Chemistry and bioactivities of essential oils of some Ocimum species: an overview

Essential oils of different species of the genus Ocimum are natural flavouring materials of commercial importance. The data given in current literature are pertaining to the chemical composition of essential oils of different Ocimum species viz., Ocimum basilicum Linn. (alt. Ocimum basilicum var. minimum, Ocimum basilicum var. purpurience), Ocimum campechianum Mill., Ocimum canum Sims. (Ocimum americanum), Ocimum citriodorum, Ocimum gratissimum Linn., Ocimum kilimandscharicum Linn., Ocimum micranthum Willd., Ocimum sanctum Linn., (alt. Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn.), Ocimum selloi Benth., Ocimum trichodon, Ocimum utricifolium from different geographical regions. A considerable difference in chemical composition of a particular species is found, which may be due to their occurrence in different eco-climatic zones and changes in edaphic factors. Attention is also focused on the biological properties of Ocimum oils which are related to their various interesting applications as antimicrobial, antioxidant, repellent, insecticidal, larvicidal, nematicidal and therapeutic (anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antipyretic, antiulcer, analgesic, anthelmintic, anticarcinogenic, skin permeation enhancer, immunomodulatory, cardio-protective, antilipidemic) agents.     

Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of selected Thai weed extracts

ObjectiveTo analyze antioxidant and antibacterial properties of selected weeds commonly found in Northeast Thailand including Ageratum conyzoides L., Alysicarpus vaginalis L., Commelina bengalensis L., Euphorbia hirta L., Hyptis suaveolens L., Parthenocissus quinquefolia L., and Trianthema portulacastrum L.MethodsFerric reducing antioxidant power and radical scavenging activity of the aqueous and ethanol weed extracts were determined. Phytochemical screening, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were done. Antibacterial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas caviae, Edwardsiella tarda, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Ralstonia spp., Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria, Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. was performed by disc diffusion assay.ResultsThe results showed that Euphorbia hirta extract had the highest total phenolic contents and was the most effective against most of the test organisms compared to the other weed extracts. Hyptis suaveolens ethanol extract weakly inhibited Ralstonia spp. and Salmonella spp. (10.42% and 9.84% inhibition, respectively). Trianthema portulacastrum ethanol extract had 20.10% inhibition against Shigella spp. Parthenocissus quinquefolia aqueous extract strongly inhibited Aeromonas caviae and Aeromonas hydrophila with 55.90% and 59.68% inhibition, respectively.ConclusionsThese weeds may be serving as a potential source of antibacterial agents.     

Rabdosia serra alleviates dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced colitis in mice through anti-inflammation,regulating Th17/Treg balance,maintaining intestinal barrier integrity,and modulating gut microbiota

Rabdosia serra (R. serra), an important component of Chinese herbal tea, has traditionally been used to treat hepatitis, jaundice, cholecystitis, and colitis. However, the chemical composition of R. serra and its effect against colitis remain unclear. In this study, the chemical composition of the water extract of R. serra was analyzed using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with a hybrid linear ion trap quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometer (UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS). A total of 46 compounds, comprising ent-kaurane diterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and steroids, were identified in the water extract of R. serra, and the extract could significantly alleviate dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced colitis by improving colon length, upregulating anti-inflammatory factors, downregulating proinflammatory factors, and restoring the balance of T helper 17/T regulatory cells. R. serra also preserved intestinal barrier function by increasing the level of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens 1 and occludin) in mouse colonic tissue. In addition, R. serra modulated the gut microbiota composition by increasing bacterial richness and diversity, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Muribaculaceae, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001), and decreasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Turicibacter, Eubacterium_fissicatena_group, and Eubacterium_xylanophilum_group). Gut microbiota depletion by antibiotics further confirmed that R. serra alleviated colitis in a microbiota-dependent manner. Overall, our findings provide chemical and biological evidence for the potential application of R. serra in the management of colitis.     

Genetic Diversity,Antibiotic Resistance,and Pathogenicity of Aeromonas Species from Food Products in Shanghai,China

ObjectiveAeromonas has recently been recognized as an emerging human pathogen. Aeromonas-associated diarrhea is a phenomenon occurring worldwide. This study was designed to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, antibiotic resistance, and pathogenicity of Aeromonas strains isolated from food products in Shanghai.MethodsAeromonas isolates (n = 79) collected from food samples were analyzed using concatenated gyrB-cpn60 sequencing. The antibiotic resistance of these isolates was determined using antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Pathogenicity was assessed using β-hemolytic, extracellular protease, virulence gene detection, C. elegans liquid toxicity (LT), and cytotoxicity assays.ResultsEight different species were identified among the 79 isolates. The most prevalent Aeromonas species were A. veronii [62 (78.5%)], A. caviae [6 (7.6%)], A. dhakensis [3 (3.8%)], and A. salmonicida [3 (3.8%)]. The Aeromonas isolates were divided into 73 sequence types (STs), of which 65 were novel. The isolates were hemolytic (45.6%) and protease-positive (81.0%). The most prevalent virulence genes were act (73.4%), fla (69.6%), aexT (36.7%), and ascV (30.4%). The results of C. elegans LT and cytotoxicity assays revealed that A. dhakensis and A. hydrophila were more virulent than A. veronii, A. caviae, and A. bivalvium. Antibiotic resistance genes [tetE, blaTEM, tetA, qnrS, aac(6)-Ib, mcr-1, and mcr-3] were detected in the isolates. The multidrug-resistance rate of the Aeromonas isolates was 11.4%, and 93.7% of the Aeromonas isolates were resistant to cefazolin.ConclusionThe taxonomy, antibiotic resistance, and pathogenicity of different Aeromonas species varied. The Aeromonas isolates A. dhakensis and A. hydrophila were highly pathogenic, indicating that food-derived Aeromonas isolates are potential risks for public health and food safety. The monitoring of food quality and safety will result in better prevention and treatment strategies to control diarrhea illnesses in China.     

Gastrointestinal helminthes of green–winged teal (Anas crecca) from North Iran

ObjectiveTo determine the helminth parasites of Anas crecca (A. crecca) in one of proper refuges of Iran, Fereydunkenar.MethodsA total number of one hundred thirty-six gastrointestinal tracts of green-winged teal (A. crecca) were collected from Fereydunkenar, Mazandaran province during September and October 2011. The gastrointestinal tracts were examined for helminth infection.ResultsThe total infection rate was 70.50% (96) that 68.96% (40) of males and 71.79% (56) of females shown helminthes infection. The examined A. crecca harbored one species of Nematoda, Cestoda and two species of Digenea which were as following: Contracaecum larvae (from stomach wall), Diorchis stefanskii (D. stefanskii) (from small intestine), Hypoderaeum conoideum (from small intestine) and Notocotylus attenuatus (N. attenuatus) (from caecum), respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection between examined males and females ducks in Hypoderaeum conoideum, D. stefanskii and N. attenuatus (P>0.05) whereas a significant relationship was observed between males and females in Contracaecum larvae (P<0.05).ConclusionsBased on the results of the present study, we conclude that A. crecca plays a prominent role in transmission of mentioned parasites. In addition, this is the first report of Contracaecum larvae, D. stefanskii and N. attenuatus from A. crecca in Iran.     

Risk or Beneficial Factors Associated with Unplanned Revascularization Risk Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Large Single-Center Data

Objective To analyze factors associated with unplanned revascularization(UR) risk in patients with coronary artery disease(CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods A total of 10,640 cases with CAD who underwent PCI were analyzed. Multivariate COX regressions and competing risk regressions were applied.Results The patients who underwent UR following PCI in 30 days, 1, and 2 years accounted for 0.3%,6.5%, and 8.7%, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, the number of target lesions [hazard ratio(HR) = 2.320; 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.643–3.277; P 0.001], time of procedure(HR = 1.006; 95%CI: 1.001–1.010; P = 0.014), body mass index(HR = 1.104; 95% CI: 1.006–1.210; P = 0.036), incomplete revascularization(ICR)(HR = 2.476; 95% CI: 1.030–5.952; P = 0.043), and age(HR = 1.037; 95% CI:1.000–1.075; P = 0.048) were determined as independent risk factors of 30-day UR. Factors, including low-molecular-weight heparin or fondaparinux(HR = 0.618; 95% CI: 0.531–0.719; P 0.001), secondgeneration durable polymer drug-eluting stent(HR = 0.713; 95% CI: 0.624–0.814; P 0.001), left anterior descending artery involvement(HR = 0.654; 95% CI: 0.530–0.807; P 0.001), and age(HR = 0.992; 95%CI: 0.985–0.998; P = 0.014), were independently associated with decreased two-year UR risk. While,Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery score(HR =1.024; 95% CI: 1.014–1.033; P 0.001) and ICR(HR = 1.549; 95% CI: 1.290–1.860; P 0.001) were negatively associated with two-year UR risk.Conclusion Specific factors were positively or negatively associated with short-and medium-long-term UR following PCI.     

In-vitro antimicrobial activity screening of some ethnoveterinary medicinal plants traditionally used against mastitis,wound and gastrointestinal tract complication in Tigray Region,Ethiopia

Objective

To screen the antibacterial activity of nine ethnoveterinary plants traditionally used for the treatment of mastitis, wound and gastrointestinal complications.

Methods

Hydroalcoholic exctracts of medicinal plants namely, Achyranthes aspera (A. aspera) L. (Family Asparagaceae), Ficus caria (F. caria) (Family Moraceae), Malvi parviflora (M. parviflora) (Family Malvaceae), Vernonia species (V. species) (local name Alakit, Family Asteraceae), Solanum hastifolium (S. hastifolium) (Family Solanaceae), Calpurinia aurea (C. aurea) (Ait) Benth (Family Fabaceae), Nicotiana tabacum (N. tabacum) L. (Family Solanaceae), Ziziphus spina-christi (Z. spina-christi) (Family Rhamnaceae), Croton macrostachys (C. macrostachys) (Family Euphorbiaceae), were screened against clinical bacterial isolates of veterinary importance from October 2007 to April 2009. The antibacterial activity was tested using disc diffusion at two concentrations (200 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL) and broth dilution methods using 70% methanol macerated leaf extracts.

Results

With the exception of S. hastifolium all plant extracts exhibited antibacterial activity. Among the medicinal plants tested C. aurea, C. macrostachyus, A. aspera, N. tabacum and vernonia species (Alakit) showed the most promising antimicrobial properties.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that many of the tested plants have antibacterial activity and supports the traditional usage of the plants for mastitis, wound and gastrointestinal complications treatment. Further studies into their toxicity and phytochemistry is advocated.     

Evaluation of bioactivity of aqueous extracts of Bougainvillea spectabilis,Saraca asoca,and Chenopodium album against immature forms of Aedes aegypti

BackgroundIncreasing rate of vector transmission of dengue has led to the exponential rise in the mortality and morbidity scales in the past five years. There are various natural and synthetic chemical agents available commercially as potent larvicides, but they are either highly toxic, difficult to obtain, have a high manufacturing cost, or show cross-resistance, hence do not suffice as ideal larvicides. The objective was to screen aqueous extracts of Bougainvillea spectabilis (B. spectabilis), Saraca asoca (S.asoca), and Chenopodium album (C. album) for larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti (A. aegypti).MethodsThe larvae were exposed to increasing concentrations of aqueous extracts of B. spectabilis, S. asoca, and C. album under controlled laboratory environment. The mortality was checked after 24 hours, results were statistically analyzed, and LC50 and LC90 were determined.ResultsB. spectabilis and S. asoca were found effective as larvicides against A. aegypti with LC50 values of 0.22% and 0.26%, respectively.ConclusionThe aqueous extracts of B. spectabilis and S. asoca are efficient larvicides against A. aegypti and can be used as effective, accessible, and eco-friendly control options for management of A. aegypti, the vector of dengue/chikungunya.     

仿刺参共附生放线菌Brevibacterium sp.中的环二肽成分的分离和鉴定

目的 对仿刺参共附生放线菌Brevibacterium sp.的次生代谢产物进行研究.方法 运用硅胶柱色谱、Sephadex LH-20凝胶柱色谱、高效液相色谱(HPLC)等现代色谱技术对放线菌的乙酸乙酯提取物进行分离纯化,在核磁共振(NMR)、质谱(MS)等现代波谱技术及与文献比对的基础上对其结构进行鉴定.结果 共分离得到7个环二肽类化合物,分别鉴定为:环-(L-脯氨酸-L-苯丙氨酸)(1)、环-(L-脯氨酸-L-甲硫氨酸)(2)、环-(L-脯氨酸-L-酪氨酸)(3)、环-(L-脯氨酸-L-缬氨酸)(4)、环-(L-脯氨酸-L-脯氨酸)(5)、环(L-缬氨酸-甘氨酸)(6)、环-(L-脯氨酸-L-亮氨酸)(7).结论 本研究是对仿刺参共附生微生物次生代谢产物研究的首次报道,这7个化合物均为首次从放线菌Brevibacterium sp.中分离得到.     

Evaluation of the Gastric Microbiome in Patients with Chronic Superficial Gastritis and Intestinal Metaplasia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the gastric microbiome in patients with chronic superficial gastritis (CSG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) and investigate the influence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) on the gastric microbiome.MethodsGastric mucosa tissue samples were collected from 54 patients with CSG and IM, and the patients were classified into the following four groups based on the state of H. pylori infection and histology: H. pylori-negative CSG (n=24), H. pylori-positive CSG (n=14), H. pylori-negative IM (n=11), and H. pylori-positive IM (n=5). The gastric microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsH. pylori strongly influenced the bacterial abundance and diversity regardless of CSG and IM. In H. pylori-positive subjects, the bacterial abundance and diversity were significantly lower than in H. pylori-negative subjects. The H. pylori-negative groups had similar bacterial composition and bacterial abundance. The H. pylori-positive groups also had similar bacterial composition but different bacterial relative abundance. The relative abundance of Neisseria, Streptococcus, Rothia, and Veillonella were richer in the I-HP group than in G-HP group, especially Neisseria (t=175.1, P<0.001).ConclusionsThe gastric microbial abundance and diversity are lower in H. pylori- infected patients regardless of CSG and IM. Compared to H. pylori-positive CSG group and H. pylori-positive IM, the relative abundance of Neisseria, Streptococcus, Rothia, and Veillonella is higher in H. pylori-positive patients with IM than in H. pylori-positive patients with CSG, especially Neisseria.     

Topoisomerase II α Gene as a Marker for Prognostic Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Bioinformatics Analysis

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of topoisomerase II α (TOP2α) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its role in predicting prognosis of HCC patients.MethodsWe used HCC-related datasets in UALCAN, HCCDB, and cBioPortal databases to analyze the expression and mutation of TOP2α and its co-expressed genes in HCC tissues. GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment of TOP2α and its co-expressed genes were identified. The TIMER database was used to analyze infiltration levels of immune cells in HCC. The impacts of TOP2α and its co-expression genes and the infiltrated immune cells on the survival of HCC patients were assayed by Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis.ResultsTOP2α and its co-expression genes were highly expressed in HCC (P < 0.001) and detrimental to overall survival of HCC patients (P < 0.001). TOP2α and its co-expression genes were mainly involved in cell mitosis and proliferation, and cell cycle pathway (ID: hsa04110, P = 0.00194S). TOP2α and its co-expression genes were mutated in HCC and the mutations were significantly detrimental to overall survival (P = 0.0247) and disease-free survival (P = 0.026S) of HCC patients. High TOP2α expression was positively correlated with the infiltration of B cell (r = 0.4S9, P < 0.01), CD8⁺T cell (r = 0.312, P < 0.01), CD4⁺T cell (r = 0.370, P < 0.01), macrophage (r = 0.459, P < 0.01), neutrophil (r = 0.405, P < 0.01), and dendritic cell (r = 0.473, P < 0.01) in HCC. The CD8⁺T cell infiltration significantly prolonged the 3- and 5-year survival of HCC patients (all P < 0.05), and CD4⁺T cell infiltration significantly shortened the 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival of HCC patients (all P < 0.05)ConclusionTOP2α may be an oncogene, which was associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients and could be used as a biomarker for the prognostic prediction of HCC.     

Biological activities of Solanum pseudocapsicum (Solanaceae) against cotton bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera Hübner and armyworm,Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidotera: Noctuidae)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antifeedant, insecticidal and growth inhibition activities of Solanum pseudocapsicum (S. pseudocapsicum) seed extracts against Spodoptera litura (S. litura) and Helicoverpa armigera (H. armigera).MethodsHexane, diethyl ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate seed extracts were prepared and tested for antifeedant, insecticidal and growth inhibitory activities against fourth instar larvae of S. litura and H. armigera.ResultsEthyl acetate extract showed promising antifeedant and insecticidal activities against S. litura and H. armigera. Percentage of deformed larvae, pupae and adults were maximum in treatment of ethyl acetate extract. Percentage of successful adult emergence was deteriorated by seeds on extract treated larvae.ConclusionsEthyl acetate extracts of S. pseudocapsicum, showed higher efficiency of antifeedant, insecticidal and growth inhibition activities. Hence, it can be used to controll agricultural insect pests, S. litura and H. armigera.     

阿奇霉素泡囊体外释放与体内吸收的相关性

目的 评价阿奇霉素泡囊的体外释放和体内吸收之间的相关性。方法 采用激光粒度仪测定阿奇霉素泡囊的粒径和zeta电位。建立UV法进行体外分析测定其体外释放度,高效液相色谱法进行体内分析测定大鼠口服后的血药浓度,然后分别以Loo-Riegelman法和反卷积分法计算体内吸收分数Fa和输入函数R。结果 阿奇霉素泡囊的粒径为（907.4±0.10）nm,zeta电位为（14.6 ± 0.02）mV。其体内阿奇霉素与内标峰面积之比（A）和阿奇霉素浓度（C）标准曲线回归方程为：A= 19.26C-52.69,r=0.999 0（n=3）;体外482 nm波长处光密度（D）与浓度（C）标准曲线回归方程为：D=0.014 4C-0.070 1,r=0.999 6（n=3）,回收率均符合要求。以体外累计释放度Y与Fa和R建立的回归方程分别为：Fa=0.981 8Y + 1.083 1,r=0.956 5、R=0.763 5Y-15.699,r=0.862 7。结论 阿奇霉素泡囊体外释放与体内吸收之间没有相关性。     

An initial study of insect succession on decomposing rabbit carrions in Harare,Zimbabwe

ObjectiveTo investigate insects visiting sun exposed and shaded decomposing rabbit carcasses and to establish the relationship between insects and carcasses which may be of forensic importance in Harare.MethodsTwo rabbits weighing 2.3 kg and 2.5 kg were killed by sharp blows on the head. One was exposed to the sun while the other was placed under shade. The carcasses were allowed to decompose and insects were collected twice a day for the first week and thereafter once a day up to the end of the 7 weeks. Maggots were also collected from the decomposing carcasses and reared.ResultsFive dipteran families (Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, Phoridae and Drosophilidae) were identified from the sun-exposed carcass. Species collected included Lucilia cuprina (L. cuprina), Chrysomya albiceps (C. albiceps), Musca domestica, Sarcophaga sp. and Drosophila sp. Four families (Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Phoridae, Anthomyiidae) were identified from the shaded carcass. Representatives of these families included L. cuprina, C. albiceps, Musca domestica, and Hydrotaea sp. Three Coleopteran families (Histeridae, Cleridae and Dermestidae) were identified from both carcasses. The observed species were Saprinus sp., Necrobia rufipes and Dermestes sp. Formicidae (Hymenoptera) was represented by only one species (Pheidole sp.). Flies which emerged from the rearing units were L. cuprina, Lucilia sp., C. albiceps, Sarcophaga sp. and Sepsis sp.).ConclusionsOf the dipteran species collected during the study, L. cuprina and C. albiceps could be important for further forensic studies since they were collected from the carcasses and also observed from the rearing units.     

New host and locality records of snake intestinal nematode Kalicephalus spp in Indonesia

Objective

To observe three species of Kalicephalus found in three species of snake (Ophiophagus hannah, Ptyas mucosus, and Naja Sputatrix) during research on Capture Snake for Trading in Java and Snake Biodiversity in Kalimantan Islands.

Methods

Specimens for light microscopy examination were fixed with warm 70% alcohol, cleared and mounted in lactophenol for wet mounting. Drawings were made with the aid of a drawing tube attached to a Nikon compound microscope. Measurements were given in micrometers (µ) as the average of findings, followed by the range in parentheses, unless otherwise stated.

Results

Kalicephalus (Costatus) indicus was found from 7 Ptyas mucosus, Kalicephalus bungari from 2 Naja sputatrix and 1 Kalicephalus (Costatus) indicus and Kalicephalus assimilis found from 1 Ophiophagus hannah. The morphology and measurement of three species of Kalicephalus found in this study were close to those described before.

Conclusions

New finding of host of Kalicephalus (Costatus) indicus and Kalicephalus bungari was a snake species of Naja sputatrix. New records of locality were Kalimantan island as the new locality of Kalicephalus assimilis, and Java island was new locality of Kalicephalus (Costatus) indicus.     

Inhibition of quorum sensing in Chromobacterium violaceum by Syzygium cumini L. and Pimenta dioica L.

Objective

To investigated into the anti-quorum sensing (QS) activity of Syzygium cumini L. (S. cumini) and Pimenta dioica L. (P. dioica) using Chromobacterium violaceum (C. violaceum) strains.

Methods

In this study, anti-QS activity of ethanol extract of Syzygium cumini L. and Pimenta dioica L. were screened using C. violaceum CV026 biosensor bioassay. By bioassay guided fractionation of S. cumini and P. dioica, ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) with strong anti-QS activity was separated. Inhibition of QS regulated violacein production in C. violaceum ATCC12472 by EAF was assessed at different concentrations. The effect of EAF on the synthesis of autoinducer like N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) was studied in C. violaceum ATCC31532 using its mutant C. violaceum CV026 by standard methods.

Results

EAF inhibited violacein production in C. violaceum ATCC12472 in a concentration dependent manner without significant reduction in bacterial growth. Complete inhibition of violacein production was evidenced in 0.75-1.0 mg/mL concentration of EAF without inhibiting the synthesis of the AHL. TLC biosensor overlay profile of EAF revealed two translucent spots in S. cumini and P. dioica that inhibited C₆-AHL mediated violacein production in C. violaceum CV026.

Conclusions

This study indicates the anti-QS activity of the tested medicinal plants against C. violaceum.     

Population Pharmacokinetics of High-dose Methotrexate After Intravenous Administration in Chinese Osteosarcoma Patients from a Single Institution

Background:High-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) with folinic acid (leucovorin) rescue is the gold standard therapy in the treatment of osteosarcoma.The plasma concentration of MTX is closely related to effi...     

In vitro studies to assess the antioxidative,radical scavenging and arginase inhibitory potentials of extracts from Artocarpus altilis,Ficus exasperate and Kigelia africana

ObjectiveTo justify the use of Artocarpus altilis (A. altilis), Ficus exasperata (F. exasperata) and Kigelia africana (K. africana) in ethnomedicine for the treatment of several ailments and to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, radical scavenging and arginase inhibitory potentials of these herbs and compared with catechin (Standard).MethodsAntioxidant activities were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and hydroxyl (OH) radicals scavenging methods. The flavonoids and phenolics content, inhibition of arginase activity, Fe²⁺/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reducing power were also determined.ResultsThe A. altilis, F. exasperata and K. africana showed dose-dependent and significant scavenging of DPPH, H₂O₂ and OH radicals in vitro relative to catechin. The A. altilis and F. exasperata effectively scavenged DPPH radical with IC₅₀ of 593 and 635 μg/mL and, OH radical with IC₅₀ of 487 and 514 μg/mL, respectively. The DPPH and OH radicals scavenging activities followed the order A. altilis>F. exasperata>K. africana. In addition, A. altilis and F. exasperata significantly (P<0.05) inhibited LPO in a dose-dependent manner. The A. altilis extract had the most potent inhibitory activity against LPO with 79% relative to catechin (28%) at 750 μg/mL. The reducing power followed the order: A. altilis>Catechin>F. exasperata>K. africana at 1 000 μg/mL. The A. altilis at 500 and 750 μg/mL significantly (P<0.05) inhibited arginase activity by 63% and 67%, respectively. The flavonoids contents were found to be highest in A. altilis.ConclusionsExtracts of A. altilis and F. exasperata are potent antioxidative agents with strong radical scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.     

Gene expression of circulating tumour cells and its correlation with tumour stage in breast cancer patients

Background

Breast cancer (BC) represents one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths worldwide. New tools for diagnostic staging and therapeutic monitoring are needed to improve individualized therapies and improve clinical outcome. The analyses of circulating tumour cells may provide important prognostic information in the clinical setting.

Materials and methods

Circulating tumour cells (CTC) of 63 BC patients were isolated from peripheral blood (PB) through immunomagnetic separation. Subsequently, RT-PCR or mPCR for the genes ga733.2, muc-1, c-erbB2, mgb-1, spdef and c-erbB2 were performed. Subsequently, expression data were correlated with the tumour stages. Fourteen healthy individuals served as controls.

Results

Significant correlations with tumour stages were found in single gene analyses of ga733.2, muc-1 and in multi-gene analyses of ga733.2/muc-1/mgb1/spdef. Furthermore, a significant correlation of Ca 15-3 and all studied genes was also observed.

Conclusion

Herein, we demonstrated a positive correlation of a gene signature consisting of ga733.2, muc-1, mgb1 and spdef and advanced stages of BC. Moreover, all studied genes and gene patterns revealed a significant correlation with Ca 15-3 positive cases.     

Larvicidal efficacies and chemical composition of essential oils of Pinus sylvestris and Syzygium aromaticum against mosquitoes

Objective

To assess the chemical composition and mosquito larvicidal potentials of essential oils of locally sourced Pinus sylvestris (P. sylvestris) and Syzygium aromaticum (S. aromaticum) against Aedes aegypti (A. aegypti) and Culex quinquefasciatus (C. quinquefasciatus).

Method

The chemical composition of the essential oils of both plants was determined using GC-MS while the larvicidal bioassay was carried out using different concentrations of the oils against the larvae of A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus in accordance with the standard protocol.

Results

The results as determined by GC-MS showed that oil of S. aromaticum has eugenol (80.5%) as its principal constituent while P. sylvestris has 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, .alpha., .alpha.4-trimethyl (27.1%) as its dominant constituent. Both oils achieved over 85% larval mortality within 24 h. The larvae of A. aegypti were more susceptible to the oils [LC₅₀ (S. aromaticum)=92.56 mg/L, LC₅₀(P. sylvestris)=100.39 mg/L] than C. quinquefasciatus [LC₅₀(S. aromaticum)=124.42 mg/L; LC₅₀(P. sylvestris)=128.00 mg/L]. S. aromaticum oil was more toxic to the mosquito larvae than oil of P. sylvestris but the difference in lethal concentrations was insignificant (P>0.05).

Conclusion

The results justify the larvicidal potentials of both essential oils and the need to incorporate them in vector management and control.