Bioactivity-Guided Isolation of Anticancer Agents from Bauhinia Kockiana Korth

Background

Flowers of Bauhinia kockiana were investigated for their anticancer properties.

Methods

Gallic acid (1), and methyl gallate (2), were isolated via bioassay-directed isolation, and they exhibited anticancer properties towards several cancer cell lines, examined using MTT cell viability assay. Pyrogallol (3) was examined against the same cancer cell lines to deduce the bioactive functional group of the phenolic compounds.

Results

The results showed that the phenolic compounds could exhibit moderate to weak cytotoxicity towards certain cell lines (GI₅₀ 30 – 86 µM), but were inactive towards DU145 prostate cancer cell (GI₅₀ > 100 µM).

Conclusion

It was observed that pyrogallol moiety was one of the essential functional structures of the phenolic compounds in exhibiting anticancer activity. Also, the carboxyl group of compound 1 was also important in anticancer activity. Examination of the PC-3 cells treated with compound 1 using fluorescence microscopy showed that PC-3 cells were killed by apoptosis.     

The Foliar Anatomy and Micromorphology of Aloe Ferox Mill. (Asphodelaceae)

Background

The genus Aloe has been the subject of several chemotaxonomic and phytochemical investigations. Aloe ferox is an important source of biologically active compounds like anthrones, chromones, pyrones, and flavonoids. It is a plant used extensively in traditional medicine. Despite the myriad of studies on the pharmacological profile of the plant, there still exists a dearth of scientific literature on the anatomical and morphological attributes of this important medicinal plant.

Materials and Methods

Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the foliar anatomy and micromorphological characteristics of A. ferox using light microscope and scanning electron microscope and to determine the elemental composition of the leaf sections by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy.

Results

Epidermal cells varied from round, square to hexagonal, with distinctive anticlinal walls and sunken stomata, equally distributed on both the adaxial and abaxial surfaces were observed. There were vertically elongated palisade cells with numerous chloroplasts in the palisade mesophyll layer. The EDXS analysis revealed Ca, K, S, Al, Mg, and Si as the major constituents of crystals present in the mesophyll.

Conclusion

Information on the foliar anatomy and micromorphology can further enlightened our perceptions on the inherent interrelationships between structure and function as regards the synthesis and secretion of bioactive secondary metabolites by plants.     

Hypoglycaemic activity of commelina africana and ageratum conyzoides in relation to their mineral composition

Background

Many plants with antidiabetic properties probably act in part through their content of fibre, vitamins, bioactive or mineral content

Objectives

This study investigated the mineral, proximate, phytochemical compositions and hypoglycaemic effect of Commelina africana and Ageratum conyzoides extracts in diabetic rats, and the likely relationship between this property and the mineral, proximate and phytochemical compositions of the plants.

Methods

The plants were subjected to mineral, proximate composition and phytochemical analysis. Attempt was made to see (if any) the relationship between the hypoglycaemic effect and the mineral, proximate compositions and phytochemistry of the plants. Alloxan-induced diabetic animals were administered 500mg/kg body weight aqueous extracts of the plants and glibenclamide as the reference hypoglycaemic agent.

Results

Aqueous extract of Ageratum conyzoides reduced fasting blood glucose of experimental animals by 39.1% while Commelina africana reduced the same by 78.0%. Alkaloids, cardenolides, saponins, and tannins were detected in both plants. Anthraquinones was absent in C. africana but a trace of it was detected in A. conyzoides. The hypoglycaemic effect of Commelina africana was comparable with the reference hypoglycaemic agent. Ageratum conyzoides showed comparably weaker hypoglycaemic effect than exhibited by reference hypoglycaemic agent. Comparatively, Commelina africana had higher mineral concentrations (except Na) than Ageratum conyzoides.

Conclusions

Plants'' extracts minerals (magnesium, potassium and iron) and bioactive components (alkaloids and cardenolides) seemingly enhanced their hypoglycaemic effect. Furthermore, these minerals, alkaloids and cardenolides could be helpful in ameliorating complications of diabetes like hypertension and cardiovascular disease.     

Comparitive Study on Volatile Aroma Compounds of Two Different Garlic Types (Kastamonu and Chinese) Using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HS-GC/MS) Technique

Backround

The medicinal use of garlic is much older than its usage as a food. The medical importance of garlic comes forward for its sulfur-containing components. In this study, it was aimed to compare Kastamonu garlic type with Chinese garlic type based on their aroma profiles.

Materials and Methods

Fresh Kastamonu garlic samples harvested from Kastamonu region of Turkey and Chinese garlic samples obtained from Turkish market were used as plant material. Volatile aroma compounds were determined using Headspace Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HS-GC/MS).

Results

Sixteen and twenty aroma components were identified in Kastamonu and Chinese garlic types, respectively. Kastamonu garlic type was found to be richer than Chinese garlic types in terms of sulfur-containing compounds. Diallyl disulphide, which is one of these components, was detected at level of 41.87% and 34.95% in the Kastamonu and Chinese garlic types, respectively. Also di-2-propenyl trisulfide was found only in Kastamonu garlic types. Disulfide, methyl 2-propenyl was determined at similar levels in both garlic types. Conclusion: The majority of garlic grown in Kastamonu region of Turkey is assessed by medical companies.

Conclusion

The results of the current study showed that Kastamonu garlic type has important medical properties. Therefore, this garlic can also be used in the medical field, as well as the consumption as food.     

Evaluation of persistent antimicrobial effects of an antimicrobial formulation

Context:

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming more prevalent in healthy athletic populations. Various preventive measures have been proposed, but few researchers have evaluated the protective effects of a prophylactic application of a commercially available product.

Objective:

To compare the persistent antimicrobial properties of a commercially available antimicrobial product containing 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens) with those of a mild, nonmedicated soap (Dr. Bronner''s Magic Soap).

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Microbiology laboratory, contract research organization.

Patients or Other Participants:

Twenty healthy human volunteers.

Intervention(s):

The test and control products were randomly assigned and applied to both forearms of each participant. Each forearm was washed for 2 minutes with the test or control product, rinsed, and dried. At, 1, 2, and 4 hours after application, each forearm was exposed to MRSA for approximately 30 minutes.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Differences in numbers of MRSA recovered from each forearm, test and control, at each postapplication time point were compared.

Results:

Fewer MRSA (P < .0001) were recovered from the forearms treated with the test product (4% chlorhexidine gluconate) than from the forearms treated with the control product (nonmedicated soap).

Conclusions:

The 4% chlorhexidine gluconate product demonstrated persistent bactericidal activity versus MRSA for up to 4 hours after application.     

Extraction and Isolation of Alkaloids of Sophora Alopecuroides and Their Anti-Tumor Effects in H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice

Background

Alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides have good biological activity, and are widely used in clinical settings, which not only have pharmacological activities of anti-cancer, cancer suppression, as well as the inhibition, and killing of various microorganisms; but also possess extensive pharmacological effects on immune system, nervous system and cardiovascular system. The objective of this paper was to extract and isolate total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides (TASA), and to study their anti-tumor effects in H22 tumor-bearing mice.

Materials and Methods

TASA were extracted and isolated using thin-layer chromatography, and column chromatography; and the isolated compounds were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance. The inhibitory effects of TASA on tumor in H22-bearing mice were determined by MTT assay.

Results

Three compounds were isolated from Sophora alopecuroides L., which were matrine, oxymatrine and sophoridine, respectively. Meanwhile, mouse H22 sarcoma model was established and different doses of TASA apparently inhibited solid H22-tumor in mice; it inhibited the thymus, and spleen to some extent; the degree of inhibition was more obvious for the spleen.

Conclusion

TASA has an anti-tumor effect in H22 tumor-bearing mice.     

Baboons as potential reservoirs of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite infections at Yankari National Park,Nigeria

Background

Zoonoses pose a risk to public health.

Objective

To carry out the investigation of the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of baboons, Papio anubis, frequenting the Wikki base Camp in Yankari National Park, Nigeria

Method

Formol-ether concentration technique was used to isolate parasite eggs and cysts from faecal samples.

Results

Parasites recovered were Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, Strongyloides stercoralis, Fasciola sp, Schistosoma mansoni, Hymenolepis nana, and Trichostrongylus sp, and cysts of protozoan parasites Entomoeba histolytica, E. coli, and Iodamoeba butschii.

Conclusion

Most of the parasites identified are known to have high pathologic involvement in humans, implicating the baboons as potential source and reservoirs for human zoonotic parasitic infections although further molecular work would be necessary to ascertain if these gastrointestinal parasites are the same strains that infect humans     

Antidiarrheal Mechanism and Ionic Profile of Carpolobia Lutea Ethanolic Stem-Bark Extract in Rats

Background

The stem-bark extract of Carpolobia lutea (Polygalaceae), used in ethno-medicine as anti-diarrhea was pharmacologically evaluated. This was the first report of assessment of the ethanolic stem extract (ESE), of C. lutea as anti-diarrhoeal agent in rats. The anti-diarrhoeal effects, acute toxicity and ionic profile are investigated and reported.

Materials and Methods

The acute toxicity was established using Lock''s method. The anti-diarrhoeal effects were demonstrated using castor oil-induced diarrheal and fluid accumulation and its effect on normal intestinal transit. The mechanism elucidated using yohimbine, isosorbide dinitrate, and diphenoxylate. The elemental and ionic profile of ESE was established using inductively coupled argon-plasma emission spectrometer and potentiometric titration respectively. The finger print of ESE was revealed by Jasco (Tokyo, Japan), HPLC and active compounds by phytochemical screening using standard procedure.

Results

The LD₅₀ obtained is 866.025 mg/kg (i.p). The doses of 43.3, 86.6, and 173.2 mg/kg of ESE showed inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrheal (p<0.05 –0.001). The most abundant cations in the extract are potassium and phosphorus (1.00 ±0.01 and 0.80 ± 0.030 mg/g respectively); while the most abundant anions are phosphate and sulphate (33.50±7.09 and 7.19±3.29 mg/g respectively). The HPLC fingerprint of ESE revealed UV spectra of biomolecules. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of saponins, polyphenols and glycosides.

Conclusion

These investigations indicate presence of bioactive and elemental substances which could play major role in diarrheal management. This investigation justifies the use of stem-bark of C. lutea in illicit gin (akpatashi), among the Effiks in Nigeria as antidiarrheal.     

Ultrastructure and Elemental Analysis of Hypoxis Hemerocallidea: A Multipurpose Medicinal Plant

Background

Herbal medicine is a popular means of medical management in some parts of the world especially in Africa. Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch.C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall, also known as African potato of the Hypoxidaecae family, is one of the medicinal plants that have enjoyed long usage as an herbal medicine in South Africa. In this study, the morphology and elemental constituents of H. hemerocallidea leaf was investigated to correlate the functional role of the ultrastructure in the production of therapeutic compounds.

Materials and Methods

Fresh leaves of H. hemerocallidea were prepared for analysis using standard methods. The ultrastructure and crystal deposits of the plant were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX).

Results

It was observed that the leaves were characterised by multicelullar glandular and non glandular trichomes which are sparsely distributed over the entire surfaces. The glandular trichomes (GTs) in H. hemerocallidea leaf have boulbous heads which are probably filled with secretions, while the non glandular trichomes were long, fibrous and sparse. EDX-SEM of Hypoxis hemerocallidea leaf revealed that carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and silicon are the major components of the deposits, while other elements such as iron, sulphur, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iodine, chromium and iodine were present in small but variable amounts.

Conclusion

The presence of these elements which are crucial to maintaining good health, in addition to other bioactive constituents might be accountable for the multipurpose therapeutic uses of Hypoxis hemerocallidea in the treatment of cancers, HIV/AIDS related diseases, urinary tract infections, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and other chronic ailments of humans.     

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Flavonoid Glycosides from Ficus Exasperata Vahl-Holl (Moraceae) Leaves

Background

Ficus exasperata Vahl-Holl (Moraceae) leaves are used for infectious and inflammatory conditions in many West African Countries. However, there is need for more phytochemical studies to justify the ethnomedicinal uses of the plant.

Material and Methods

The crude 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of the leaves was partitioned successively between water and; n-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The fractions were subjected to antimicrobial activity using agar diffusion test. n-Butanol fraction, which showed both antimicrobial and radical scavenging activities was subjected to repeated chromatographic fractionation on both silica and Sephadex LH-20 columns. Each stage of the purification was monitored by thin layer chromatographic diphenylpicryl hydrazyl autographic assay. Three compounds were isolated. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic methods, shift reagent studies, acid hydrolysis, and by comparison with literature data.

Results

The compounds were identified as apigenin C-8 glucoside (1), isoquercitrin-6-O-4-hydroxybenzoate (2) and quercetin-3-O-β-rhamnoside (3). The solvent fractions and isolated compounds were found to inhibit the growth of Gram +ve organisms only.

Conclusion

These flavonoid glycosides are being reported in this plant species for the first time. Their weak in vitro antimicrobial activity suggest the flavonoids may be acting as pro-drug. The radical scavenging activity of the compounds may justify some of the ethnomedicinal uses of the plant as free radicals are implicated in the aetiology of many inflammatory diseases.     

Antidiabetic and haematinic effects of Parquetina nigrescens on alloxan induced type-1 diabetes and normocytic normochromic anaemia in Wistar rats

Background

The plant, Parquetina nigrescens is used in folklore medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and its complications in several parts of West Africa.

Objective

To determine the effect of Parquetina nigrescens extract on fasting blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

The blood glucose levels, complete blood count, erythrocyte indices and osmotic fragility, body and organ weights were evaluated.

Results

Diabetic rats treated with the extract showed significant (P<0.01) reduction of the blood glucose to levels comparable to that of the non-diabetic control and those treated with chlorpropamide (standard drug). Similarly, there was significant (P<0.01) reduction in the complete blood count in the diabetic rats.

Discussion

The anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia associated with the diabetes were corrected in the animals treated with the extract and chlorpropamide. The extract also reduced the erythrocyte osmotic fragility, body and organ weights. Parquetina nigrescens demonstrated antidiabetic property by reducing the elevated blood glucose in alloxan treated rats which is comparable to animals that received the standard drug.

Conclusion

Paraquetina nigrescens stabilized the erythrocyte membrane, decreased the body weight probably by lowering lipogenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the antidiabetic and haematinic properties of Parquetina nigrescens remains to be elucidated.     

Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Oxidant Activities of Leaf Extracts of Combretum Vendae (Combretecacea) and the Isolation of an Anti-Bacterial Compound

Background

Combretum vendae A.E. van Wyk (Combretaceae) is used for the treatment of bacterial related infections and oxidative related diseases by indigenous people of South Africa. Dried leaves extracts of C. vendae were investigated for bioactivity against a variety of bacterial strains and their antioxidant potential evaluated.

Materials and methods

Constituents of leaf material were serially extracted using solvents of varying polarities, TLC chromatograms of the fractions were sprayed with 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) to determine the presence of antioxidant compounds. Bio-autography was used to determine the number of antibacterial compounds active against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Eschericha coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined using serial microplate dilution method. The chloroform fraction was subjected to bio-assay guided column chromatography to isolate the active compound.

Results

The mass extracted by different solvents was below 10% dry weight. MIC values for different extracts against different pathogens ranges from 0.08 to 0.64 mg/ml. The compound isolated was identified as acacetin having an R_f value of 0.28 following elution in the Ethanol: Methanol: Water [E: M: W (10: 1.35: 1 v/v). Acacetin had MIC values ranging from 0.16 to 0.35 mg/ml.

Conclusion

We report for the first time the isolation of acacetin as the main antibacterial compound from the leaves of Combretum vendae.     

A Study on Isolation of Chemical Constituents from Sophora Flavescens Ait. and Their Anti-Glioma Effects

Background

Sophora flavescens Ait. is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history in China. It is mainly used in the treatment of heat dysentery and similar ailments in the clinical. The objective of this paper was to isolate, purify and identify alkaloids from Sophora flavescens Ait. and to explore their inhibitory effects on C6 glioma cells.

Materials and Methods

Column chromatography, extraction and NMR spectroscopy were used to structurally identify the isolated compounds. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to detect the inhibitory effect of matrine on C6 cells.

Results

Three compounds were isolated from Sophora flavescens Ait., namely matrine, oxymatrine and lupeol. Different concentrations of matrine solution all had inhibitory effects on growth of C6 cell lines, which showed apparent dose-effect relationship. Compared with the control group, proportion of G0/G1 phase cells increased in each matrine concentration group to a maximum of 79.8%; proportion of S phase cells reduced, and proportion of G2/M phase cells declined slightly to a minimum of 6.3%, suggesting that after the action of matrine proliferation of C6 cells was significantly inhibited and the cells were arrested in the G1 phase.

Conclusion

We concluded that Sophora flavescens Ait. has an inhibitory effect on C6 cell proliferation.     

Acute toxicity effects of the methanolic extract of Fagara zanthoxyloides (Lam.) root-bark

Background

Fagara zanthoxyloides is a well known medicinal plant in Uganda. It is used extensively in malaria and other infections. However nothing is known about its toxicity.

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of the methanolic extract of the root-bark of F. zanthoxyloides, in mice.

Methods

Methanolic extract of the root-bark of the plant was administered orally to mice at various dose levels to determine the acute toxic effects and the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) in mice.

Results

The LD50 of the methanolic extract was found to be 5.0 g/Kg body weight within 95 % confidence limits. The mice showed signs of cerebral irritation before dying. Histopathological examinations of the viscera showed congestion and focal necrosis of the liver and renal tubules.

Conclusion

It was concluded that the extract of F. zanthoxyloides is safe, however the cerebral mechanism that lead to the death of the mice need to be investigated further.     

Cancer incidence and mortality in the municipality of Pasto, 1998 - 2007

Introduction:

In Colombia, information on cancer morbidity at the population level is limited. Incidence estimates for most regions are based on mortality data. To improve the validity of these estimates, it is necessary that other population-based cancer registries, as well as Cali, provide cancer risk information.

Objective:

To describe the incidence and cancer mortality in the municipality of Pasto within the 1998-2007 period.

Methods:

The study population belongs to rural and urban areas of the municipality of Pasto. Collection, processing, and systematization of the data were performed according to internationally standardized parameters for population-based cancer registries. The cancer incidence and mortality rates were calculated by gender, age, and tumor

Results:

During the 1998-2007 period 4,986 new cases of cancer were recorded of which 57.7% were in female. 2,503 deaths were presented, 52% in female. Neoplasm-associated infections are the leading cause of cancer morbidity in Pasto: stomach cancer in males and cervical cancer in females.

Discussion:

Cancer in general is a major health problem for the population of the municipality of Pasto. The overall behavior of the increasing incidence and cancer mortality in relation to other causes of death show the need to implement and strengthen prevention and promotion programs, focusing especially on tumors that produce greater morbidity and mortality in the population.     

Risk factors for contracting anthrax in Kuwirirana ward, Gokwe North, Zimbabwe

Background

A report of an anthrax outbreak was received at Gokwe district hospital from the Veterinary department on the 23^rd January 2007. This study was therefore conducted to determine risk factors for contracting anthrax amongst residents of Kuwirirana ward.

Methods

We conducted a 1:1 unmatched case control study. A case was any person in Kuwirirana ward who developed a disease which manifested by itching of the affected area, followed by a painful lesion which became papular, then vesiculated and eventually developed into a depressed black eschar from 12 January to 20 February 2007. A control was a person resident of Kuwirirana ward without such diagnosis during the same period.

Results

Thirty-seven cases and 37 controls were interviewed. On univariate analysis, eating contaminated meat (OR = 7.7, 95% CI 2–29.8), belonging to a household with cattle deaths (OR= 9.7, 95% CI 2.9–33), assisting with skinning anthrax infected carcasses (OR= 5.4(95% CI 1.7–17), assisting with meat preparation for drying (OR = 5(95%CI 1.9–13.9), assisting with cutting contaminated meat (OR = 4.8(95% CI 1.7–13.2), having cuts or wounds during skinning (OR = 19.5, 95% CI 2.4–159) and belonging to a village with cattle deaths (OR = 6.5(95%CI 1.3–32) were significantly associated with anthrax.

Conclusion

Anthrax in Kuwirirana resulted from contact with and consumption of anthrax infected carcasses. We recommend that the district hold regular zoonotic committee meetings and conduct awareness campaign for the community and carry out annual cattle vaccinations.     

In vitro evidence of possible influence of scutellarein towards bile acids' metabolism

Background

The glucuronidation process has been regarded as the key elimination process for toxic bile acids. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A3 is one important metabolizing enzyme involved in this process.

Objective

To evaluate the inhibition of UGT1A3 by scutellarein which is an important herbal ingredient using in vitro method, trying to indicate the possibility of toxicity due to the accumulation of toxic bile acids.

Methods

Due to the difficulty to gain the standards of biles acids'' glucuronides, the recombinant UGT1A3-catalyzed 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) glucuronidation reaction was employed to profile the activity of UGT1A3.

Results

The results showed that scutellarein inhibited UGT1A3 in a concentration-dependent behaviour. Competitive inhibition was demonstrated using both Dixon plot and Lineweaver-Burk plot, and the inhibition kinetic parameter (K_i) was calculated to be 5.8uM.

Conclusion

All these data reminded the necessary monitoring of the levels of bile acids in plasma when utilizing scutellarein and the herbs containing this compound.     

Brain Activation Changes Before and After PAP Treatment in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Study Objectives:

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with cognitive and functional deficits, most of which are corrected after positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment. Previous studies investigating the neural underpinnings of OSAS failed to provide consistent results both on the cerebral substrates underlying cognitive deficits and on the effect of treatment on these anomalies. The aims of the study were a) to investigate whether never-treated OSA patients demonstrated differences in brain activation compared to healthy controls during a cognitive task; and b) to investigate whether any improvements in cognitive functioning found in OSA patients after treatment reflected a change in the underlying cerebral activity.

Design:

OSA patients and healthy controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning. They were compared on performance and brain activation during a 2-back working-memory task. Patients were also re-evaluated after 3 months treatment with PAP. Cognitive functions were evaluated using neurocognitive tests. Sleepiness (ESS), mood (Beck Depression Inventory) and, quality-of-life (SF-36) were also assessed.

Setting:

The Sleep Disorders Center and CERMAC at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University.

Patients or Participants:

17 OSA patients and 15 age- and education-matched healthy controls.

Interventions:

PAP treatment for 3 months.

Measurements and Results:

Compared to controls, never-treated OSA patients showed increased activations in the left frontal cortex, medial precuneus, and hippocampus, and decreased activations in the caudal pons. OSA patients showed decreases in activation with treatment in the left inferior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex, and bilaterally in the hippocampus. Most neurocognitive domains, impaired at baseline, showed significant improvement after treatment.

Conclusions:

OSA patients showed an overrecruitment of brain regions compared to controls, in the presence of the same level of performance on a working-memory task. Decreases of activation in prefrontal and hippocampal structures were observed after treatment in comparison to baseline. These findings may reflect a neural compensation mechanism in never-treated patients, which is reduced by effective treatment.

Citation:

Castronovo V; Canessa N; Ferini Strambi L; Aloia MS; Consonni M; Marelli S; Iadanza A; BruschiA; Falini A; Cappa SF. Brain activation changes before and after PAP treatment in obstructive sleep apnea. SLEEP 2009;32(9):1161-1172.     

Novel nonsense mutation of BRCA2 gene in a Moroccan man with familial breast cancer

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. About 5 to 10% of cases are due to an inherited predisposition in two major genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, transmitted as an autosomal dominant form. Male breast cancer is rare and is mainly due to BRCA2 than BRCA1 germline mutations.

Objective

Molecular study of BRCA2 gene in man with familial breast cancer.

Methods

PCR and direct sequencing of BRCA2 gene.

Results

Identification of novel heterozygous germline mutation c.6428C>A ; p.Ser2143Stop of BRCA2 gene.     

Phenolic Composition,Antioxidant Capacity of Salvia Verticcilata and Effect on Multidrug Resistant Bacteria by Flow-Cytometry

Background

Antioxidants are of great importance for preventing oxidative stress that may cause several degenerative diseases. Studies have indicated phytochemicals have high free-radical scavenging activity, which helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The aim of the present study is the determination of antioxidant properties, polyphenolic content and multidrug resistant bacteria of Salvia verticcilata L.

Materials and Methods

Methanol was used as the extraction solvent. The total phenolic content was calculated using Folin-Ciocalteau method and phenolic composition was determined by HPLC. The radical scavenging activity of plant was evaluated in vitro based on the reduction of the stable DPPH free radical. The reducing capacity was identified by using the FRAP method. The ability of Salvia verticcilata L. to increase the permeability of multidrug resistant bacterial cells was conducted by flow cytometric assay on Listeria innocua and E-coli.

Results

The amount of total phenolics was found to be 347.5 mg GA/g extract. The IC₅₀ value and FRAP assay are 0.61, and 0.944 respectively, Free radical scavenging effect and FRAP values are less than synthetic antioxidant compounds (BHA and BHT). Eight phenolic compounds were found in Salvia verticcilata L. Intense concentration of S. verticcilata L. has destroyed 97 % of living cells for Listeria innocua and 94.86% for E-coli

Conclusion

This studyshows that methanolic extracts of Salvia verticcilata L. is a potential source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agent and can form the basis for pharmacological studies.