Hypoglycemic activity of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of an aqueous extract of the roots of Hemidesmus indicus on blood glucose, serum electrolytes, serum marker enzymes, liver microsomal P-450 enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Effect of H. indicus extract on blood glucose was studied with fed, fasted and glucose-loaded diabetic and nondiabetic rat models. The effect of the extract on serum electrolytes, serum levels of key glucose metabolizing enzymes, hepatic microsomal protein and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase enzyme systems and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats. One way analysis of variance and Duncan''s multiple range test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

Oral administration of H. indicus aqueous extract to fed, fasted and glucose-loaded diabetic rats decreased blood glucose level significantly at 5 h and restored serum electrolytes, glycolytic enzymes and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme systems by preventing the formation of liver and kidney lipid peroxides at the end of 12 weeks of the study period.

CONCLUSION:

From the studies, it can be concluded that the aqueous extract of the roots of H. indicus at a dosage of 500 mg/kg/day exhibits significant antidiabetic activity. It restores the concentrations of electrolytes, glucose metabolizing enzymes, hepatic microsomal protein and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase enzyme systems to near normal level and also corrects the related metabolic alterations in experimentally induced diabetic rats. H. indicus administration also decreased liver and kidney lipid peroxidation products. On the basis of our findings, H. indicus could be used as an antidiabetic and antioxidant agent for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Gastroprotective effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis in Albino rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis (G. senegalensis) on gastric mucosal damage using different ulcer models.MethodsConsidering the above claims, the present study was undertaken to validate the gastroprotective potential of the aqueous leaf extract of this plant against ethanol, water immersion and Aspirin induced ulcer models.ResultsThe leaf extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the ulcer index in all assays used.ConclusionsThe results obtained, provide strong evidence of antiulcer activity of the leaf extract of G. senegalensis and support the traditional uses of the plant for the treatment of ulcer.     

Laboratory evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of Tephrosia vogelii against larvae of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and non-target aquatic organisms

Mosquito control using insecticides has been the most successful intervention known to reduce malaria prevalence or incidence. However, vector control is facing a threat due to the emergence of resistance to synthetic insecticides. Insecticides of botanical origin may serve as suitable alternative biocontrol techniques in the future. In this research, the leaf aqueous leachate of Tephrosia vogelii was evaluated for its toxicity against larvae of the most invasive mosquito worldwide, Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), and toward adults of the water flea, Daphnia magna (Cladocera: Crustacea) and Oreochromis niloticus, two non-target aquatic organisms that share the same ecological niche of A. albopictus. The leaf aqueous leachate of T. vogelii was evaluated against fourth-instar larvae, non-blood fed 3–5 days old laboratory strains of A. albopictus under laboratory condition. In addition, the objective of the present work was to study the environmental safety evaluation for aquatic ecosystem. Mortality was then recorded after 7 d exposure. The leaf aqueous leachate of T. vogelii showed high mosquitocidal activity against larvae of A. albopictus, with a LC₅₀ = 1.18 μg/mL. However, it had a remarkable acute toxicity also toward adults of the non-target arthropod D. magna, with a LC₅₀ = 0.47 μg/L and O. niloticus with a LC₅₀ = 5.31 μg/L. The present findings have important implications in the practical control of mosquito larvae in the aquatic ecosystem, as the medicinal plants studied are commonly available in large quantities. The extract could be used in stagnant water bodies for the control of mosquitoes acting as vector for many communicable diseases.     

芒果叶提取物体外抗HIV-1活性研究

目的 探讨芒果叶提取物的体外抗人类免疫缺陷病毒1(HIV-1)活性,为研究与开发传统中医药资源治疗获得性免疫缺陷综合征(AIDS)提供参考。方法 通过三磷酸腺苷(ATP)法评估干预药物对TZM-bl细胞和MT-2细胞活性的影响。构建TZM-bl-HIV-1_ⅢB、MT-2-HIV-1_ⅢB两种细胞-病毒感染模型,通过荧光素酶活性检测试剂检测病毒活性,评估干预药物的抗HIV-1活性。观察MT-2-HIV-1_ⅢB细胞系统中芒果叶提取物对细胞病变效应(CPE)的抑制情况。计算芒果叶提取物的半数毒性浓度(CC₅₀)、半数抑制浓度(IC₅₀)和选择指数(SI)。结果 在TZM-bl-HIV-1_ⅢB和MT-2-HIV-1_ⅢB两种细胞-病毒感染模型中,芒果叶提取物均显示出抗HIV-1活性,且呈现剂量依赖性。在TZM-bl-HIV-1_ⅢB模型中,芒果叶提取物的CC₅₀为(320.00±29.44)μg/ml, ...     

Contractile effect of Sclerocarya birrea (A Rich) Hochst (Anacardiaceae) (Marula) leaf aqueous extract on rat and rabbit isolated vascular smooth muscles

Backround

Sclerocarya birrea (Anacardiaceae) is traditionally used for treating hypertension. The pharmacological effects of S birrea leaf aqueous extract (SBE) on rabbit and rat vascular smooth muscles were investigated in this study.

Methods

Fresh S birrea leaves (1 kg) were air dried at 26 ± 1°C, milled, macerated in 2.5 l of distilled water for 48 hours, filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated in a rotary evaporator. Rat isolated portal vein preparations, as well as rabbit isolated endothelium-denuded and endothelium-intact descending thoracic aortic ring preparations were mounted in 30-ml Ugo Basile organ baths under physiological conditions, and challenged with SBE (50–400 mg/ml). The contractile effects of SBE and/or other reference drugs on the isolated vascular smooth muscle preparations were recorded by means of Ugo Basile’s force–displacement transducers and Gemini recorders.

Results

SBE (50–400 mg/ml) caused a significant, concentration-dependent upward shift in baseline tone in the aortic ring preparations (p < 0.01–0.001). Indomethacin (20 µM) markedly attenuated the contractile effects of SBE in both the endothelium-intact and -denuded aortic rings, while N^G-nitro-_L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 µM) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the contractile tension of the endothelium-intact aortic rings. Verapamil (1–3 µg/ml) partially inhibited the contractile effects of SBE. SBE also elicited significant (p < 0.05–0.01) increases in the amplitude of the myogenic contractions of the portal veins. These contractions were abolished by verapamil (1–3 µg/ml) in a concentration-dependent manner, while prazosin (1–3 µg/ml) did not affect the SBE-induced contractions.

Conclusion

SBE possessed spasmogenic effects on vascular smooth muscle preparations in vitro. It may induce and/or exacerbate hypertension, contrary to the folkloric, ethnomedical use of S birrea.     

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous root extract of Merremia tridentata (L.) Hall. f. in streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of Merremia tridentata (M. tridentata) root (MTRAE) in normal, glucose-loaded hyperglycemic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.MethodsOral administration of MTRAE at the doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg was studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ-diabetic rats. The three doses caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all the models.ResultsThe effect was more pronounced in 100 and 150 mg/kg than 50 mg/kg. MTRAE also showed significant increase in serum insulin, body weight and glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle of STZ-induced diabetic rats while there was significant reduction in the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. MTRAE also showed significant antilipidperoxidative effect in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic effect of M. tridentata was compared with glibenclamide, a well known hypoglycemic drug.ConclusionsThe results indicate that aqueous extract of M. tridentata root possesses significant antidiabetic activity.     

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. in vitro and in vivo

AIM: To investigate the bactericidal effects of Chenopodium ambrosioides L.(CAL) against Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) both in vitro and in vivo.METHODS: For in vitro experiments, the inhibitory activity of CAL was tested using an agar dilution method; H.pylori strain NCTC11637 was incubated on Columbia blood agar plates containing serial concentrations of CAL.The minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC) was determined by the absence of H.pylori colonies on the agar plate.Time-kill curves were used to evaluate bactericidal activity; the average number of colonies was calculated at 0, 2, 8 and 24 h after liquid incubation with concentrations of CAL at 0.5, 1, and 2 × MIC.For in vivo experiments, H.pylori-infected mice were randomly divided into CAL, triple therapy(lansoprazole, metronidazole, and clarithromycin), blank control, or H.pylori control groups.The eradication ratios were determined by positive findings from rapid urease tests(RUTs) and by histopathology.RESULTS: In vitro, the MIC of CAL against H.pylori was 16 mg/L.The time-kill curves showed a stable and persistent decreasing tendency with increasing CAL concentration, and the intensity of the bactericidal effect was proportional to dose; the 1 and 2 × MIC completely inhibited the growth of H.pylori at 24 h.In vivo, the eradication ratios in the CAL group were60%(6/10) by RUT and 50%(5/10) by histopathology.Ratios in the triple therapy group were both 70%(7/10), and there was no difference between the CAL and triple therapy groups.Histopathologic evaluation revealed massive bacterial colonization on the surface of gastric mucosa and slight infiltration of mononuclear cells after inoculation with H.pylori, but no obvious inflammation or other pathologic changes in gastric mucosa of mice from CAL and triple therapy groups.CONCLUSION: CAL demonstrates effective bactericidal activity against H.pylori both in vitro and in vivo.     

Hepatoprotective effect of Cichorium intybus L.,a traditional Uighur medicine,against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

AIM:To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of a Cichorium intybus L.extract(CIE)on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.METHODS:Seventy-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups of twelve rats each.The normal control group was allowed free access to food and water.Liver injury was performed in the remaining five groups with an i.p.injection of a 1.0mL/kg CCl4 and olive oil(2:3 v/v)mixture,twice weekly for 8 weeks.All rats,with the exception of the injury model group,were intragastrically(i.g.,)administered quantum satis(q.s.)dosages[CIE group:6,18,and 54 mg/kg,respectively;Fu Fang Bie Jia Ruan Gan Pian(FFBJRGP)group:780 mg/kg].The oral administration of different drugs was performed on the day before CCl4 administration and subsequently once per day for8 wk.The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),hexadecenoic acid(HA),laminin(LN),hydroxyproline(Hyp),and glutathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in the rat livers were measured.Histopathological changes in the liver were assessed for each group using HE staining and a Masson Trichrome examination.The expression of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)andα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)was examined by immunohistochemical analysis.RESULTS:CIE at oral doses of 6,18,and 54 g/kg per day showed a significant hepatoprotective effect,especially at a dose of 54 g/kg per day.CIE doses reduced the levels of AST(149.04±34.44,P<0.01),ALT(100.72±27.19,P<0.01),HA(548.50±65.09,P<0.01),LN(28.69±3.32,P<0.01)and Hyp(263.33±75.82,P<0.01).With regards to hepatoprotective activity,the CIE dose of 54 g/kg per day produced the largest significant effect by increasing GSH(3.11±0.81),SOD(269.98±33.77,P<0.01)and reducing MDA(2.76±0.51,P<0.01)levels in the liver.The expressions of TGF-β1 andα-SMA were measured by immunohistology and found to be significantly reduced by CIE in a dose-dependent manner.     

Effects of hydro-ethanol extract of Citrullus colocynthis on blood glucose levels and pathology of organs in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objective

To evaluated the differential effects of ethanol extraction of Citrullus colocynthis (C. colocynthis) on the blood glucose concentration and pathology of pancreas, liver, lungs, kidney and gastrointestinal tract in the alloxan induced diabetes in rats.

Methods

Diabetes mellitus was induced in 20 adult female Albino rats, using intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg alloxan. The diabetic rats were randomly assigned into two equal groups. The first group was treated with the extract of C. colocynthis seed (300 mg/kg) and the rats of the second group, as an untreated diabetic group, received ordinary diet. Ten non diabetic rats remained as a normal control group.

Results

The results of this study indicate that C. colocynthis was able to reduce blood glucose significantly compared with the control diabetic group (P<0.05). Histopathologically, alloxan resulted in severe necrotic changes in the pancreatic islets, especially in the central area of the islets. Tissue sections of the pancreas in the treated rats demonstrated enhanced regeneration of B cells and increased size of pancreatic islets. Liver of the treated diabetic rats revealed significant improvement of the hepatic tissue compared to those of the untreated diabetic rats.

Conclusions

The present study indicated a significant anti-hyperglycemic effect of C. colocynthis seed and supported its traditional usage in treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Dyssynchronous (non-uniform) Ca2+ release in myocytes from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Using biochemical/pharmacological approaches, we previously showed that type 2 ryanodine receptors (RyR2) become dysfunctional in hearts of streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats. However, the functional consequence of this observation remains incompletely understood. Here we use laser confocal microscopy to investigate whether RyR2 dysfunction during diabetes alters evoked and spontaneous Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). After 7-8 weeks of diabetes, steady-state levels of RyR2 remain unchanged in hearts of male Sprague-Dawley rats, but the number of functional receptors decreased by >37%. Interestingly, residual functional RyR2 from diabetic rat hearts exhibited increased sensitivity to Ca(2+) activation (EC(50activation) decreased from 80 microM to 40 microM, peak Ca(2+) activation decreased from 425 microM to 160 microM). When field stimulated, intracellular Ca(2+) release in diabetic ventricular myocytes was dyssynchronous (non-uniform) and this was independent of L-type Ca(2+) currents. Time to peak Ca(2+) increased 3.7-fold. Diabetic myocytes also exhibited diastolic Ca(2+) release and 2-fold higher frequency of spontaneous Ca(2+) sparks, albeit at a lower amplitude. The amplitude of caffeine-releasable Ca(2+) was also lower in diabetic myocytes. RyR2 from diabetic rat hearts exhibited increased phosphorylation at Ser2809 and contained reduced levels of FKBP12.6 (calstablin2). Collectively, these data suggest that RyR2 becomes leaky during diabetes and this defect may be responsible to the reduced SR Ca(2+) load. Diastolic Ca(2+) release could also serve as a substrate for delayed after-depolarizations, contributing to the increased incidence of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in type 1 diabetes.     

Antidiabetic effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) and its medicinal potency

Diabetes mellitus is among the most common disorder in developed and developing countries, and the disease is increasing rapidly in most parts of the world. It has been estimated that up to one-third of patients with diabetes mellitus use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. One plant that has received the most attention for its anti-diabetic properties is bitter melon, Momordica charantia (M. charantia), commonly referred to as bitter gourd, karela and balsam pear. Its fruit is also used for the treatment of diabetes and related conditions amongst the indigenous populations of Asia, South America, India and East Africa. Abundant pre-clinical studies have documented in the anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of M. charantia through various postulated mechanisms. However, clinical trial data with human subjects are limited and flawed by poor study design and low statistical power. The present review is an attempt to highlight the antidiabetic activity as well as phytochemical and pharmacological reports on M. charantia and calls for better-designed clinical trials to further elucidate its possible therapeutic effects on diabetes.     

Effect of niloticin,a protolimonoid isolated from Limonia acidissima L. (Rutaceae) on the immature stages of dengue vector Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mosquitocidal activity of fractions and a compound niloticin from the hexane extract of Limonia acidissima L. leaves on eggs, larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae). In these bioassays, the eggs, larvae and pupae were exposed to concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 ppm for fractions and 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ppm for compound. After 24 h, the mortality was assessed and the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were calculated for larvae and pupae. Per cent ovicidal activity was calculated for eggs after 120 h post treatment. Among the sixteen fractions screened, fraction 8 from the hexane extract of L. acidissima generated good mosquitocidal activity against Ae. aegypti. The LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of fraction 8 were 4.11, 8.04 ppm against Ae. aegypti larvae and 4.19, 8.10 ppm against Ae. aegypti pupae, respectively. Further, the isolated compound, niloticin recorded strong larvicidal and pupicidal activities. The 2 ppm concentration of niloticin showed 100% larvicidal and pupicidal activities in 24 h. The LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of niloticin on Ae. aegypti larvae were 0.44, 1.17 ppm and on pupae were 0.62, 1.45 ppm, respectively. Niloticin presented 83.2% ovicidal activity at 2 ppm concentration after 120 h post treatment and niloticin exhibited significant growth disruption and morphological deformities at sub lethal concentrations against Ae. aegypti. The structure of the isolated compound was identified on the basis of single XRD and spectral data (¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR) and compared with literature spectral data. The results indicate that niloticin could be used as a potential natural mosquitocide.     

Orally administered extract from Prunella vulgaris attenuates spontaneous colitis in mdr1a~(-/-) mice

AIM: To investigate the ability of a Prunella vulgaris(P. vulgaris) ethanolic extract to attenuate spontaneous typhlocolitis in mdr1a-/- mice. METHODS: Vehicle(5% ethanol) or P. vulgaris ethanolic extract(2.4 mg/d) were administered daily by oral gavage to mdr1a-/- or wild type FVBWT mice from 6 wk of age up to 20 wk of age. Clinical signs of disease were noted by monitoring weight loss. Mice experiencingweight loss in excess of 15% were removed from the study. At the time mice were removed from the study, blood and colon tissue were collected for analyses that included histological evaluation of lesions, inflammatory cytokine levels, and myeloperoxidase activity. RESULTS: Administration of P. vulgaris extracts to mdr1a-/- mice delayed onset of colitis and reduced severity of mucosal inflammation when compared to vehicle-treated mdr1a-/- mice. Oral administration of the P. vulgaris extract resulted in reduced(P 0.05) serum levels of IL-10(4.6 ± 2 vs 19.4 ± 4), CXCL9(1319.0 ± 277 vs 3901.0 ± 858), and TNFα(9.9 ± 3 vs 14.8 ± 1) as well as reduced gene expression by more than two-fold for Ccl2, Ccl20, Cxcl1, Cxcl9, IL-1 α, Mmp10, VCAM-1, ICAM, IL-2, and TNFα in the colonic mucosa of mdr1a-/- mice compared to vehicle-treated mdr1a-/-mice. Histologically, several microscopic parameters were reduced(P 0.05) in P. vulgaris-treated mdr1a-/-mice, as was myeloperoxidase activity in the colon(2.49 ± 0.16 vs 3.36 ± 0.06, P 0.05). The numbers of CD4+ T cells(2031.9 ± 412.1 vs 5054.5 ± 809.5) and germinal center B cells(2749.6 ± 473.7 vs 4934.0 ± 645.9) observed in the cecal tonsils of P. vulgaris-treated mdr1a-/- were significantly reduced(P 0.05) from vehicle-treated mdr1a-/- mice. Vehicle-treated mdr1a-/- mice were found to produce serum antibodies to antigens derived from members of the intestinal microbiota, indicative of severe colitis and a loss of adaptive tolerance to the members of the microbiota. These serum antibodies were greatly reduced or absent in P. vulgaris-treated mdr1a-/- mice. CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory activity of P. vulgaris ethanolic extract effectively attenuated the severity of intestinal inflammation in mdr1a-/- mice.     

Hepatoprotective effect of the aqueous extract of the roots of Decalepis hamiltonii against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats.

The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the roots of Decalepis hamiltonii was investigated against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and liver damage. Pretreatment of rats with aqueous extract of the roots of D. hamiltonii, single (50, 100 and 200mg/kg b.w.) and multiple doses (50 and 100mg/kg b.w. for 7 days) significantly prevented the ethanol (5g/kg b.w.) induced increases in the activities of the serum enzymes, aspartate and alanine transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in a dose dependent manner. Parallel to these changes, the root extract inhibited the ethanol-induced oxidative stress in the liver by suppressing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation and maintaining the levels of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione. The biochemical changes were consistent with histopathological observations suggesting marked hepatoprotective effect of the root extract. The protective effect of the root extract against hepatotoxicity of alcohol was more pronounced by the multiple dose pretreatment. Hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the roots of D. hamiltonii could be attributed to the antioxidant effect of the constituents and enhanced antioxidant defenses.     

Prevention of diabetes-induced myocardial dysfunction in rats using the juice of the Emblica officinalis fruit

Normalization of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress is an important objective in preventing diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction. The present study investigated the effects of the fruit juice obtained from Emblica officinalis on myocardial dysfunction in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ), and the rats were treated with E officinalis fruit juice for eight weeks. Injection of STZ produced loss of body weight, polydypsia, polyphagia, hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and dyslipidemia. It also produced hypertension, bradycardia, hypertrophy and myocardial functional alterations associated with an increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase-MB levels. Treatment with the fruit juice not only prevented STZ-induced loss of body weight, increases in water and food intake, increases in serum glucose levels and disturbed lipid profile, but also an increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase-MB levels, and increased myocardial hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy. There was an increase in the area under the curve (AUC) for glucose, and a decrease in AUC_insulin was observed in diabetic rats; treatment decreased AUC_glucose but not AUC_insulin or hyperinsulinemia. There was a decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels (in superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and catalase) in diabetic hearts, which could be improved by treatment with fruit juice. The present data suggest that fruit juice may be beneficial for the treatment of myocardial damage associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The activity of E officinalis fruit juice can be attributed to the concentration of polyphenol present.     

Protective effects of Lactuca sativa ethanolic extract on carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative damage in rats

Objective

To study the protective effects of the ethanolic extract of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) leaves against the toxicity caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in reproductive system of rats.

Methods

Lettuce leaves were dried and extracted with ethanol (plant: solvent, 1:10, w/v). The extract was filtered and evaporated to yield dried lettuce extract. Animals were divided into seven groups and treated with CCl₄ and different concentrations of lettuce extract. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood was collected and centrifuged for serum separation. Body weights, testis size, histopathology of testis and liver, catalase (CAT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitrite level, and serum hormones were determined.

Results

Oxidative stress induced by CCl₄ (2 mL/kg body weight) in rat decreases the increase in body weight and relative testis weight. It also markedly increases the level of TBARS and nitrites along with corresponding decrease in reduced glutathione and various antioxidant enzymes in testis (i.e., CAT, POD, SOD and GSH-Px). Serum level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone was decreased while estradiol and prolactin were increased during CCl₄ treatment. Histopathology of CCl₄-treated rats indicated the partial degeneration of germ and leydig cells along with deformities in spermatogenesis. Supplementation of lettuce extract (100, 150, 200 mg/kg body weight orally) once a week for 10 weeks results in decrease of TBARS and nitrite, while increase in antioxidant enzymes; CAT, POD, SOD, GSH-Px and GSH contents. Serum level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, prolactin, histology, body weight and relative testis weight was also concomitantly restored to near normal level by lettuce extract supplementation to CCl₄-intoxicated rat.

Conclusions

The results clearly demonstrate that lettuce extract treatment augments the antioxidants defense mechanism against CCl₄-induced toxicity and provides evidence that it may have a therapeutic role in free radical mediated diseases.     

Linking differential domain functions of the GS3 protein to natural variation of grain size in rice

Grain yield in many cereal crops is largely determined by grain size. Here we report the genetic and molecular characterization of GS3, a major quantitative trait locus for grain size. It functions as a negative regulator of grain size and organ size. The wild-type isoform is composed of four putative domains: a plant-specific organ size regulation (OSR) domain in the N terminus, a transmembrane domain, a tumor necrosis factor receptor/nerve growth factor receptor (TNFR/NGFR) family cysteine-rich domain, and a von Willebrand factor type C (VWFC) in the C terminus. These domains function differentially in grain size regulation. The OSR domain is both necessary and sufficient for functioning as a negative regulator. The wild-type allele corresponds to medium grain. Loss of function of OSR results in long grain. The C-terminal TNFR/NGFR and VWFC domains show an inhibitory effect on the OSR function; loss-of-function mutations of these domains produced very short grain. This study linked the functional domains of the GS3 protein to natural variation of grain size in rice.     

DETECTION OF Leptospira spp. AND Brucella abortus ANTIBODIES IN FREE-LIVING JAGUARS (Panthera onca) IN TWO PROTECTED AREAS OF NORTHERN PANTANAL,BRAZIL

 This study aimed to assess the exposure of free-living jaguars (Panthera onca) to Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus in two conservation units in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The presence of antibodies in blood samples of eleven jaguars was investigated using autochthonous antigens isolated in Brazil added to reference antigen collection applied to diagnosis of leptospirosis by Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). The Rose Bengal test was applied for B. abortus antibodies. Two (18.2%) jaguars were seroreactive for the Leptospira spp. antigen and the serovar considered as most infective in both animals was a Brazilian isolate of serovar Canicola (L01). All jaguars were seronegative for B. abortus. These data indicate that the inclusion of autochthonous antigens in serological studies can significantly increase the number of reactive animals, as well as modify the epidemiological profile of Leptospira spp. infection.     

Modulation of AT-1R/MAPK cascade by an olmesartan treatment attenuates diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

There is increasing evidence that angiotensin (Ang)-II plays an unprecedented role in diabetic complications. It could also be an important therapeutic target for ameliorating various diseases, especially diabetic nephropathy (DN). We therefore studied the beneficial effects of olmesartan, an Ang-II type 1 receptor (AT-1R) blocker in streptozotocin (150 mg/kg, BW)-induced diabetic kidney disease in mice. The diabetic kidney mice displayed upregulated protein expression levels of AT-1R, AT-2R, ERK-1/2, p-p38 MAPK, p-MAPKAPK-2, ET-1, p-JNK, p-c-Jun, TGF-β1, and gp91-phox, and all of these effects were expectedly downregulated by an olmesartan treatment. Also, immunohistochemical analysis, and Azan-Mallory and HE staining were performed to examine the expression of collagen-III and fibronectin, renal fibrosis, and hypertrophy, respectively. Furthermore, olmesartan treatment significantly abrogated the downregulation of ACE-2 and Ang-(1-7) mas R protein expression in diabetic kidney mice. Considering all these findings together, the AT-1R/MAPK pathway might be a potential therapeutic target in diabetes kidney disease, and olmesartan treatment could have beneficial effects on DN by modulating the AT-1R/MAPK pathway.     

The origin and evolution of fragrance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Fragrance in the grain is one of the most highly valued grain quality traits in rice, yet the origin and evolution of the betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (BADH2) underlying this trait remains unclear. In this study, we identify eight putatively nonfunctional alleles of the BADH2 gene and show that these alleles have distinct geographic and genetic origins. Despite multiple origins of the fragrance trait, a single allele, badh2.1, is the predominant allele in virtually all fragrant rice varieties today, including the widely recognized Basmati and Jasmine types. Haplotype analysis allowed us to establish a single origin of the badh2.1 allele within the Japonica varietal group and demonstrate the introgression of this allele from Japonica to Indica. Basmati-like accessions were nearly identical to the ancestral Japonica haplotype across a 5.3-Mb region flanking BADH2 regardless of their fragrance phenotype, demonstrating a close evolutionary relationship between Basmati varieties and the Japonica gene pool. These results clarify the relationships among fragrant rice varieties and challenge the traditional assumption that the fragrance trait arose in the Indica varietal group.