptides, would make a useful multifunctional preparation for the control of cardiovascular diseases. Proteases play key roles in several physiological processes, including intracellular protein degradation, bone remodeling, and antigen presentation, and their activities are increased in pathophysiological conditions such as cancer metastasis and inflammation. They are also required for invasion by microorganism. Four protease inhibitors have been identified in egg white: cystatin, ovomucoid, ovomacroglobulin (also known as ovostatin), and ovoinhibitor. Use of proteinase inhibitors in the treatment of certain diseases has renewed interest in their specificity and stability, both of which in turn depend on the tertiary structure of the inhibitor. Structural alteration to obtain molecules of desired properties requires knowledge of relationship between structure, function and stability. Aims: In view of its importance, in the present study duck ovomucoid was isolated and characterized for its physicochemical properties. Methodology: Duck ovomucoid was isolated and characterized for its physicochemical properties. Analytical gel filtration (Sephacryl S-100 HR column) was used for purification, determination of molecular weight (MW), carbohydrate content and Stokes radius.
Comparative Study of Thiaminase in Headfoot and Hepatopancreas of Limicolaria flammea (Müller, 1774).
(2012-01) Kuku, Adenike; Okonji, Raphael Emuebie; Akinrinola, Busayo Deborah
This study aimed at determining the level of thiaminase in the Limicolaria flammea with a view to ascertaining the nutritional and health implications of its consumption. Methodology: Proximate analyses of two tissues, headfoot and hepatopancreas, were investigated to assess their nutritional qualities. The thiaminases in the tissues were purified by chromatographic separations using DEAE-Sephacel ion - exchange and Biogel P-100 columns. Results: The Michealis Menten constant obtained for hepatopancreas thiaminase was 0.83 mM and 0.13 mM for thiamine and aniline respectively; for the headfoot thiaminase, 1.06 mM and 0.16 mM was obtained for thiamine and aniline respectively. An optimum pH of 8.5 was obtained for thiaminase in the two tissues. Temperature optimum of 65°C and 70°C was obtained for the headfoot and hepatopancreas enzymes respectively. The amino acids and glutathione activated the enzyme from hepatopancreas, while the headfoot enzyme was significantly inhibited except proline which showed very high activation. The cations: NH4 +, Hg2+, Mn2+, Na+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ tested showed no inhibition of the enzymes in both tissues. Increased concentrations of 2-mercaptoethanol, 6-amino hexanoic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) inhibited the activities of thiaminases from the two tissues. Conclusion: The study concluded that the tissues, hepatopancreas and headfoot of Limicolaria flammea contained high level of thiaminase. This may have medical implication in its consumption as a good source of high quality protein.
Genome Wide Identification of Target Heat Shock Protein90 Genes and Their Differential Expression against Heat Stress in Wheat.
(2012-01) Kumar, Ranjeet R; Goswami, Suneha; Sharma, Sushil K; Pathak, Himanshu; Rai, Gyanendra K; Rai, Raj D
Aims: To study the genetic and transcript profiling of the genes specifying cytosolic HSP90s in Triticum aestivum. Study Design: Random sampling. Place and Duration of Study: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, between August to December, 2011. Methodology: We include C-306 (thermotolerant) and PBW343 (thermosusceptible) cultivars of wheat for the study. Total RNA was isolated using Trizol method and gene was identified and isolated using RT-PCR. In silico characterization was done using different bioinformatic tools. Quantitative real time PCR was carried out using BioRad CFX96 platform and Pfaffl’s method was used for the comparative change in fold expression of the gene. Results: Here, we report cloning of an HSP90 gene from C-306 wheat cultivar having an ORF of 700 amino acids. Genome Blast identified 3 different clusters of reference sequence on chromosome no 4, 8 and 9 having LOC 100125696 and showing maximum homology with HSP90 reported from Triticum aestivum. Pure amino acid composition revealed highest composition of glutamic acid followed by lysine and leucine whereas, cysteine composition was lowest. Protein characterization showed the existence of 10 networks of coevolved amino acids. Quantitative real time PCR showed 1.5, 4.5, 5 & 7.4 fold increase in expression of HSP90 in case of C-306 compared to 2.5, 6.4, 6.9 & 5.6 fold increase in case of PBW343 at vegetative (root & shoot), pollination and milky dough stage. Multiple co-chaperones of HSP90 were observed by immunoblot assay in response to differential heat shock. Conclusion: This investigation proves that HSP90 is one of the key components of defense mechanism in wheat against heat stress which requires the formation of cochaperone complexes with HSP70 for its functional activity. There is a need to exploit the transcription factors associated with HSP90 and its regulation and differential expression in order to use it for developing thermotolerant wheat cultivars.
Monosodium Glutamate Induces Oxidative Stress and Affects Glucose Metabolism in the Kidney of Rats.
(2012-01) Okwudiri, Onyema Oscar; Sylvanus, Alisi Chinwe; Peace, Ihetuge Adaeze
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used flavour enhancer with a number of adverse effects. Earlier studies have shown the induction of oxidative stress in some organs of experimental animals after chronic administration of MSG. Some reports have also shown some alterations in hepatic glucose metabolism as a result of MSG administration. In this study, we have tested the hypothesis that alteration in glucose metabolism following MSG administration might be a contributor to the changes in the markers of oxidative stress observed in the animals. Twenty four male Wistar rats were divided into two groups. MSG was orally administered to one group of rats at a dose of 4g/kg body weight for ten days while the other group received normal saline. MSG-treated rats showed a significant alteration (P<0.05) in a number of oxidative stress parameters and a significant (P<0.05) increase in the activity of glucose-6- Phosphatase (G6Pase), corroborating earlier observations. In addition, there was a decrease in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and a significantly (P<0.05) higher blood glucose and renal glucose concentration in MSG-treated rats. There was no change in renal glycogen concentration following MSG administration. The pattern of induction of oxidative stress and alteration of glucose metabolic enzymes in the animals is an indication that oxidative stress induced by MSG in the renal tissues of rats might be contributed by increased tissue glucose concentration resulting from enhanced renal gluconeogenesis.
Optimization of Fermentation Parameters for Ethanol Production from Ziziphus mauritiana Fruit Pulp Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NA33).
(2012-04) Togarepi, E; Mapiye, C; Muchanyereyi, N; Dzomba, P
Total demand for ethanol due to fear of crude oil depletion and the need to mitigate global warming due to green house gas emissions is increasing year after year. The present study was undertaken to investigate optimum parameters for ethanol production from Ziziphus mauritiana by Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NA33) strain. Various parameters, yeast concentration, pH and temperature were considered. A control experiment (without Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NA33) strain) was also set up for results comparison. The optimized conditions for ethanol production were established as pH 6, temperature 30ºC and yeast concentration of 8.0g per 20g fruit pulp. Under these conditions an ethanol concentration of 63 g/L was achieved. The control vessel showed not much rate of fermentation and hence it was shown that addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NA33) was necessary to increase the rate and yield.
Structure-Activity Relationship of Phospholipase A2s Isolated from Vipera aspis Venom.
(2012-04) Komori, Yumiko; Nakamura, Yasuo; Yunokuchi, Izumi; Nikai, Toshiaki
To elucidate the structure-activity relationship of snake venom phospholipase A2, the primary structures of two phospholipase A2s from V. aspis venom were analyzed, and the three-dimensional conformation models were compared. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, between August 2009 and June 2011. Methodology: The primary structures of purified phospholipase A2-II and -III were analyzed by Edman sequencing. Three-dimensional models of these enzymes and previously reported phospholipase A2-I (Vaspin) were constructed by the homology modeling method. Results: Both phospholipase A2-II and –III were found to be monomeric proteins which consist of 121 and 122 amino acid residues, respectively. Their primary structures were consistent with the deduced sequence obtained from genomic DNA analysis. The molecular models of both enzymes indicated that the substitution of important amino acid residues for anticoagulant and lethal activity might have caused the relatively weak toxicity. Conclusion: The structure-activity relationship of PLA2s was clarified by using molecular models, and clear understanding was obtained.
Heavy Metal Pollution Mediated Oxidative Stress in Amaranthus hybridus Leaves.
(2012-04) Nwaogu, Linus Ahuwaraeze; Iwueke, Adaku Vivien; Igwe, Chidi Uzoma; Ihejirika, Chinedu Emeka
The effect of the same concentration of heavy metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) pollution on oxidative stress parameters in A. hybridus leaves after fifty days was investigated. A. hybridus leaves from soil sample without heavy metal pollution served as the control. Results indicated that there were significant (p< 0.05) difference in some of the oxidative stress parameters (glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), ascorbic acid (AA), protein thiol (PSH) and catalase (CAT) activity) mediated by heavy metal pollution from aqueous leaf extract of A. hybridus when compared to the control, indicating that heavy metal pollution at high concentration mediated oxidative stress in A. hybridus leaves. Heavy metals at higher concentration are toxic to plants which affect their normal metabolism and exhibit unhealthy characteristics growth.
Biochemical Effects of Some Traditional Nigerian Diets in Experimental Diabetic Rat Models.
(2012-04) Ani, Ime F; Atangwho, Item J; Agiang, Margaret A; Alozie, Yetunde E
Diet, besides its simplicity and affordability, has been clinically recommended as the first line of intervention in type 2 diabetes. However, compliance with the so-called diabetic diet has been notoriously poor, mostly because the social and cultural aspects of eating as well as the degree of difficulty involved in entrenching permanent changes in diet have greatly been underestimated. The present study therefore evaluated the suitability of some traditional Nigerian diets namely Garri with afang soup (GAS), pounded yam with edikang ikong soup (PYES) and ekpang nkukwo (EN) in alloxan diabetic rats. 15-day feeding with GAS and PYES respectively reduced (P<0.05) fasting blood glucose by 25.61% and 25.19%, compared to the reference diet, plantain with beans (37.22%). The glucose lowering effect of EN was however, not significant. Except GAS, the effect of the test diets on serum lipid profile was similar and comparable to the reference diet. Further, the impact on serum biochemical indices - β-carotene, total protein, albumin, urea and creatinine, though not dramatic, was not different from the reference diet, except serum β-carotene that was higher in the reference diet-fed animals than others (P<0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that the studied diets, can potentially offer the patients the needed dietary diversification in diabetes management.
Biochemical Studies on the Amelioration of Petroleum Product Intoxication with Indigenous Plants.
(2012-04) Ujowundu, C O; Kalu, F N; Igwe, C U; Agha, N C; Igwe, K O
The effect of Gongronema latifolium and Ocimum gratissimum supplemented diet on diesel petroleum induced liver damage in rats was investigated. Rats were acclimatized for two weeks and divided into three groups. Oxidative stress was induced with diesel petroleum (4 ml/kg body weight) at alternate days for seven days in group II and III rats. Group II rats were fed the supplemented diet while Group I and III fed on normal rat pellet only. After one week of feeding, the fluctuations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes - superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and concentrations of glutathione and malondialdehyde (MDA) indicated stress in the liver of the rats exposed to diesel. Significant increase (P<0.05) in serum concentration of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and other liver damage markers was observed in group III rats. Serum lipid profile was also studied. Feeding with the supplemented diet showed significant reduction (P<0.05) in the activities of ALT and AST and in the concentration of MDA. The activities of some antioxidant enzymes indicated nonsignificant increase (P>0.05) with treatment. The concentration of other liver marker compounds and lipid profile were positively affected by the treatment. The values obtained from treated rats showed that, while diesel can induce oxidative damage to the liver, G. latifolium and O. gratissimum in the diet, indicated protective effect against oxidative and cellular degeneration in liver tissues.
Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism in Egyptian Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.
(2012-07) Abdel-Aziz, A F; Elsaid, Afaf; Elmougy, Rehab; Abd-Al-Samad, Ayman; Elwaseef, A M
Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism has been associated with the genetic susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD) and also with the lipid profile in different populations. One hundred and eight Egyptian patients with CAD and one hundred forty three unrelated healthy subjects were included in the study. ACE I/D polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction. We investigated the association between I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and the presence of CAD as well as its association with hypertension in the patients. Serum levels of lipoprotein (a), Lp (a), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were estimated in the patients as well as in the healthy subjects. Increased frequency of D allele and DD genotype as well as decreased frequency of I allele and ID genotype were found in CAD patients compared to healthy subjects (P = .004, OR= 0.419, 95% CI (.2 - .8), for DD genotype), (P = .008, OR= 0.475, 95% CI (0.27- 0.84), for D allele). Higher levels of both Lp (a) and IL-6 were observed in CAD patients compared to control subjects (P = .0012, P = .0346, respectively). No association was observed in ACE gene polymorphism with diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia. However, there is a trend for DD genotype to develop more hypertension than ID genotype (P=0.08, OR=2.88). In conclusion, theI/D polymorphism of the ACE gene (carrying the D allele) is an independent risk factor for CAD in the studied Egyptian population.
Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activities of Hypotrigona squamuligera Raw Honey.
(2012-07) Dzomba, P; Ngoroyemoto, N; Mutandwa, L; Shasha, D
To evaluate phytochemical content and biological activities of Hypotrigona squamuligera honey. Study Design: Standard chemical tests, DPPH antiradical activity assay and agar diffusion methods. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry (Natural product section) and Biological Science Department November 2011 and March 2012. Methodology: Standard chemical tests, DPPH antiradical activity and agar diffusion methods were adopted to determine phytochemical compounds present, antioxidant and antibacterial activity respectively. The following bacterial strains were employed in the screening studies: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, all from stock cultures of Bindura University Biological Sciences Department. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides. H. Squamuligera honey exhibited marked antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Its antiradical activity was lower than that of ascorbic acid and quercetin at low concentrations 0,0125 and 0,025mg/ml however as from 0,05mg/ml methanolic extract exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity. H. squamuligera honey (100%) produced a greater inhibition (24 ± 0,09 mm) than amoxicillin (19±0,01mm) for S. aureus. For E. coli amoxicillin produced greater inhibition than H. squamuligera honey. Compared to Apis mellifera honey at a concentration of 100%, H. squamuligera honey revealed better inhibitory activity. Minimum inhibitory values ranged from 10 - 25 μg/ml. The lowest MIC value (15μg/ml) for H. squamuligera honey was recorded for S. aureus. Conclusion: The results suggest that H. squamuligera honey could potentially be used as an alternative pharmaceutical agent against certain microorganisms and source of natural antioxidants for promotion of health however there is a need to perform structural elucidation to identify the structures of phytochemical compounds present in the honey.

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