MOSP - Macao Scientific Publishers

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Antihypertensive effect of an aqueous extract of CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA (Rutaceae) (Christm.) Swingle, on the arterial blood pressure of mammal

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Abstract: CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA is used in African folk medicine for the management of hypertension. In order to provide a scientific basis for this use, we studied the effects of an aqueous extract of CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA (Ecita) on arterial blood pressure and on isolated heart and aorta activities. Rabbits were used for the study on the arterial blood pressure using a Ludwig manometer. Albino Wistar rats were used for the studies regarding the isolated heart and aorta activities using isolated organ bath systems. Ecita (4mg/kg-16mg/kg b.w) produced a dose-dependent and significant decrease in rabbit blood pressure (p0.05). Ecita (4mg/kg-16mg/kg b.w) dose-dependently reduced hypertension evoked by adrenalin (30 µg/kg b.w.). Ecita (10-8mg/ml-10-2mg/ml) induced both negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart contractile activity. The plant extract (10-8mg/ml-10-2mg/ml) induced a dose-dependent relaxation of contractions produced by adrenalin (3.10-3mM) or by KCl (80mM). Ecita-evoked vasorelaxant effects were totally abolished by removal of the endothelium layer or by a pre-treatment with L-NAME (mg/ml). It was concluded that the extract possesses an antihypertensive activity which could be related to both cardiodepression and the vasorelaxation. Endothelium-dependent mechanisms might be involved.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Citrus aurantifolia, blood pressure, heart, aorta, hypertension.

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In vitro antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activity of three Bangladeshi Bridelia species

Adeeba Anjum, Mohammad R. Haque, Mohammad S. Rahman, Choudhury M. Hasan, Md. Ekramul Haque and Mohammad A. Rashid,*

Abstract: The organic soluble extractives of three Bridelia species, B. verrucosa, B. stipularis and B. tomentosa growing in Bangladesh were subjected to screening for antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities. All extractives showed moderate to strong antimicrobial activity against 13 Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains and three fungi where the stem bark of B. tomentosa demonstrated highest inhibition of growth with zone of inhibition of 23.2 mm against Bacillus cereus and 17.5 mm against Candida albicans. The crude extractives of all three plants of Bridelia species exhibited cytotoxic activity against brine shrimp nauplii having significant LC50 and LC90. Keywords: Antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, bridelia, brine shrimp nauplii.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, bridelia, brine shrimp nauplii.

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Modulatory effect of sweet almond extract on serum lipids, lipid peroxidation and histology of pancreas in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

¹Etim O.E, ²Bassey E.I*, ³Ita, S.O, Udonkang, I.C, Etim, I. E and Jackson, I.L

Abstract: The modulatory effects of sweet almond extract on lipid peroxidation, serum lipids, and histology of pancreas in alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats was studied. Serum lipids and lipid peroxidation levels were determined using appropriate chemical techniques. Total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) activities significantly increased in the diabetic groups of animals treated with 300mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight of sweet almond extract in a dose dependent fashion while high density lipoprotein (HDL) showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease. Triglyceride (TG), very low density lipoprotein (V L D L) and lipid peroxidation (LP) decreased significantly. Modulatory activity of sweet almond on the histology of the pancreas of diabetic wistar rats treated with 300 mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weight of sweet almond extract was significant and pronounced compared to the untreated diabetic group of animals. There was a corresponding regeneration of acinar cells and the islet cells of Langerhans with prominent nuclei, an indication of restored function. The anti-lipid peroxidation and serum lipid modulatory activities of sweet almond extract shows ability to protect, reduce pancreatic damage and risk of diabetic complication.[...] Read More.

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Peptide nucleic acid: Current perspectives and application for future therapeutics

Manoj G Tyagi

Abstract: Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) mimic based on a polyamide backbone first synthesized and reported by Peter Nielsen in 1991. PNA shows remarkable hybridization properties and has many exciting applications. It is chemically and biologicaly stable and can readily conjugate with peptides and other useful molecules. The search for new chemical modification of the PNA is a very active field of research and new structures are continuosly proposed. Conjugation of an oligonucleotide to some peptides that can move through the cell membrane would facilitate the passage of this conjugate across for delivery into the cell’s cytosol. Oligonucleotides can also be conjugated to lipids to yield derivatives with lipophilic properties that are capable to pass across the cell membrane. Thus, PNA can have multiple roles to perform in molecular biology, antigene therapy, molecular diagnostics and nano-biotechnology.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Peptide nucleic acid, oligonucleotide, electroporation, ribonucleic acid, polyamide

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Computational simulations integrating inhibition kinetics of tyrosinase by oxalic acid

Li Yan, Shang-Jun Yin, Daeui Park, Yue-Xiu Si, Zhi-Jiang Wang, Hae Young Chung, Jun-Mo Yang, *Guo-Ying Qian, *Yong-Doo Park,

Abstract: Tyrosinase inhibition studies are important for agricultural and medicinal applications. Computational predictions and enzymatic assays via kinetics may be used to detect effective inhibitors of tyrosinase. We predicted the 3D structure of tyrosinase from Agaricus bisporus, used a docking algorithm to simulate binding between tyrosinase and oxalic acid (OA), and studied the reversible inhibition of tyrosinase by OA. Simulations were successful (binding energies for Dock6.3 = -18.76 and AutoDock4.2 = -2.47 kcal/mol), suggesting that OA interacts with the LYS224 residue that is predicted by both programs. OA inhibited tyrosinase in a mixed-type manner with a Ki = 3.16 ± 1.8 mM and IC50 = 8.0 ± 0.5 mM. Measurements of intrinsic and ANS-binding fluorescences showed that OA induced changes in the active site structure. Our results suggest that the strategy of predicting tyrosinase inhibition based on carboxyl groups and orientation may prove useful for the screening of potential tyrosinase inhibitors.[...] Read More.

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Arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate during a meal in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Rachel de Aguiar Cassiani, Carla Manfredi dos Santos, José Antonio Baddini Martinez, *Roberto Oliveira Dantas

Abstract: Patients with chronic pulmonary diseases may have difficulties with breathing during meals. Our objective in this investigation was to evaluate oxygen saturation and heart rate during a meal in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We evaluated 16 patients with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a stable phase of the disease and 15 healthy volunteers. The oxygen saturation and heart rate were measured by pulse oximetry for 10 minutes before the ingestion of a solid meal with 1800 calories, during the ingestion, and 10 minutes after the ingestion. Mean oxygen saturation was always lower in patients than in the normal volunteers. Healthy volunteers had no significant change in mean oxygen saturation during the meal, but oxygen saturation decreased after the meal (p[...] Read More.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, oxygen saturation, heart rate, swallowing, digestion, respiration

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Thermosensitive poloxamer-based injectables as controlled drug release platforms for veterinary use: Development and in-vitro evaluation

Bermudez J.M.* and Grau R.

Abstract: The aim of this work was to explore the potential of combining two different poloxamers (P407 and P188) with κ-carrageenan and sodium chloride for their utilization in the design of thermosensitive injectable depot systems for drug release. These delivery platforms were designed by combination of two different poloxamers (P407 and P188) with κ-carrageenan and sodium chloride. The addition of 10-15% w/w P188 in the poloxamer solution containing 28% w/w P407 allowed optimal gelation temperatures (24-28 °C) and a quick gelation process (30 s). The addition of 0.1% w/w of κ-carrageenan increased 3-fold the gel strength and did not change gelation temperature, compared with P407/P188 (28/15% w/w) alone. On the other hand, sodium chloride increased the gel strength and decreased the gelation temperature as a function of its concentration. In IN-VITRO release experiments, κ-carrageenan decreased the release rate of progesterone and reduced significantly the gel erosion in 48 h. This study demonstrates that addition of κ-carrageenan and sodium chloride into poloxamers blends can be considered a useful tool to design thermosensitive platforms, if added in suitable amounts. In conclusion, this system offers a promising alternative to development of injectable depot controlled drug release platforms for veterinary use. Keywords: Drug delivery, In situ forming gel, injectable depot, poloxamer; veterinary use[...] Read More.

Keywords: Drug delivery, In situ forming gel, injectable depot, poloxamer; veterinary use

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Comparative study between effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers on acetic acid- induced ulcerative colitis in rats

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Abstract: Accumulating data suggest the involvement of renin angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective and therapeutic effects of captopril and valsartan on acetic acid induced- ulcerative colitis in rats. The results were assessed by macroscopic and microscopic examinations of colonic tissues as ell as by biochemical measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor- beta1 (TGF-β1), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), reduced glutathione (GSH) and platelet activating factor (PAF) levels in colonic tissues. Oral treatment with captopril or valsartan in a dose of 30 mg kg-1 body weight, starting one day before induction of colitis and continuing for 1 week (prophylactic groups) or starting one week after induction of colitis and continuing for another one week (therapeutic groups), significantly reduced MDA, TNF-α, PAF, TGF-β1 and significantly increased colonic GSH in colonic tissues as compared to acetic acid control groups. Captopril and valsartan attenuated the macroscopic and microscopic colonic damage induced by acetic acid. No significant difference between the effect of either drug could be detected other than the significant decrease in ACE activity in colonic tissue exerted by captopril and not by valsartan, These results suggest that either captopril or valsartan may be effective in prophylaxis as well as in treatment of ulcerative colitis through targeting RAS. Keywords: Ulcerative colitis, captopril, valsartan, angiotensin converting enzyme, reduced glutathione, tumor necrosis factor alpha, transforming growth factor beta.[...] Read More.

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The comparative effects of chronic consumption of kola nut (COLA NITIDA) and caffeine diets on exploration, anxiety and fear in Swiss white mice

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Abstract: The present study was designed to investigate the comparative effects of chronic consumption of kola nut (COLA NITIDA) and caffeine-diets on exploration, anxiety and fear related behaviours in Swiss white mice. The study was carried out on 30 adult Swiss white mice of both sexes weighing 15.0 to 30.0g using the open field apparatus, the light/dark transition box and the elevated plus-maze. The frequency of rearing for mice fed kola nut diet did not differ significantly compared to control, this was significantly lower (P[...] Read More.

Keywords: Kola nut, caffeine, exploration, anxiety and fear.

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Preliminary toxicity and phytochemical studies of the aqueous extract of Ficus platyphylla in female albino rats

Chinenye J. Ugwah-Oguejiofor*, Shaibu O. Bello, Emmanuel U. Etuk, Vincent U. Igbokwe, Oguejiofor M. Ugwah, Raymond U. Okolo

Abstract: Ficus platyphylla Del. Holl. known as gutta percha tree, grows widely in the Northern part of Nigeria. It has been used traditionally to promote fertility. The present study was aimed to investigate the safety of Ficus platyphylla. Phytochemical, acute and repeat dose toxicity studies were conducted on aqueous extract of the leaves, seeds and bark of Ficus platyphylla. A Limit dose of 3000mg/kg of the aqueous extract was administered orally to female albino rats in sequence to test for acute toxic effect. A dose of 700mg/kg was administered orally daily for 28days to another group of female albino rats to ascertain the repeat dose effect. The control group of female albino rats received 5ml/kg of distilled water (diluent of the aq. extract) for 28days.Phytochemical studies revealed that the extract contains saponins (1%), tannins (16.75%), flavonoids (24.3%), volatile oils, glycosides (2.47%) and steroids. The acute toxicity results showed that the extract has LD50 above 3000mg/kg and repeat dose toxicity studies of the extract revealed possible damage to the glomeruli of rat kidney. Though the extract is relatively safe, its prolong use may carry risk of renal damage. Keywords: Toxicity, Ficus platyphylla, Albino rats, Phytochemical studies.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Toxicity, Ficus platyphylla, Albino rats, Phytochemical studies.

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