Assessment of In vivo antioxidant properties of Dacryodes edulis and Ficus exasperata as anti-malaria plants

Objective

To evaluate the phytochemical profile and potential anti-oxidant properties of Dacryodes edulis and Ficus exasperata.

Methods

Six groups of Albino rats were intoxicated with tetrachloromethane (CCl₄) for 2 d, prior to 7 d administration of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg ethanol extracts of plants and three control remidies which is Tween 80 (placebo), CCl₄ (negative control) and vitamin E (positive control). Tissue homogenates were employed in assessing the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances expressed as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) activities.

Results

Phytochemical profiling of the plants showed the presence of reducing sugars, flavonoids, saponins and tannins, except alkaloids and terpenoids in F. exasperata and cardiac glycosides in D. edulis. Generally, significantly different values (P<0.05) were recorded for blood than for liver homogenates. Elevated MDA levels were observed for the CCl₄ treated group (negative control). However, lower MDA levels comparable to vitamin E (positive control) were recorded for all D. edulis and the 200 mg/kg F. exasperata pre-treatments. CAT levels were significantly (P<0.05) raised in the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg pretreatments for blood and the 200 mg/kg pretreatments for liver, than for Vit E. CCl₄ reduced GSH levels were reversed significantly (P<0.05) in blood by D. edulis and by the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg F. exasperata pretreatments in blood and liver tissues. The mean dose-dependent analysis shows increasing fall in MDA levels with dosage.

Conclusions

The plant extracts exhibited dose-dependent oxidative stress suppressive action. This may justify their use for the traditional preparation of anti-malarial remedies.     

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Atriplex halimus L. (Chenopodiaceae) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objective

To investigate the antidiabetic effect of A. halimus leaf in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

The aqueous extract of the plant leaf was tested for its efficacy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The extract was evaluated for its acute and short term general toxicity in male mice and for its antihyperglycemic activity using glucose tolerance test in rats. The aqueous extract was subjected to phytochemical screening and determination of total phenolic contents.

Results

The statistical data indicated the significant increase in the body weight and decrease in the blood glucose and hepatic levels. The total protein level was significantly increased when treated with the extract.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of A. halimus has beneficial effects in reducing the elevated blood glucose level and hepatic levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.     

Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of methanolic extract of Clitoria ternatea (Linn.) flower against acetaminophen-induced liver damage

Objective

To evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Clitoria ternatea (C. ternatea) flower extract against acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity.

Methods

The antioxidant property of C. ternatea flower extract was investigated by employing established in vitro antioxidant assay. The C. ternatea flower extract was studied in this work for its hepatoprotective effect against acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in mice. Activity was measured by monitoring the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, billirubin and glutathione with histopathological analysis.

Results

The amount of total phenolics and flavonoids were estimated to be 105.40±2.47 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and 72.21±0.05 mg/g catechin equivalent respectively. The antioxidant activity of C. ternatea flower extract was 68.9% at a concentration of 1 mg/mL and was also concentration dependant, with an IC₅₀ value of 327.00 µg/mL. The results of acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity experiment showed that mice treated with the extract (200 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and bilirubin levels, which were all elevated in the paracetamol group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the level of glutathione was found to be restored in extract treated animals compared to the groups treated with acetaminophen alone (P<0.05). Therapy of extract also showed its protective effect on histopathological alterations and supported the biochemical finding.

Conclusion

The present work confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of C. ternatea flower against model hepatotoxicant acetaminophen.     

Laboratory and field efficacy of Pedalium murex and predatory copepod,Mesocyclops longisetus on rural malaria vector,Anopheles culicifacies

Objective

To test the potentiality of the leaf extract of Pedalium murex (P. murex) and predatory copepod Mesocyclops longisetus (M. longisetus) in individual and combination in controlling the rural malarial vector, Anopheles culicifacies (An. culicifacies) in laboratory and field studies.

Methods

P. murex leaves were collected from in and around Erode, Tamilnadu, India. The active compounds were extracted with 300 mL of methanol for 8 h in a Soxhlet apparatus. Laboratory studies on larvicidal and pupicidal effects of methanolic extract of P. murex tested against the rural malarial vector, An. culicifacies were significant.

Results

Evaluated lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of P. murex extract were 2.68, 3.60, 4.50, 6.44 and 7.60 mg/L for I, II, III, IV and pupae of An. culicifacies, respectively. Predatory copepod, M. longisetus was examined for their predatory efficacy against the malarial vector, An. culicifacies. M. longisetus showed effective predation on the early instar (47% and 36% on I and II instar) when compared with the later ones (3% and 1% on III and IV instar). Predatory efficacy of M. longisetus was increased (70% and 45% on I and II instar) when the application was along with the P. murex extract.

Conclusions

Predator survival test showed that the methanolic extract of P. murex is non-toxic to the predatory copepod, M. longisetus. Experiments were also conducted to evaluate the efficacy of methanolic extract of P. murex and M. longisetus in the direct breeding sites (paddy fields) of An. culicifacies. Reduction in larval density was very high and sustained for a long time in combined treatment of P. murex and M. longisetus.     

In-vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of Manilkara zapota leaves in albino Wistar rats

Objective

To screen ethanolic extracts of Manilkara zapota leaves (Family: Sapotaceae) and its different solvent soluble fractions for possible anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic activities in experimental albino Wistar rats.

Methods

Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan induced paw edema method; anti-pyretic potential was determined by yeast-induced pyrexia method in albino Wistar rats.

Results

In evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity the crude ethanolic (300 mg/kg) and ethyl acetate extract (300 mg/kg) showed significant inhibition of paw edema by 91.98% and 92.41% (P<0.001) respectively at 4th h compared to standard diclofenac (86.08% inhibition). In anti-pyretic study by yeast-induced pyrexia in albino Wistar rats, the ethanol extract (300 mg/kg) reduced temperature from 37.90 °C to 37.41 °C (P<0.01) and 37.07 °C (P<0.001) in 3rd and 4th h respectively. Similarly, both petroleum ether and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited significant anti-pyretic property (P<0.001). The maximum body temperature lowering effect (36.86 °C) was noticed by petroleum ether fraction.

Conclusions

The findings of the studies demonstrated both anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of the leaves of Manilkara zapota which could be the therapeutic option against inflammatory disease and pyrexia.     

Protective Effect of Cornus mas Fruits Extract on Serum Biomarkers in CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats

Background:

Nowadays attention to use herbs such as cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is increasing, which contains high levels of antioxidants and anthocyanins. Cornus mas fruits have been used for gastrointestinal and excretory disorders for many years in traditional medicine, also may improve liver and kidney functions, and have protective effects such as anti-allergic, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antihistamine and antimalarial properties.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate protective effects of Cornus mas fruits extract on serum biomarkers in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats.

Materials and Methods:

Hepatotoxicity was induced by administration of carbon tetrachloride (1 mL/kg i.p.) in 1:1 dilution with olive oil. To evaluate the effect of Cornus mas fruits extract on disease progression, serum marker enzymes, serum total protein and albumin and liver lipid peroxidation were determined in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity.

Results:

Oral administration of Cornus mas fruits extract to rats for 14 days provided a significant (P < 0.05) hepatoprotection by decreasing elevated serum level of enzymes, total serum protein, albumin and liver lipid peroxidation content.

Conclusions:

Cornus mas fruit extract effect may be due to including some antioxidant components, which caused membrane stabilizing and normalization of fluctuated biochemical profiles induced by CCl₄ exposure. Our results validated the traditional use of Cornus mas in the treatment of liver disorders.     

Association Between LYPLAL1 rs12137855 Polymorphism With Ultrasound-Defined Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Chinese Han Population

Background:

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified that gene Lysophospholipase-like 1 (LYPLAL1) rs12137855 associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). No research has been performed regarding the association between LYPLAL1 and NAFLD in China.

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the gene LYPLAL1 rs12137855 and NAFLD, and the effect on serum lipid profiles in a Chinese Han population.

Patients and Methods:

LYPLAL1 rs12137855 gene was genotyped in 184 patients with NAFLD and 114 healthy controls using sequencing and polymerase chain reaction analysis (PCR). We tested serum lipid profiles using biochemical methods.

Results:

No significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of LYPLAL1 rs12137855 was found between the NAFLD group and the controls group (P > 0.05). Subjects with the variant LYPLAL1 rs12137855 CC genotype had a higher mean weight, body mass index (BMI) and low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Conclusions:

Our results showed for the first time that LYPLAL1 gene is not associated with a risk of NAFLD development in the Chinese Han population. The variant carriers of overall subjects significantly increased weight, BMI and LDL.     

Evaluation of antioxidant potential of leaves of Leonotis nepetifolia and its inhibitory effect on MCF7 and Hep2 cancer cell lines

Objective

To investigate the antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of Leonotis nepetifolia (L. nepetifolia) leaves.

Methods

The leaves of L. nepetifolia were subjected to extraction using three different solvents and the antioxidant potential of those extracts were tested by using various in vitro assays. Further, the best screened extract was analyzed for its phytochemical profile by both qualitative and quantitative assays. In order to determine its anti-proliferative activity, the best screened extract was treated with breast and laryngeal cancer cell lines such as MCF-7 cells and Hep2 cells, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the extract was also studied using MTT assay. The inhibitory effect of the extract of leaves of L. nepetifolia on the selected cell-line DNA was determined by DNA fragmentation assay. Also, the extract was subjected to TLC and bioautography analysis.

Results

The DPPH assay showed methanol extract of L. nepetifolia leaves to be more significant in scavenging free radicals with inhibition percentage of 60.57%. From the data obtained, the methanol extract proved to be significant in all anti-oxidant assays and this effect was well comparable with the standard used in the study. The predominant phytochemicals such as phenols and flavonoids were further quantified as 0.107% and 0.089%. The cytotoxicity assay showed that the cell viability increased with increasing concentration of methanol extract. In addition, the extract caused dose dependent damage to the cancer cell lines MCF-7 and Hep2.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the leaves of L. nepetifolia were significant in scavenging free radicals and causing damage to proliferative cells. Further mechanistic studies would help in proving the efficiency of the selected plant under in vivo conditions.     

Gastroprotective Effect of Cochinchina momordica Seed Extract in Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Acute Gastric Damage in a Rat Model

Background/Aims

The major compounds of Cochinchina momordica seed extract (SK-MS10) include momordica saponins. We report that the gastroprotective effect of SK-MS10 in an ethanol-induced gastric damage rat model is mediated by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and downregulating cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and the activation of calcitonin gene-related peptide. In this study, we evaluated the gastroprotective effects of SK-MS10 in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric damage rat model.

Methods

The pretreatment effect of SK-MS10 was evaluated in the NSAID-induced gastric damage rat model using aspirin, indomethacin, and diclofenac in 7-week-old rats. Gastric damage was evaluated based on the gross ulcer index by gastroenterologists, and the damage area (%) was measured using the MetaMorph 7.0 video image analysis system. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting was used to analyze the levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2, cPLA₂, and 5-LOX.

Results

All NSAIDs induced gastric damage based on the gross ulcer index and damage area (p<0.05). Gastric damage was significantly attenuated by SK-MS10 pretreatment compared with NSAID treatment alone (p<0.05). The SK-MS10 pretreatment group exhibited lower MPO levels than the diclofenac group. The expression of cPLA₂ and 5-LOX was decreased by SK-MS10 pretreatment in each of the three NSAID treatment groups.

Conclusions

SK-MS10 exhibited a gastroprotective effect against NSAID-induced acute gastric damage in rats. However, its protective mechanism may be different across the three types of NSAID-induced gastric damage models in rats.     

Toxicity effect of Delonix elata (Yellow Gulmohr) and predatory efficiency of Copepod,Mesocyclops aspericornis for the control of dengue vector,Aedes aegypti

Objective

To evaluate the toxicity, predatory efficiency of Delonix elata (D. elata) and Mesocyclops aspericornis (M. aspericornis) against dengue vector, Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti).

Methods

A mosquitocidal bioassay was conducted at different concentration of plant extract followed by WHO standard method. The probit analysis of each tested concentration and control were observed by using software SPSS 11 version package. The each tested concentration variable was assessed by DMRT method. The predatory efficiency of copepod was followed by Deo et al., 1988. The predator, M. aspericornis was observed for mortality, abnormalities, survival and swimming activity after 24 h treatment of plant and also predation on the mosquito larvae were observed.

Results

D. elata were tested for biological activity against the larvae, and pupae of Ae. aegypti. Significant mortality effects were observed in each life stage. The percentage of mortality was 100% in first and second instars whereas 96%, 92% in third and fourth instars. Fitted probit-mortality curves for larvae indicated the median and 90% lethal concentrations of D. elata for instars 1-4 to be 4.91 (8.13), 5.16 (8.44), 5.95 (7.76) and 6.87 (11.23), respectively. The results indicate that leaf extract exhibits significant biological activity against life stages. The present study revealed that D. elata is potentially important in the control of Ae. aegypti. Similar studies were conducted for predatory efficiency of Copepod, M. aspericornis against mosquito vector Ae. Aegypti. This study reported that the predatory copepod fed on 39% and 25% in I and III instar larvae of mosquito and in combined treatment of D. elata and copepod maximum control of mosquito larval states and at 83%, 80%, 75% and 53% in I, II, III and IV instars, respectively.

Conclusions

The combined action of plant extract and predatory copepod to effectively control mosquito population and reduce the dengue transmitting diseases.     

Aggregation of mononuclear and red blood cells through an ��4��1-Lu/basal cell adhesion molecule interaction in sickle cell disease

Background

Abnormal interactions between red blood cells, leukocytes and endothelial cells play a critical role in the occurrence of the painful vaso-occlusive crises associated with sickle cell disease. We investigated the interaction between circulating leukocytes and red blood cells which could lead to aggregate formation, enhancing the incidence of vaso-occlusive crises.

Design and Methods

Blood samples from patients with sickle cell disease (n=25) and healthy subjects (n=5) were analyzed by imaging and classical flow cytometry after density gradient separation. The identity of the cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell layer was determined using antibodies directed specifically against white (anti-CD45) or red (anti-glycophorin A) blood cells.

Results

Aggregates between red blood cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were visualized in whole blood from patients with sickle cell disease. The aggregation rate was 10-fold higher in these patients than in control subjects. Both mature red blood cells and reticulocytes were involved in these aggregates through their interaction with mononuclear cells, mainly with monocytes. The size of the aggregates was variable, with one mononuclear cell binding to one, two or several red blood cells. Erythroid Lu/basal cell adhesion molecule and α₄β₁ integrin were involved in aggregate formation. The aggregation rate was lower in patients treated with hydroxycarbamide than in untreated patients.

Conclusions

Our study gives visual evidence of the existence of circulating red blood cell-peripheral blood mononuclear cell aggregates in patients with sickle cell disease and shows that these aggregates are decreased during hydroxycarbamide treatment. Our results strongly suggest that erythroid Lu/basal cell adhesion molecule proteins are implicated in these aggregates through their interaction with α₄β₁ integrin on peripheral blood mononuclear cells.     

Protective role of Juniperus phoenicea and Cupressus sempervirens against CCl(4)

AIM: To investigate the role of Cupressus sempervirens (C. sempervirens) and Juniperus phoenicea (J. phoenicea) extracts as therapeutic effect against CCl₄ with biochemical, histopathological evaluations.METHODS: A single intraperitoneal dose of 10% CCl₄ in olive oil (1 mL/kg body weight) was administered to a group of female Wister rats, sacrificed after 24 h (as the injury group). The other groups were given CCl₄ as described above and divided as follows: two groups of ten rats each were orally administered either J. phoenicea extract or C. sempervirens extract three times per week for six weeks and a further group administered CCl₄ was left for six weeks to allow self-recovery. At the end of experiment, the rats from all groups were sacrificed for sampling and for biochemical and histological analysis.RESULTS: Remarkable disturbances were observed in the levels of all tested parameters. On the other hand, rats injected with the toxic agent and left for one and a half month to self recover showed moderate improvements in the studied parameters while, treatment with both medicinal herbal extracts ameliorated the levels of the disturbed biochemical parameters. The group treated with J. phoenicea extract showed a remarkable improvement in comparison to the CCl₄ treated group. The C. sempervirens group revealing an even more remarkable effect showing histopathological liver& kidney profiles close to those of the control group.CONCLUSION: C. sempervirens and J. phoenicea leaf extracts show a remarkable effect in enhancing liver and kidney functions and may thus be of therapeutic potential in treatment hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.     

Imbalance in A₂ and A₂B phenotype frequency of ABO group in South India

Background

The heterogeneity of A and B alleles results in weak variants of these antigens. Subgroups of A differ from each other quantitatively and qualitatively. The expected frequencies of A₁ and A₂ subtypes will be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for the Mendelian inheritance of the allelic A₁ and A₂ genes. The frequency of A subgroups in the population from south India is not known. The aim of our study was to study the frequency of A subtypes and the prevalence of anti-A₁ antibody among this population.

Methods

Over a period of 3 years, patients’ blood group was typed using a standard tube technique. Anti-A₁ lectin studies were done for all patients with groups A and AB. Based on serological reactivity the samples were classified into A₁/A₁B, A₂/A₂B and weak A subgroups. The prevalence of A subgroups was determined. The significance of differences in proportions was analysed using the chi-square test.

Results

A total of 40,113 patients’ samples were typed for ABO, Rh group and A subgroups in our blood bank attached to a tertiary care hospital. Among 10,325 group A samples, 98.14% classified as A₁, 1.07% as A₂, and 0.01% as weak A; the remaining group A samples were from neonates and reacted poorly with anti A₁-lectin. The majority of AB samples (n=2,667) were of A₁B type (89.28%). However, the proportion of A₂B (8.99%) among AB samples was significantly higher than that of A₂ in group A samples (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of anti-A₁ antibodies among A₂ and A₂B samples was 1.8% and 3.75%, respectively, and none of them showed reactivity at 37°C.

Conclusion

The results of our study show a significantly higher proportion of A₂B subtypes than A₂ subgroups. A similar imbalance is seen in blacks and Japanese. The incidence of anti-A₁ antibodies is also higher among A₂B patients.     

The effect of Ligustrum delavayanum on isolated perfused rat heart

BACKGROUND:

Extract of ligustrum leaves (Ligustrum delavayanum Hariot [Oleaceae]) is well known in traditional Chinese medicine. One of the active components, oleuropein, displays vasodilating and hypotensive effects.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the effect of 0.008% lyophilized extract of ligustrum dissolved in 0.5% ethanol on heart function.

ANIMALS AND METHODS:

Experiments were done on isolated rat hearts perfused by the Langendorff method in control conditions and during ischemic-reperfusion injury.

RESULTS:

Application of ligustrum induced positive inotropic and vasodilating effects in spontaneously beating hearts. Pretreatment of the hearts with ligustrum reduced left ventricular diastolic pressure measured during reperfusion and improved left ventricular contraction compared with hearts without any pretreatment. Ligustrum significantly suppressed the incidence and duration of cardiac reperfusion arrhythmias, expressed as G-score, from 7.40±0.58 in nontreated rats to 1.97±0.50.

DISCUSSION:

Application of ligustrum or ethanol alone induced changes in coordination between atria and ventricles during ischemia-reperfusion injury. The ‘g-score’, a new parameter summing the incidence and duration of atrioventricular blocks, atrioventricular dissociation and cardiac arrest, is introduced. The g-scores with ligustrum pretreatment were higher during ischemia than during reperfusion. Ethanol significantly depressed myocardial contractility and coronary flow, and nonsignificantly decreased heart rate of isolated rat hearts. Electrical changes observed during coronary reperfusion in the presence of ethanol were accompanied by deterioration of contractile function.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ligustrum had a significant protective effect on rat myocardium against ischemic-reperfusion injury. Ethanol partially attenuated the protective effect of ligustrum.     

The Effects of Broccoli Sprout Extract Containing Sulforaphane on Lipid Peroxidation and Helicobacter pylori Infection in the Gastric Mucosa

Background/Aims

The aims of this study were to investigate whether a broccoli sprout extract containing sulforaphane (BSES) inhibited the Helicobacter pylori infection density and exerted an antioxidative effect on gastric mucosal damage.

Methods

The enrolled subjects were randomized in a double-blinded manner into three groups. Finally, 33 H. pylori (+) BSES treatment subjects (group A), 28 H. pylori (+) placebo subjects (group B), and 28 H. pylori (−) BSES treatment subjects (group C) were studied. H. pylori infection density was indirectly quantified by a ¹³C-urea breath test (UBT), and the ammonia concentration in gastric juice aspirates was measured through gastroscopic examination. Malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative damage biomarker, and reduced glutathione (GSH), an antioxidant biomarker, were measured in the gastric mucosa by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

BSES treatment did not significantly affect the UBT values or ammonia concentration in group A (p=0.634 and p=0.505, respectively). BSES treatment did significantly reduce mucosal MDA concentrations in group A (p<0.05) and group C (p<0.001), whereas the gastric mucosal GSH concentrations did not differ before and after treatment in any of the groups.

Conclusions

BSES did not inhibit the H. pylori infection density. However, BSES prevented lipid peroxidation in the gastric mucosa and may play a cytoprotective role in H. pylori-induced gastritis.     

Lactobacillus reuteri and Escherichia coli in the human gut microbiota may predict weight gain associated with vancomycin treatment

Background:

Antibiotics, used for 60 years to promote weight gain in animals, have been linked to obesity in adults and in children when administered during early infancy. Lactobacillus reuteri has been linked to obesity and weight gain in children affected with Kwashiorkor using ready-to-use therapeutic food. In contrast, Escherichia coli has been linked with the absence of obesity. Both of these bacteria are resistant to vancomycin.

Objectives and methods:

We assessed vancomycin-associated weight and gut microbiota changes, and tested whether bacterial species previously linked with body mass index (BMI) predict weight gain at 1 year. All endocarditis patients treated with vancomycin or amoxicillin in our center were included from January 2008 to December 2010. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Lactobacillus and Methanobrevibacter smithii were quantified using real-time PCR on samples obtained during the 4–6 weeks antibiotic regimen. L. reuteri, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium animalis and E. coli were quantified on stool samples obtained during the first week of antibiotics.

Results:

Of the193 patients included in the study, 102 were treated with vancomycin and 91 with amoxicillin. Vancomycin was associated with a 10% BMI increase (odds ratio (OR) 14.1; 95% confidence interval (CI; 1.03–194); P=0.047) and acquired obesity (4/41 versus 0/56, P=0.01). In patients treated with vancomycin, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus increased, whereas M. smithii decreased (P<0.05). The absence of E. coli was an independent predictor of weight gain (OR=10.7; 95% CI (1.4–82.0); P=0.02). Strikingly, a patient with an 18% BMI increase showed a dramatic increase of L. reuteri but no increase of E. coli.

Conclusion:

The acquired obesity observed in patients treated with vancomycin may be related to a modulation of the gut microbiota rather than a direct antibiotic effect. L. reuteri, which is resistant to vancomycin and produces broad bacteriocins, may have an instrumental role in this effect.     

The Impact of IFNL4 rs12979860 Polymorphism on Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C; A Case-Control Study

Background:

About 30% of individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are able to clear HCV spontaneously. Differences in host genetics affect the outcome of HCV infection. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Interferon lambda (IFNL) genes were associated with spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance of HCV infection.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the IFNL4 rs12979860 SNP and spontaneous clearance of HCV infection in Iranian population.

Materials and Methods:

A case-control study was designed on 91 cases with spontaneous HCV infection clearance and 259 patients with persistent HCV infection as the control group. The rs12979860 SNP was assessed as the most common IFNL polymorphism by PCR-RFLP method.

Results:

Distribution of rs12979860 CC genotype in the spontaneous clearance group was around two folds of its distribution in chronic hepatitis C group (P < 0.001, OR = 4.09, 95% CI = 2.44-6.86).

Conclusions:

The rs12979860 SNP was observed as a strong host genetic factor associated with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C infection.     

Plasma homocysteine is elevated in COPD patients and is related to COPD severity

Background:

Although recent studies have found that total plasma homocysteine (tHCY) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both risk factors for cardiac disease, there have been few studies of plasma homocysteine levels in COPD patients. We tested the hypothesis that total plasma homocysteine (tHCY) would be elevated in patients diagnosed with COPD compared with controls.

Methods:

We studied 29 COPD outpatients and 25 asymptomatic subjects (controls) over age 55 years with measurement of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, tHCY and serum C-reactive protein (sCRP).

Results:

There was no difference between controls vs. COPD patients in mean age or gender but mean (SD) FEV₁ was 2.25 (0.77) vs 1.43 (0.60) L; FEV₁% predicted 76.1 (17.2) vs 49.1 (16.3) p < 0.001 in both cases. Median (IQR) tHCY was 8.22 (6.63, 9.55) in controls vs 10.96 (7.56, 13.60) micromol/l for COPD, p = 0.006 and sCRP 0.89 (0.47, 2.55) vs 2.05 (0.86, 6.19) mg/l, p = 0.023. tHCY(log) was also higher in (r, p) smokers (0.448, 0.001), patients with low FEV₁% (−0.397, 0.003), males (0.475, <0.001), but high SGRQ Total score (0.289, 0.034), and high sCRP (0.316, 0.038). tHCY(log) was independently related to (regression coefficient, p) sCRP(log) (0.087, 0.024), male gender (0.345, <0.001) and presence of COPD (0.194, 0.031). Median (IQR) tHCY GOLD Stage I and II 8.05 (7.28, 11.04), GOLD Stage III and IV: 11.83(9.30, 18.30); p = 0.023.

Conclusions:

Plasma homocysteine is significantly elevated in COPD patients relative to age and sex-matched controls and is related to serum CRP and COPD severity.