Antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials of spent turmeric oleoresin,a by-product from curcumin production industry

ObjectiveTo investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of spent turmeric oleoresin (STO).MethodsAntidiabetic activity of STO evaluated by α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assays. The antioxidant capacity studied by DPPH., ABTS., superoxide radical scavenging and metal chelating activity methods.ResultsThe STO showed good antidiabetic activity by inhibiting key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes, viz α-glucosidase and α-amylase with an IC50values of 0.71 and 0.16μg/mL respectively. The IC₅₀values for DPPH. and ABTS. assay were 58.1 and 33 μg/mL respectively. STO effectively scavenged the superoxide free radical with an IC50 value of 61.5μg/mL and showed a moderate iron chelation property.ConclusionsThe above study reveals that the spent turmeric oleoresin being wasted at present can be used as antioxidant and antidiabetic agent in food and neutraceutical products.     

Evaluation of in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential and hemolytic effect of phenolic enriched fractions of the aerial part of Salvia officinalis L.

BackgroundThe inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities is one of the major practical strategies for the control of postprandial hyperglycemia. Salvia officinalis L. is known by its various bioactive compounds and its effective therapeutic properties towards illnesses including diabetes.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory effect of S. officinalis on key digestive enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and to identify its hemolytic effect.MethodsHydro-methanol decoction extract and fractions of ethyl acetate and n-butanol were investigated for their in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, compared to acarbose as a standard. Furthermore, they were evaluated for their hemolytic effect.ResultsPhytochemical composition demonstrated the richness of S. officinalis in secondary metabolites. Extract and fractions inhibited the activity of both enzymes. They showed weak hemolytic activity. Quantitative estimation of total phenolic and flavonoids revealed that ethyl acetate fraction contained the highest amount of these compounds (450.51 ± 0.6 μg GAE/mg DE and 352.01 ± 0.78 μg CE/mg of DE, respectively). It showed the best antidiabetic activity tested both by α-amylase and α-glucosidase assays (IC₅₀ = 46.52 ± 2.68 and 104.58 ± 0.06 μg/mL, respectively). Moreover, this fraction showed the least hemolytic effect (11.58 ± 0.1%).ConclusionsS. officinalis extract and fractions are promising sources of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors.     

Shaddock peels (Citrus maxima) phenolic extracts inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase and angiotensin I-converting enzyme activities: A nutraceutical approach to diabetes management

In this study, the interactions of free and bound phenolic-rich extracts from shaddock peels (popular in folklore for the management of diabetes and hypertension) with α-amylase and α-glucosidase (key enzymes linked to type-2 diabetes) and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) (key enzyme linked to hypertension) were assessed. The free phenolics of shaddock (Citrus maxima) peels were extracted with 80% acetone, while the bound phenolics were extracted from the alkaline and acid hydrolyzed residue with ethyl acetate; and their interaction with the enzymes were assessed. The phenolic extracts inhibited α-amylase, α-glucosidase and ACE enzyme activities in a dose-dependent manner; however, bound phenolics had significantly higher (P < 0.05) α-amylase inhibitory activities, than free phenolics, which had significantly higher (P < 0.05) ACE inhibitory activities. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The stronger inhibition of α-glucosidase when compared to α-amylase is of great pharmaceutical importance. The phenolic inhibited sodium nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation in pancreas in a dose dependent manner. Therefore, free and bound phenolic extracts from shaddock peels could be used as nutraceutical for the management of hypertension and type-2 diabetes.     

Role of phenolics as antioxidants,biomolecule protectors and as anti–diabetic factors – Evaluation on bark and empty pods of Acacia auriculiformis

ObjectiveTo search for an efficient and inexpensive source of phytoconstituents with antioxidant potential and health promoting traits from bark and empty pods of Acacia auriculiformis (A. auriculiformis).MethodsSamples of bark and empty pod extracts were analyzed for bioactives (phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins) and subjected to free radical scavenging activity on DPPH^˙, ABTS^˙+, OH^˙, O₂^?? and NO along with the determination of reducing power, iron chelating activity and peroxidation inhibition. Defensive action of extracts on biomolecules and cell membranes were evaluated by DNA nicking assay and haemolysis inhibition assay respectively. α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials were also determined.ResultsAll the bioactives analyzed were higher in bark (B) than empty pods (EP) [TPC: B (574.51±16.11); EP (96.80±3.45) mg GAE/g. TFC: B (94.71±7.65); EP (247.87±20.45) mg RE/g. Proanthocyanidins: B (2.81±0.31); EP (1.25±0.01) mg LE/100 g DM] except flavonoids. Both the extracts showed higher quenching capacity on DPPH and ABTS (DPPH: B (0.21±0.01); EP (1.51±0.17) g extract/g DPPH. ABTS: B (111 519.14±79 340.91); EP (80 232.55±32 894.12) mmol TE/g) with the FRAP of B (84 515.63±3 350.69) and EP (47 940.79±1 257.60) mmol Fe (II)/g. Iron chelation was not observed. In addition, they showed lower quenching activity on OH^˙ (B (48.95±1.72); EP (34.94±1.62)%) and equivalent quenching on O₂^?? (B (53.47±3.92); EP (24.41±2.61)%), NO (B (49.04±5.04); EP (51.00±5.13)%), peroxidation inhibition (B (67.50±5.50); EP (55.1±2.3)%) and antihaemolytic potential (B (87.60±6.84)%) towards authentic antioxidant standards. Interestingly, Empty pod extracts are devoid of antihaemolytic activity. Both the extracts showed dose dependent DNA protection. Besides this, bark and empty pod extracts exhibited dual inhibiting potential against α -amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.ConclusionsOn summarization, it insinuated that both bark and empty pods can be used for the preparation of antioxidant/nutraceutical supplements and in anti–diabetic formulations.     

Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extracts and fractions of Mangifera indica

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extracts and fractions of Mangifera indica in in vitro conditions.MethodsIn vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition assays were used to evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities respectively. Methanolic extract (MEMI), successive water extract (SWMI) and ethyl acetate fraction (EMEMI), n-butanol fraction (BMEMI) and water soluble fraction (WMEMI) of methanolic extract were evaluated along with respective reference standards.ResultsIn in vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity, the MEMI, EMEMI and BMEMI have offered significant antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 13.37, 3.55 and 14.19 μg/mL respectively. Gallic acid, a reference standard showed significant antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 1.88 and found to be more potent compared to all the extracts and fractions. In in vitro LOX inhibition assay, the MEMI, EMEMI and BMEMI have showed significant inhibition of LOX enzyme activity with IC₅₀ values of 96.71, 63.21 and 107.44 μg/mL respectively. While, reference drug Indomethacin also offered significant inhibition against LOX enzyme activity with IC₅₀ of 57.75. Furthermore, MEMI was found to more potent than SWMI and among the fractions EMEMI was found to possess more potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the MEMI and EMEMI possess potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in in vitro conditions.     

Antioxidant activity of newly discovered lineage of marine actinobacteria

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant activity of marine actinobacteria.MethodsThe content of total phenolics, the level of antioxidant potential by DPPH radical scavenging activity, metal chelating activity, FRAP method, β carotene assay and NO scavenging activity in extract were determined.ResultsIn all the methods the extract exhibited good scavenging activity except NO scavenging activity. The IC₅₀ values of marine actinobacteria extract on DPPH radical were found to be 41.09 μg/mL. The zone of color retention was 12 mm in β-carotene bleaching assay. DNA protective efficiency of the extracts was also studied using UV-photolysed H₂O₂-driven oxidative damage to pBR322. HPLC analysis identified some of the major phenolic compounds in extracts, which might be responsible for the antioxidant potential and cyto-protection. It showed a 100% cytotoxic effect in brine shrimp lethality assay within 10 mins. The novel actinobacteria was identified as Streptomyces LK-3 (JF710608) through 16S rDNA Sequencing.ConclusionsThe results obtained suggest that the extracts bear anti-cancer metabolites and could be considered as a potential source for anti-cancer drug development.     

Estimation of total phenolic content,cytotoxicity and in–vitro antioxidant activity of stem bark of Moringa oleifera

ObjectiveTo assess the phytochemical constituents, total phenolic content, cytotoxicity and in-vitro antioxidant activity of stem bark extracts of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) (Moringaceae).MethodsBrine shrimp lethality (BSL) bioassay was used to investigate the cytotoxic effects. DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity was used to demonstrate antioxidant activity.ResultsPhytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, steroids and alkaloids. The LC₅₀ values were obtained for extracts as 850 μg/mL for petroleum ether extract, 800 μg/mL for chloroform extract and 900 μg/mL for methanol extract. The total phenolic content of the methanolic extract was 50.72% w/w, equivalent to gallic acid. Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanolic extracts of M. oleifera and standard ascorbic acid were found to be scavenger of DPPH radical with an IC₅₀ of 124.75, 112.08, 54.34 and 13.86 μg/mL, respectively. Methanolic extract was found to be good scavenger of DPPH radical. Petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate soluble fraction of methanolic extracts of M. oleifera and ascorbic acid were found to be scavenger of nitric oxide radical with an IC₅₀ of 93.32, 65.12, 54.83 and 12.59 μg/mL, respectively. Ethyl acetate soluble fraction was found to be good scavenger of nitric oxide radical.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that the crude extracts of M. oleifera is a potential source of natural antioxidants, and this justifies its uses in folkloric medicines.     

Increase in microvascular permeability induced by enzymatically generated free radicals. II. Role of superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical

The roles played by superoxide anion radical (O₂^?, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical (OH·) in the macromolecular permeability increase seen after addition of xanthine oxidase to the hamster cheek pouch has been studied. Fluorescein-labeled Dextran, $\text{M}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>w</mtext>}}$ 150,000 (FITC-Dextran 150) was used to assess microvascular permeability. Application of xanthine oxidase was associated with a marked increase in the observed FITC-Dextran 150 leakage sites per square centimeter. This macromolecular extravasation was significantly reduced by the placement in the reservoir fluid of 50 μg/ml superoxide dismutase, an O₂^? scavenger, 50 μg/ml catalase, and the OH· scavenger dimethyl sulfoxide, and especially by l-methionine which can react with both OH· and quench singlet O₂. These findings suggest that O₂^? and H₂O₂ generated during endogenous substrate-xanthine oxidase reactions result in further generation of OH· which causes the increased macromolecular extravasation possibly mediated through the interactions of OH· with plasmalemmal lipids. A concept of the roles of the individual radical species and their products is presented in the hope that it may aid in the understanding and treatment of inflammatory conditions.     

Free radical scavenging potential of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl fruits extract

ObjectiveTo elucidate free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extract Lagenaria siceraria (L. siceraria) (Molina) fruit.MethodsThe free radical scavenging activity of the L. siceraria (Molina) fruit extract was assayed by using α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,20-azinobis 3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS), FRAP, reducing power, chelating ability and β-carotene bleaching assay.ResultsThe IC₅₀ values of DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity was found to be 1.95 mg/mL and 19 mg/mL, respectively. In ferrous chelation assay, the percentage of inhibition was found to be 89.21%. The reducing power of ethanolic extract of L. siceraria (Molina) fruit was 0.068 at 1 mg/mL and increased to 0.192 at 5 mg/mL. The β-carotene linoleate bleaching assay was 46.7% at 5 mg/mL and antioxidant activity using FRAP at 0.305 for 1 mg/mL to 0.969 for 5 mg/mL.ConclusionsThe results indicate that L. siceraria (Molina) fruit could be an important sources of natural radical scavengers.     

Changes of platelet antioxidative enzymes during oxidative stress: The protective effect of polyphenol-rich extract from berries of Aronia melanocarpa and grape seeds

Aronia melanocarpa fruits (Rosaceae) and grape seeds (seeds of Vitis vinifera, Vitaceae) are two of the richest plant sources of phenolic substances, and they have been shown to have various biological activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the action of phenolic extracts (at concentrations 5–100?µg/mL) of two different plants, berries of A. melanocarpa (chokebbery) and grape seeds, on the activities of various antioxidative enzymes, the amount of glutathione (as an important component of redox status) in control the platelets and platelets treated with H₂O₂ (the strong physiological oxidant) in vitro. The properties of these two tested extracts were also compared with the action of a well characterized antioxidative and antiplatelet commercial monomeric polyphenol – resveratrol. The extract from berries of A. melanocarpa, like the extract from grape seeds, reduced the changes in activities of different antioxidative enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) in platelets treated with H₂O₂. The action of the two tested plant extracts and H₂O₂ evoked a significant increase of reduced glutathione in platelets compared with platelets treated with H₂O₂ only. Comparative studies indicate that the two tested plant extracts had similar antioxidative properties, and were found to be more reactive in blood platelets than the solution of resveratrol.     

Apoptosis, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of phytochemicals from Garcinia malaccensis Hk.f

ObjectiveTo study the chemical constituents of stembark of Garcinia malaccensis (G. malaccensis) together with apoptotic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.MethodsPurification and structure elucidation were carried out by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, respectively. MTT and trypan blue exclusion methods were performed to study the cytotoxic activity. Antibacterial activity was conducted by disc diffusion and microdilution methods, whereas antioxidant activities were done by ferric thiocyanate method and DPPH radical scavenging.ResultsThe phytochemical study led to the isolation of α,β-mangostin and cycloart-24-en-3β-ol. α-Mangostin exhibited cytotoxic activity against HSC-3 cells with an IC₅₀ of 0.33 μM. β- and α-mangostin showed activity against K562 cells with IC₅₀ of 0.40 μM and 0.48 μM, respectively. α-Mangostin was active against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Bacilus anthracis (B. anthracis) with inhibition zone and MIC value of (19 mm; 0.025 mg/mL) and (20 mm; 0.013 mg/mL), respectively. In antioxidant assay, α-mangostin exhibited activity as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation.ConclusionsG. malaccensis presence α- and β-mangostin and cycloart-24-en-3β-ol. β-Mangostin was found very active against HSC-3 cells and K562. The results suggest that mangostins derivatives have the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. In addition, α-and β-mangostin was found inhibit the growth of Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria and also showed the activity as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation.     

Evaluation of antioxidant,in vitro cytotoxicity of micropropagated and naturally grown plants of Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn.-an endangered medicinal plant

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antioxidant and anti proliferative potential of different solvent extract of micropropagated and naturally grown plants of Leptadenia reticulata against various cancer cell lines.MethodsIn this study different extract were tested for cytotoxicity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7, human colon adenocarcinoma grade II cell line HT-29 and non cancer skeletal muscle cell line L6 through 3-(4, 5–dimethyl thiazol–2–yl)–5–diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The total antioxidant potential was estimated by three different antioxidant model diphenylpicrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, H₂O₂ scavenging activity and FeCl₃ reducing activity.ResultsThe ethyl acetate extract of both naturally grown plant and tissue cultured plant exhibited significant cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ values of 21 µg/mL, 26 µg/mL and 22 µg/mL; 20 µg/mL, 30 µg/mL and 18 µg/mL respectively against three cell lines. The diphenylpicrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity was found to be highest with IC₅₀ value of 267.13 µg/mL in ethyl acetate extract. The methanolic extract exhibited moderate antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 510.15 µg/mL. A highly positive correlation was observed between the antioxidant potential and cytotoxic activity of the plant.ConclusionsThe strong cytotoxicity of ethyl acetate extract revealed anti carcinogenic potential of the plant which supports its traditional use as medicine. The present investigation is new to literature till date and will provide better scientific basis for future pharmacological, in vivo studies and novel source of pure bioactive compounds having anti cancer properties in this plant.     

Determinants of quality of life in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes treated in hospital and outpatient clinic: a comparative study

Quality-of-life measurement is used to assess the overall condition of the patient, giving more insight into complex medical problems in terms of physical, mental, and social health. It enables planning and organizing care and provides a holistic approach to the healing process. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and diabetic outpatient clinic patients and to identify factors affecting quality of life of patients in the studied groups. The study included 226 patients with T2D, 100 diabetic outpatient clinic patients and 126 hospitalized patients. Quality of life was measured using the Quality of Life Index. We observed that the QoL of hospitalized patients is connected with education [p = 0.01 (β = 1.0; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.32–1.74), R ² = 0.12 (95 % CI 0.10–0.34)]. However, the QoL of patients under the care of the diabetic outpatient clinic is affected by age [p = 0.02 (β = 0.07; 95 % CI 0.01–0.13)], diabetic retinopathy [p = 0.00 (β = −1.8; 95 % CI −2.87 to −0.72)], ischemic heart disease [p = 0.04 (β = −1.6; 95 % CI −3.16 to −0.11)], and education [p = 0.00 (β = 1.6; 95 % CI 1.11–2.12), R ² = 0.40 (95 % CI 0.37–0.63)]. Differences in QoL between the two groups relate to the sociological, psychological, and family life aspects. Education level greatly determines QoL of patients with T2D treated at hospital and outpatient clinic.

     

Antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, haemolytic and antioxidant activities of crude extracts from three selected Togolese medicinal plants

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, acute toxicity and haemolytic activities of methanolic extracts of three plants. Phytochemical analysis to determine the phenolic contents was also carried out.MethodsThe 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, NCCLS broth microdilution and Plasmodium Lactate Dehydrogenase (pLDH) assays were used to determine antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiplasmodial activities, respectively. Haemolysis assay was conducted on A⁺ human red blood cells and acute toxicity on male Swiss albino mice. Phenolics were quantitatively determined using spectrophotometric methods.ResultsThe DPPH assay yielded interesting antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Parinari curatellifolia (P. curatellifolia) and Entada africana (E. africana) (IC₅₀ were 0.20±0.01 μg/mL and 0.47±0.01 μg/mL, respectively). This activity was highly correlated with phenolic contents of extracts. The antimicrobial tests displayed minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values ranging from 0.90 to 1.80 mg/mL for Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) the most susceptible bacterial strain. MIC value was 1.20 mg/mL for susceptible fungal strains including Mucor rouxi (M. rouxi), Fusarium oxyporum (F. oxyporum) and Rhizopus nigricans (R. nigricans). pLDH assay showed moderate antiplasmodial activity of Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) (IC₅₀ = 24.56±3.45 μg/mL), however this extract was highly haemolytic and toxic in mice (LD₅₀ = 625±128 mg/kg).ConclusionsOur results support in part the use of the selected plants in the treatment of microbial infections. In addition the plant showed interesting antioxidant activity that could be useful in the management of oxidative stress.     

In vitro screening for acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant activity of medicinal plants from southern Africa

ObjectiveTo determine the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) and antioxidant activity of the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of 12 traditional medicinal plants used in the treatment of neurological disorders.MethodsAChEI activity was determined spectrophotometrically using the Ellman's colorimetric method. Antioxidant activity was carried out by determining the ability of the extracts to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals. The levels of total phenols, flavonoids and flavonols were determined quantitatively using spectrophotometric methods.ResultsAChEI was observed to be dose-dependent. Lannea schweinfurthii (L. schweinfurthii) (Engl.) Engl. and Scadoxus puniceus (S. puniceus) (L.) Friis &; I. Nordal. root extracts showed the lowest IC₅₀ value of 0.000 3 mg/mL for the ethyl acetate extracts while Zanthoxylum davyi (Z. davyi) (I. Verd.) P.G. Watermann had the lowest IC₅₀ value of 0.01 mg/mL for the methanol extracts in the AChEI assay. The roots of Piper capense (P. capense) L.f., L. schweinfurthii, Ziziphus mucronata (Z. mucronata) Willd., Z. davyi and Crinum bulbispermum (C. bulbispermum) (Burm.f.) Milne-Redh. &; Schweick. showed noteworthy radical scavenging activity and good AChEI activity.ConclusionsFive plants show good antioxidant and AChEI activity. These findings support the traditional use of the plants for treating neurological disorders especially where a cholinesterase mechanism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved.     

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Allows Discrimination Between Idiopathic Non-specific Interstitial Pneumonia and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mild to Moderate Stages of the Disease

It is unclear whether there are cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters which may indicate poor prognosis in the early course of fibrosing interstitial lung disease. 27 untreated consecutive subjects (13 idiopathic non-specific interstitial pneumonia (iNSIP), 14 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); 19 male; age 69 ± 10 years) were enrolled in this observational pilot study. Subjects underwent routine pulmonary function testing and CPET. Statistically, the t test and the Mann–Whitney-U test were applied in the presence of normal and non-normal distribution (according to Shapiro–Wilk), respectively. Analyzing the whole cohort, only mild functional impairments were determined. Comparison of iNSIP and IPF groups detected significant differences for the CPET parameters V’O₂Peak[%pred] (p = 0.011), V’O₂/kgPeak (p = 0.033), Watt[%pred] (p = 0.048), V’E/V’CO₂ (Rest: p = 0.016; AT: p = 0.011; Peak: p = 0.019; Slope: p = 0.040), V’E/V’O₂ (Rest: p = 0.033 AT: p = 0.014; Peak: p = 0.035). CPET parameters may indicate IPF-specific impairments even in mild disease. It may be hypothesized that these parameters are early biomarkers of poor prognosis.

     

Blood glucose response to aerobic exercise training program among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital,Enugu South-East,Nigeria

Control of all types of diabetes involves maintaining normal or near-normal blood glucose levels through the appropriate therapy: insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, diet, and exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the blood glucose response to aerobic exercise training among subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu. Age-matched randomized controlled trial design was used; subjects with diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the diabetes clinic of the UNTH participated in the study. Fifty-four subjects (N = 54) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (fasting blood sugar (FBS) of between 110 and 225 mg/dl) were age-matched and randomized into two groups: exercise (n = 30) and control (n = 24) groups. The exercise group was involved in an 8-week continuous training (60–79 % heart rate (HR) max) of between 45 and 60 min, three times per week, while the control group remained sedentary. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), VO₂ max, and FBS were assessed. Analysis of co-variance and Pearson correlation tests were used in data analysis. Findings of the study revealed significant effect of exercise training program on SBP, DBP, FBS, and VO₂ max. Changes in VO₂ max significantly and negatively correlated with changes in FBS (r = −.220) at p < 0.05. It was concluded that aerobic exercise program is an effective adjunct therapy in controlling blood glucose level among type 2 diabetic subjects.

     

Alpha Amylase Is a Major Allergenic Component in Occupational Asthma Patients Caused by Porcine Pancreatic Extract*

Porcine pancreatic extracts (PPE) are composed of α-amylase and lipase, which are common components of digestive enzymes. They have been known to cause occupational asthma in exposed workers in pharmaceutical and baking industries, as well as in a laboratory technician, but there has been no report of PPE-induced occupational asthma in medical personnel and their IgE binding components to each component.

Four asthmatic subjects showing positive results on PPE-bronchoprovocation testing were enrolled. All of them were nurses working in a university hospital. Their job included grinding and mixing PPE powder for admitted patients. Serum-specific IgE antibodies to PPE, α-amylase, and lipase were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To confirm specificity of IgE binding and cross-allergenicity among the three extracts, ELISA inhibition tests were performed. In order to characterize allergenic components within these three extracts, SDS-PAGE and IgE immunoblot analysis were done.

Specific IgE antibodies to PPE, α-amylase, and lipase were detectable by ELISA in all study subjects. An α-amylase ELISA inhibition test showed significant inhibitions by amylase and PPE, and minimal inhibition by lipase. However, a lipase ELISA inhibition test showed significant inhibitions by α-amylase and PPE with a lesser degree of inhibition by lipase. Furthermore, IgE immunoblot analysis showed one IgE binding component (55 kDa) within PPE, six components (55 kDa, 43 kDa, 41 kDa, 32 kDa, 31 kDa, 29 kDa) within α-amylase and two components (31 kDa, 29 kDa) within lipase extracts.

These findings suggest that inhalation of PPE powder can induce IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in exposed nurses. Alpha-amylase is a major allergenic component within PPE.     

Decreased basal activity of HDL associated enzyme: Paraoxonase (PON) during uncompensated oxidative stress among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

The inverse relationship between serum levels of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and the development of Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) risk among diabetic patients was known for several decades. Besides the decreasing quantity of HDL, the qualitative functions of HDL are adversely affected during uncompensated oxidative stress among diabetics and leads to implication of several complications such as dyslipidemia, lipid peroxidation, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Therefore we have undertaken this study to determine anti-atherogenic property of HDL by measuring it's one of the associated enzymes; paraoxonase (PON) among type 2 diabetes patients, along with the serum activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) as an index of antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation end product, i.e malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker for oxidative stress. This study included a total of 56 untreated type 2 diabetic patients and 29 healthy volunteers as controls. FBS, PPBS, HbA_1C and fasting lipid profile were measured in both the study groups. Activity of basal PON, SOD and plasma MDA levels was determined in both the study groups according to standard clinical laboratory procedures. All the diabetic patients were under poor glycemic control. Serum levels of HDL between the two study groups are not significantly differed. But, serum basal PON and SOD activity were significantly decreased, whereas MDA levels were highly elevated (284 ± 59 nM/mL/min, 111 ± 35 μmol/L, 10.38 ± 4.17 IU/mL respectively) when compared with healthy controls (371 ± 46 nM/mL/min, 63 ± 12 μmol/L, 16.91 ± 2.89 IU/mL respectively). Although there is no significant reduction in concentrations of HDL in diabetics when compared with controls, but there was a significant decrease in anti-atherogenic property i.e. activity of paraoxonase enzyme. Moreover the serum activity of paraoxonase was significant and negatively correlated with MDA levels (r = - 0.53, P < 0.001) as well as with FBS (r = - 0.30, P < 0.05). Therefore the qualitative functions of HDL are significantly affected by hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress. Hence, we concluded that the quality of HDL is most important in order to determine oxidative stress related complications in diabetes mellitus than its concentration.

     

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of ethanolic extracts of South Indian medicinal plants against Plasmodium falciparum

ObjectiveTo explore the antiplasmodial potential ofCatharanthus roseus L (C. roseus), Coccinea grandis (C. grandis), Thevetia peruviana (T. peruviana), Prosopis juliflora (P. juliflora), Acacia nilotica (A. nilotica), Azadirachta indica (A. indica) (Abr. Juss) and Morinda pubescens (M. pubescens).MethodsThe C. roseus L, C. grandis, T. peruviana, P. juliflora, A. nilotica, A. indica (Abr. Juss) and M. pubescens were collected from Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India and the extraction was carried out in ethanol. The filter sterilized extracts (100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125 μg/mL) were tested for antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. The phytochemical constituents in the potential extracts were also detected.ResultsOf the selected plants species, the bark extract of A. indica (Abr. Juss) showed excellent antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ 29.77 μg/mL) followed by leaf extract of A. indica (Abr. Juss) (IC₅₀47.20 μg/mL) and leaf extract of C. roseus L (IC₅₀49.63 μg/mL). The leaf, bark and flower extracts of P. juliflora showed IC₅₀values of more than 100 μg/mL. Statistical analysis reveals significant antiplasmodial activity (P<0.01) between the concentrations and time of exposure. Additionally, no chemical injury was found in the erythrocytes incubated with the ethanolic extract of all the tested plants. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity might be due to the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, triterpenoids, proteins and tannins in the ethanolic extracts of the tested plants.ConclusionsThe ethanolic bark extracts of A. indica (Abr. Juss) possess lead compounds for the development of antiplasmodial drugs.