MOSP - Macao Scientific Publishers

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Toxicological assessment of oral administration of some antisickling agents in rats

Oyewole, O. I.* and Malomo, S. O.

Abstract: This study investigated the toxicological effects of oral administration of hydroxyurea, tellurite and thiocyanate on some biochemical parameters in rats. The drugs were administered orally to rats daily at their therapeutic dose for 28 days after which some biochemical parameters were measured. All the drugs caused growth depression and significant elevation (P < 0.05) of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) while they also lowered serum albumin and total protein. Thiocyanate and tellurite significantly decreased activities of the three enzymes in the liver and kidney while hydroxyurea resulted in significant elevated activities. Tellurite significantly reduced serum concentrations of sodium ion and urea while it elevated serum potassium, creatinine and bilirubin. Hydroxyurea elevated serum urea and creatinine while it reduced bilirubin concentration. Thiocyanate significantly reduced (P < 0.05) serum bicarbonate and bilirubin. These results suggest that the drugs might be toxic at their therapeutic dose with thiocyanate exhibiting mildest toxicity followed by hydroxyurea.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Sickle cell disease, hydroxyurea, sodium thiocyanate, potassium tellurite

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Effect of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on acid phosphatase activity

K. S. Prashanth*, T. R. S. Chouhan and Snehalatha Nadiger

Abstract: The effect of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) (50 Hz 0.5 mT) on the activity of acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2) was studied. In addition the factors affecting the enzyme activity such as the temperature, pH and substrate concentration were also investigated. The results show that ELF EMF have significant influence on enzyme activity. Upon EMF exposure Km increased from 0014 ± 0.005 to 0.040 ± 0.008 mM whereas Vmax increased from 0.991 ± 0.254 to 1.638 ± 0.345 µmol/min. Further studies can probably help in finding suitable applications for ELF based modulation of enzyme activity.[...] Read More.

Keywords: ELF EMF, acid phosphatase, enzyme activity.

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The effect of allelic variation on forage quality of brown midrib sorghum mutants with reduced caffeic acid O-methyl transferase activity

R. K. Vogler, T. T. Tesso, K. D. Johnson and G. Ejeta*

Abstract: Sorghum brown midrib (bmr) mutants have reddish-brown vascular tissues in their leaves and stems as a result of changes in lignin content and subunit composition. Past research at Purdue University has generated a set of bmr sorghum mutants via chemical mutagenesis and established some to be allelic to each other. More recently, we identified additional spontaneous mutants in true breeding lines with marked phenotype and a range of agronomic characteristics. One such mutant, bmr-26, is of particular interest because it arose in a drought-tolerant sorghum line. Analysis of testcross hybrids between this spontaneous bmr mutant and the chemically induced mutants, bmr-6 and bmr-12, showed that the bmr-26 allele was allelic to bmr-12 and not to bmr- 6. Both the bmr-12 and the bmr-26 mutations significantly reduced lignin content in leaf, blade, sheath, stem, and panicle tissue. The effect of the mutation was relatively more severe in bmr- 12 than in bmr-26. The impact of the two mutations on cell wall composition in different tissues varied. The biggest effect of the bmr-12 mutation was in reduction of lignin in the sheath, whereas lignin content in panicles was more affected by the bmr-26 mutation. This suggested an allele-specific effect in tissue lignin reduction of these mutants. Cellulose and hemicellulose concentrations were also significantly higher in certain tissue types for both the induced and spontaneous mutants. Forage quality traits including percent NDF and ADF were significantly increased by both mutations. Improvement in in vitro dry matter digestibility as a result of the bmr-26 mutation was relatively small and was not proportional to the reduction in the lignin content.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Acid detergent fiber (ADF), bmr, brown midrib, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), lignin, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), Sorghum bicolor.

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Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanins on 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-induced hematotoxicity in rabbits

A. Ologundudu*, A. O.Ologundudu, I. A. Ololade and F. O. Obi

Abstract: In this study, the 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-induced biochemical and hematological changes in rabbits were examined under the administrative protocol of anthocyanin extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces. Blood levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as red blood cell counts (RBC), white blood cell counts (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were determined as indices of alteration and protection. Relative to control, 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2, 4-DNPH) treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) blood level of GSH and significantly increased blood MDA level .It also significantly (P < 0.05) decreased RBC counts, PCV and Hb but increased WBC counts. On the other hand treatment of rabbits with Hibiscus anthocyanin extract led to significant (P < 0.05) increase in blood GSH, RBC counts, PCV and Hb and a decrease in MDA and WBC counts. These findings indicate that anthocyanin extract from dried calyces of H. sabdariffa protects the blood against 2, 4-DNPH lipoperoxidative and hemolytic effects.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Rabbit, Hibiscus sabdariffa , anthocyanin extract, 2,4 dinitrophenylhydrazine, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, complete blood count.

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D-3-hydroxybutyrate oxidation in mitochondria by D -3-Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase in Tetrahymena pyriformis

Omar Akil, Zakaria El Kebbaj, Norbert Latruffe* and M’Hammed Saïd El Kebbaj

Abstract: Tetrahymena pyriformis a ciliated protozoan, is considered as a good indicator of water pollution. However its energy supply is poorly understood. This work was focused on the metabolism of hydroxybutyrate through the study of the membrane bound mitochondrial NAD+-dependent D-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (EC. 1.1.1.30) (BDH), a ketone body catalysing enzyme involved in the interconversion of D-3- hydroxybutyrate to acetoacetate. Due to lack of informations, the physico-chemical properties and kinetic parameters of the enzyme were examined. The results are the following: 1) D-3-hydroxybutyrate is a good substrate for mitochondria. 2) The enzyme catalytic process follows a bi bi-ordered mechanism where the coenzyme binds first, then allowing the substrate linkage to the active site. 3) Two optimal pH values of 8 and 6.5 corresponding to D-3-hydroxybutyrate oxidation and to acetoacetate reduction respectively. On the other hand, pH changes affect the coenzyme binding to the active site. 4) The BDH activity was found strongly linked to submitochondrial vesicles indicating that the protozoan enzyme is membranous and could require lipids for its function as well as it is for the mammalian enzyme. Moreover, an optimal temperature (40°C) and a break appearing in the Arrhenius plot at 19°C were found. The break suggests a membrane lipid fluidity-dependency of BDH conformational change. 5) Several ligands of the active site including methylmalonate and succinate modulate the BDH activity and are competitive inhibitors toward D-3-hydroxybutyrate. 6) Divalent cations, Mg2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ protect BDH against thermal inactivation. The protection is the strongest in the presence of Zn2+. Moreover, Ca2+ and Mg2+ are enzyme activators and modulate the substrate binding to the active site. On the other hand, EDTA, a chelating agent, inhibits the enzyme but prevents inhibition by substrate excess. This work provides new insights on the energy metabolism of T. pyriformis wild strain where D-3-hydroxybutyrate is a choice substrate where the properties of BDH have been established especially the activating role of non heavy divalent cations.[...] Read More.

Keywords: D-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, ketone body, mitochondria, Tetrahymena pyriformis.

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Utilization of enzymes in the production of liquid sugar from dates

Gamal A. El-Sharnouby * , Salah M. Al-Eid and Mutlag M. Al – Otaibi

Abstract: Date palm fruits Phoenix dactylifera cultivated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were used for the production of high quality date syrup. This syrup is suitable for the manufacture of different food products. Date syrup was prepared from Reziz date (Soft variety) at different ratios of water/date (2:1, 2.5:1 and 3:1) . Pectinase and cellulase were used to obtain the maximum date syrup extraction. Data revealed that Reziz variety contained high total sugar content (about 83.51% on dry basis). The extraction rate of sugars increased as the water/flesh ratio increased. Also, the use of pectinase/cellulase gave the highest recovery of total soluble solids (65.6 to 70.7%) compared with control (50.5 to 56.30%). The resultant date syrups were evaluated for their physico-chemical charac-teristics and compared with cane syrup (Black honey). Results of the organoleptic evaluation proved that date syrup is considered to be highly desirable than cane syrup. Results indicate the possibility of employing pectinase/cellulase to produce concentrated date syrup from tamr fruits for use in food product development.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Date fruits, Reziz, date syrup, pectinase, cellulose, physico-chemical characteristics.

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Kinetics studies of protease in fermenting locust beans (Parkia biglobosa) and melon seed (Citrullus vulgaris)

C. Egwim Evans*, J. Yisa and P.O. Egwim

Abstract: Melon seed (Citrullus vulgaris) and locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) were separately subjected to a natural solid – substrate fermentation for 5 days. The peak of protease (P.I) production from the fermenting melon seeds was 48 h while that of the protease (P.II) from fermenting locust bean was 96 h. Both P.I and P.II demonstrated maximum activity at 40°C. The peak of activity for P.I was observed between pH 6.6 to 7.6, whereas for P.II, the optimum pH was 5.8. The Michaelis – Menten’s constant (KM) as well as the maximum velocity (VMax) of activity were 4.8 x 10-2 M and 3.43 x 10-2/s, and 5.8 x 10-2 M and 5.1x10-2/s for both P.I and P.II respectively. The work concludes that fermenting melon and locust bean seeds may be a cheap and alternative source of proteases for industrial processes.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Kinetics, protease, natural fermentation, locust bean, melon seed, alternative sources.

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Effect of traditionally designed nutraceutical on stress induced immunoglobulin changes at Antarctica

P. Bansal*, R. Sannd, N. Srikanth and G. S. Lavekar

Abstract: This study was conducted to establish the effect of a traditionally designed nutraceutical on stress related changes in selected immunoglobulin levels in the body. The nutraceutical was prepared from different potent herbs described in Ayurveda using standard operative procedures and were tested for heavy metal and microbial load. Initially, 21 subjects were selected in addition to 7 volunteers for control group who did not consume nutraceutical. Sampling was done at zero days and at fortnightly intervals. The levels of selected immunoglobulin IgG, IgA and IgM were estimated with turbidity metric immunoassay at different time intervals. The concentration of immunoglobulin IgA was 146±15.96 at zero day stage. The levels of these immunoglobulins were lower at all stages as compared to the concentration at zero day in trial group subjects whereas the concentration was significantly higher (t stat.>t critic. at pt critic. at pt critic. at pt critic. at p[...] Read More.

Keywords: Rasayana, immunoglobulins, Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Chlorophytum arundinaceum, Piper longum, Prunus amygdalus, Antarctica, stress.

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Effects of sodium ion and water hyacinth extract in the production of Curvularia pallescens in culture media

Okunowo Wahab Oluwanisola* and Ogunkanmi Liasu Adebayo

Abstract: An investigation was conducted on the pH, nutritional and cost benefit of the use of different substrates for the production of Curvularia pallescens Boedijn. The growth of the organism was examined at pH range between 5.5 and 8.6 and on different growth media, potato carrot agar (PCA), potato dextrose agar (PDA), sabouraud agar (SA), tap water agar (TWA), water hyacinth agar (WHA) and Czapek-Dox agar (ZA). Also, the growth of the organism was examined on different enrichment media “Czapek-Dox” with its sodium nitrate substituted with equal amount of different nitrogen sources (ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, glutamine and sodium glutamate). WHA produced significantly (P < 0.001) highest amount of mycelial growth (84.95 ± 0.05 mm) on day 6 than other media types. The spore concentration was highest, 6.6 E06 ± 3.33 E05 spores/ml with TWA. The colony size was significantly (P < 0.001) highest, 84.9 ± 0.1 mm on day 10 with sodium glutamate compared with other nitrogen sources. Spore count was only observed on ammonium chloride (1.67E06 ± 3.33E05 spores/ml), the optimal growth pH was 5.5. The cost of production of the organism per culture plate on WHA was 61.3 and 82% lesser than on PDA and SA respectively. The formulated water hyacinth agar medium appeared most economically feasible for the mycelial production of C. pallescens Boedijn.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Curvularia pallescence Boedjin, growth measurement, pH measurement.

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Epidemiological and biochemical studies of human lymphatic filariasis and associated parasitoses in Oguta, South-Eastern, Nigeria

Okey A. Ojiako* and G. O. C. Onyeze

Abstract: Possible organ infections associated with human filariasis, helminthiasis and malaria in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, South-Eastern Nigeria were investigated. Blood, urine and stool samples were collected in appropriate containers from 200 male and female respondents aged 31 – 85 years. Parasitological studies were carried out on blood samples for malaria and/or microfilariae parasites while stool samples were tested for the presence of some intestinal parasites. The study showed a prevalence of intestinal protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica), Wuchereria bancrofti, the intestinal helminthes Ascaris lumbricoides and Hookworms. Biochemical parameters of liver integrity were also studied across the various infection cohorts among the respondents. Results obtained show that these parasitic infections depressed the hematological parameters relative to ‘normal’ respondents. Comparative biochemical analyses showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in some liver function parameters obtained for infected respondents relative to those not infected. There was also a positive correlation between age brackets with highest filarial infection (with no malarial co infection) and age groups with elevated markers of liver dysfunction. This study can be of immense diagnostic value in the clinical management of the filariases especially in malaria-endemic and resource-poor areas.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Filariasis, co-parasitoses, Nigeria, prevalence patterns, liver dysfunction.

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