Utilization of Anthocyanins-Rich Extract from Banana Bract in the Green Synthesis of AgNPs with Anti-proliferative Potential

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences - Present study was undertaken to optimize the extraction conditions for the recovery of anthocyanins from an...     

Studies on physicochemical and nutritional properties of aerial parts of Cassia occidentalis L.

In the present, work chemical composition and nutritional value of aerial parts of Cassia occidentalis L. was studied. The aerial parts of C. occidentalis possess favorable physicochemical properties with good nutritional value, such as high energy value, crude fibers, and vitamin levels. The X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry data revealed that the sample is rich in minerals, especially in Fe, Ca, K, and Mn. Further, minerals such as Mg, Zn, Cu, Na, P, and S are present in good amount and depicted the nutritional value of the selected material. The plant sample is rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, lignin, tannins, and phenols. The presence of phytochemical constituents was confirmed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry profile and high-performance thin layer chromatography fingerprinting techniques. The findings stimulate the on-farm cultivation of C. occidentalis on a large scale to relieve the iron deficiency in local community, and it can be used as a dietary supplement to treat anemia.     

Validation of ‘lock-and-key’ mechanism of a metal–organic framework in selective sensing of triethylamine

To develop the metal–organic framework (MOF)-based sensing of triethylamine (TEA) in an aqueous phase, Al-MIL-101-NH₂ (MIL: Material Institute Lavoisier) with a tripod-like cavity was utilized based on a lock-and-key model. Al-MIL-101-NH₂ (Al-MOF) was found to be an excellent fluorescent sensor for the TEA molecules in the range of 0.05–0.99 mM. The limit of detection (LOD) and linear calibration range of this probe towards TEA were found to be 3 μM and 0.05–0.40 mM, respectively. The mechanism of the sensing process indicates the dominant role of physical processes (e.g., non-covalent bond interactions). In addition, the exact fit of the TEA molecule (6.5 Å) in the tripod-like cavity (6.78 Å) supported the strong interaction between three ethyl groups (TEA) and aromatic rings (MOF). This kind of specific suitability between size/shape of the TEA and tripod-like cavity of MOF (ΔG: −46.7 kJ mol⁻¹) was not found in other molecules such as ethylamine (ΔG: −2.20 kJ mol⁻¹ and size: 3.7 Å), formaldehyde (ΔG: +1.50 kJ mol⁻¹ and size: 2.8 Å), and ammonia (ΔG: +0.71 kJ mol⁻¹ and size: 1.6 Å). As such, Al-MOF was found to be a selective and stable sensor for TEA.

To develop the metal–organic framework (MOF)-based sensing of triethylamine (TEA) in an aqueous phase, Al-MIL-101-NH₂ (MIL: Material Institute Lavoisier) with a tripod-like cavity was utilized based on a lock-and-key model.     

Evaluation of chromosomal alteration in electrical workers occupationally exposed to low frequency of electro magnetic field (EMFs) in Coimbatore population, India

Extremely low frequency electro magnetic fields (EMFs) have been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. An increased number of chromosomal alterations in peripheral lymphocytes are correlated with elevated incidence of cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess occupationally induced chromosomal damage in EMF workers exposed to low levels of radiation. We used conventional metaphase chromosome aberration (CA) analysis and the micronucleus (MN) assay as biological indicators of non ionizing radiation exposure. In the present study totally 70 subjects were selected including 50 exposed and 20 controls. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants and the study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the approval of the local ethical committee. A higher degree of CA and MN was observed in exposed subjects compared to controls, the frequency of CA being significantly enhanced with long years of exposure (P<0.05). Moreover increase in CA and MN with age was noted in both exposed subjects and controls, but was significantly greater in the former. The results of this study demonstrated that a significant induction of cytogenetic damage in peripheral lymphocytes of workers occupationally exposed to EMFs in electric transformer and distribution stations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that EMFs possess genotoxic capability, as measured by CA and MN assays; CA analysis appeared more sensitive than other cytogenetic end-points. It can be concluded that chronic occupational exposure to EMFs may lead to an increased risk of genetic damage among electrical workers.     

Evaluation of the genetic alterations in direct and indirect exposures of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in leather tanning industry workers North Arcot District, South India

Purpose  

The focal aim of the present study was to identify the genetic alterations occurring in the tannery workers and surrounding inhabitants chronically exposed to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)].     

Influence of heavy metals in Parkinson’s disease: an overview

Journal of Neurology - Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an ageing disorder with deterioration of dopamine neurons which leads to motor complications like tremor, stiffness, slow movement and...     

γ-Sitosterol from Acacia nilotica L. induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through c-Myc suppression in MCF-7 and A549 cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Acacia nilotica is widely distributed in Asia. In India, it occupies an important place in the indigenous system of medicine against anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cancers, and/or tumors.

Aim of the study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of Acacia nilotica leaves extract and γ-Sitosterol on cell proliferation, the apoptotic effect and cell cycle arrest in breast and lung cancer cells.

Materials and methods

GC–MS and HPLC were used to determine the chemical constituents of this extract and γ-Sitosterol respectively. Human MCF-7 and A549 cell lines were treated with Acacia nilotica extract and γ-Sitosterol. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell proliferation was determined by BrdU incorporation assay. Apoptosis was detected by cell morphologic observation through AO/EtBr staining, cell cycle analysis, and immunoblot analysis on the expression of protein associated with cell cycle arrest.

Results

Experimental results of bioactive compound analysis indicate that γ-Sitosterol, bioactive ingredients of Acacia nilotica extract. The IC₅₀ value of extract on MCF-7 and A549 cancer cells was 493.3 ± 15.2 and 696.6 ± 11.5 μg/ml, respectively. Acacia nilotica extract and γ-Sitosterol were inhibited the cell proliferation by 54.34 ± 1.8 and 42.18 ± 3.9% for MCF-7 and 58.26 ± 1.5 and 44.36 ± 3.05% for A549 cells. The percentage of apoptotic cells observed in the MCF-7 and A549 cell lines were increased to 42.46 and 36.8% of extract; 46.68 and 43.24% for γ-Sitosterol respectively. Flow cytometric analysis results demonstrate that cells were arrested at the G2/M phase and decrease the c-Myc expression.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates in vitro results, which support the ethnomedical use of γ-Sitosterol against cancer. Experimental results of this study suggest that γ-Sitosterol exerts potential anticancer activity through the growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and the apoptosis on cancer cells.     

The pathophysiological and immunological background of the monkeypox virus infection: An update

In addition to the COVID-19 waves, the globe is facing global monkeypox (MPX) outbreak. MPX is an uncommon zoonotic infection characterized by symptoms similar to smallpox. It is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus (OPXV). MPXV, which causes human disease, has been confined to Africa for many years, with only a few isolated cases in other areas. Outside of Africa, the continuing MPXV outbreak in multiple countries in 2022 is the greatest in recorded history. The current outbreak, with over 10 000 confirmed cases in over 50 countries between May and July 2022, demonstrates that MPXV may travel rapidly among humans and pose a danger to human health worldwide. The rapid spread of such outbreaks in recent times has elevated MPX to the status of a rising zoonotic disease with significant epidemic potential. While the MPXV is not as deadly or contagious as the variola virus that causes smallpox, it poses a threat because it could evolve into a more potent human pathogen. This review assesses the potential threat to the human population and provides a brief overview of what is currently known about this reemerging virus. By analyzing the biological effects of MPXV on human health, its shifting epidemiological footprint, and currently available therapeutic options, this review has presented the most recent insights into the biology of the virus. This study also clarifies the key potential causes that could be to blame for the present MPX outbreak and draw attention to major research questions and promising new avenues for combating the current MPX epidemic.     

Antioxidant and type 2 diabetes related functional properties of phytic acid extract from Kenyan local food ingredients: effects of traditional processing methods

Emerging scientific evidences reveal that phytic acid has several positive effects on human health. The antioxidant and type 2 diabetes related enzyme inhibition properties of phytic acid extract prepared from raw and traditionally processed local grains and vegetables collected from Kenya were evaluated. Phytic acid content of raw grains and vegetables ranged between 2.81-3.01 and 0.29-3.23 g/100 g DM, respectively. The phytic acid extract from raw samples revealed 59%-89% of DPPH radical scavenging capacity, 27-3,526 mmol Fe(II)/g extract of reducing power, 20%-72% of α-amylase inhibition activity and 8%-91% of α-glucosidase inhibition activity. Cooking and roasting improved the antioxidant and health relevant functionality of phytic acid extracts obtained from Kenyan local vegetables and grains, respectively.     

A Comprehensive Analysis of Plausible Genotoxic Covariates Among Workers of a Polyvinyl Chloride Plant Exposed to Vinyl Chloride Monomer

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of chromosomal aberrations—including chromatid type aberrations (CTAs), chromosomal type aberrations, micronucleus (MN) comet assay, and XRCC1 399 Arg/Gln polymorphism—in peripheral blood lymphocytes of workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). A total of 52 workers and an equal number of controls were recruited into the study to explore the potential cytogenetic risk of occupational exposure to VCM. Questionnaires were administered to obtain details of habitual cigarette-smoking, alcohol-consumption pattern, and occupation, etc. The exposed subjects and controls were classified into two groups based on age (group I <40 years; group II ≥40 years), and exposed subjects were further classified based on exposure duration (>8 and ≥8 years). CTA, MN, and comet assay frequency were significantly greater in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) factory workers (p < 0.05) with long-duration work. CTA, MN, and comet assay values were found to be increased with age in exposed subjects as well as in controls, with exposed subjects showing a statistically greater degree. An extensively greater MN frequency was observed in smokers exposed to VCM than in the control group (P < 0.05). The mean tail length of exposed subjects was greater compared with controls. The study on XRCC1 399 Arg/gln polymorphism in PVC factory workers showed less significant difference in allele frequency compared with controls. In conclusion, this results of work provides evidence for an apparent genotoxic effect associated with VCM exposure. Our results reinforce the greater sensitivity of cytogenetic assays for biomonitoring of occupationally exposed populations. Statistics indicate that workers exposed to VCM are at carcinogenic risk and should be monitored for long-term adverse effects from their exposure.