Biochemistry
In-vitro and In-silico α-amylase Inhibition Activity of Carlina Oxide and Aplotaxene Isolated From the Roots of Carthamus caeruleus and Rhaponticum acaule
Numerous natural products have been successfully developed for clinical use in the treatment of human diseases in almost every therapeutic area.
This work aimed to assess the in-vitro and in-silico α-amylase inhibition activities of carlina oxide and aplotaxene isolated from the roots of Carthamus caeruleus and Rhaponticum acaule respectively.
The essential oil from C. caeruleus roots was obtained using a Clevenger-type apparatus and the hexanoic extract from the roots of R. acaule was obtained through maceration. Major components of each plant were separated via column chromatography. The in-vitro α-amylase inhibition activity was evaluated using porcine pancreatic α-amylase while the molecular docking study was conducted using the Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) with three types of α-amylase: human salivary pancreatic α-amylase and Aspergillus oryzae α-amylase (PDB: 1Q4N 5EMY 7P4W respectively).
The in-vitro α-amylase inhibition results for the essential oil the hexanoic extract carlina oxide and aplotaxene showed that carlina oxide exhibited significant activity with IC50 of 0.42 mg/mL. However the in-silico study showed no interaction between aplotaxene and the three α-amylase enzymes whereas carlina oxide demonstrated one pi-cation interaction with 5EMY with the amino acid TYR 62 at a distance of 4.70 Å and two pi-H interactions with 7P4W with the amino acid LYS 383 at distances of 4.31 and 4 .03 Å.
In conclusion carlina oxide has the potential to serve as an alternative agent for α-amylase inhibition contributing to the reduction of postprandial hyperglycemia.
Predicted Role of Acetyl-CoA Synthetase and HAT p300 in Extracellular Lactate Mediated Lactylation in the Tumor: In vitro and In silico Models
Background: As per the Warburg effect cancer cells are known to convert pyruvate into lactate. The accumulation of lactate is associated with metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming which has newly been suggested to involve lactylation. However the role of secreted lactate in modulating the tumor microenvironment through lactylation remains unclear. Specifically there are gaps in our understanding of the enzyme responsible for converting lactate to lactyl-CoA and the nature of the enzyme that performs lactylation by utilizing lactyl-CoA as a substrate. It is worth noting that there are limited papers focused on metabolite profiling that detect lactate and lactyl-CoA levels intracellularly and extracellularly in the context of cancer cells. Methods: Here we have employed an in-house developed vertical tube gel electrophoresis (VTGE) and LC-HRMS assisted profiling of extracellular metabolites of breast cancer cells treated by anticancer compositions of cow urine DMSO fraction (CUDF) that was reported previously. Furthermore we used molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to determine the potential enzyme that can convert lactate to lactyl-CoA. Next the histone acetyltransferase p300 (HAT p300) enzyme (PDB ID: 6GYR) was evaluated as a potential enzyme that can bind to lactyl- CoA during the lactylation process. Results: We collected evidence on the secretion of lactate in the extracellular conditioned medium of breast cancer cells treated by anticancer compositions. MD simulations data projected that acetyl- CoA synthetase could be a potential enzyme that may convert lactate into lactyl-CoA similar to a known substrate acetate. Furthermore a specific and efficient binding (docking energy -9.6 kcal/mol) of lactyl-CoA with p300 HAT suggested that lactyl-CoA may serve as a substrate for lactylation similar to acetylation that uses acetyl-CoA as a substrate. Conclusion: In conclusion our data provide a hint on the missing link for the lactylation process due to lactate in terms of a potential enzyme that can convert lactate into lactyl-CoA. This study helped us to project the HAT p300 enzyme that may use lactyl-CoA as a substrate in the lactylation process of the tumor microenvironment.
Tubulin-gene Mutation in Drug Resistance in Helminth Parasite: Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Background: Drug resistance is an important phenomenon in helminth parasites. Microtubules are among the key chemotherapeutic targets mutations of which lead to drug resistance. Objectives: The present study investigated the role of F167Y E198A and F200Y mutations in β- tubulin protein and their effect on albendazole binding. Methods: Brugia malayi β-tubulin protein models were generated using the SwissModel platform by submitting amino acid sequences. Mutations were carried out at amino acid sequences by changing F167Y E198A and F200Y. All the model proteins (one wild and three mutated) were docked with the anthelmintic drug albendazole using AutoDock vina-1.1.5. Docking complexes were further investigated for their binding stability by a Molecular Dynamic Simulation study using Gromacs-2023.2. The binding free energies of protein-ligand complexes were analyzed using the MM/PBSA package. Results: The docking study observed decreased ligand binding affinity in F167Y and E198A mutant proteins compared to wild proteins. MD simulation revealed the overall structural stability of the protein complexes during the simulation period. The simulation also observed more stable binding of albendazole in the active pocket of mutant proteins compared to wild-type proteins. Like ligand RMSD wild-type protein also showed higher amino acid residual flexibility. The flexibility indicates the less compactness of wild β-tubulin protein complexes compared to mutant proteinligand complexes. Van der Waals and electrostatic interactions were found to be the major energy in protein-ligand complexes. However due to higher solvation energy wild-type protein showed more flexibility compared to others. Conclusion: The study therefore concludes that mutations at positions 167 and 198 of the β- tubulin protein contribute to resistance to albendazole through weakened binding affinity. However the binding of albendazole binding to the proteins leads to structures becoming more stable and compact.
Synergistic Effect, and Therapeutic Potential of Aqueous Prickly Pear Extract. In vivo Neuroleptic, Catatonic, and Hypoglycemic Activity
Background: Prickly pear "Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. "otherwise known as the Indian fig tree belongs to the family Cactaceae and was known as a medicinal plant for its rich source of bioactive substances. Objective: The present work aims to promote prickly pear seeds for traditional therapy by phenolic profiling and pharmacological tests of aqueous extract. Method: An analytical quantification was performed by UV-Visible and the identification of different bioactive compounds was done by HPLC-DAD. For pharmacological screening an in vivo evaluation of the various tests neuroleptic activity which consists of testing the recovery reflex; catatonic activity which is a test to detect catalepsy that can be characterized in animals by the administration of neuroleptic drugs; and for hypoglycemic activity a test was performed to assess glucose tolerance. Results: The administration of aqueous extract of the prickly pear seeds at a dose (400 mg/kg) allows a reduction in blood sugar with a maximum decrease of one and a half hours compared to the control group. Conclusion: This work makes it possible to postulate that the extract of prickly pear seeds is associated with a very interesting antihyperglycemic activity given its high content of phenolic compounds.
Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Sepia officinalis Extract Aggravate Acute Kidney Injury Induced by a High Folic Acid Dosage in Wistar Rats
Background: Seafood is an important source of food for the majority of people. Marine species have a wide spectrum of pharmacological actions including antibacterial antiviral antiparasitic anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Sepia officinalis extract (SoE) on folic acid-induced acute kidney injury in Wistar rats. Methods: A single dosage of folic acid (250 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to cause kidney injury induced (AKI). The study contained three groups of six rats each: control folic acid and folic acid + SoE groups. The SoE group received SoE (45 mg/kg orally) daily for one week while the control and folic acid groups were administered distilled water. Results: The crude extract of Sepia officianlis contains heavy metals such as Fe Cr Cd Pb and Zn according to our findings. The LD50 value of SoE was 450 mg/kg. SoE treatment increases creatinine urea uric acid sodium potassium chloride aspartate aminotransferase alanine aminotransferase alkaline phosphatase gamma-glutamyltransferase malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels while decreasing total proteins albumin glutathione reduced glutathione-S-transferase and catalase. Several histological alterations were found in the liver and kidney of the SoE rats. Conclusion: The heavy metal content of S. officinalis extract has a synergistic effect with folic acid to induce hepatorenal injury. Natural extracts of marine species should be used with caution as a component of medications or natural remedies.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential: Antiplatelet and Antioxidant Activities of Some Medicinal Plants in Morocco
Background: Thrombotic events and oxidative stress are major complications of certain ischemic disorders. The fight against these complications requires very intense research to develop new therapeutic agents of natural origin. Objective: The general objective of this work is the scientific valorization of five medicinal plants: Rhus pentaphylla Zizyphus lotus Ammodaucus leucotrichus Inula viscosa and Cinnamomum zeylanicum by exploring their effects on rat platelet aggregation antioxidant potential and determining their phytochemical composition. Methodology: The aggregation test was monitored by stimulating isolated washed platelets suspension in the absence and presence of extracts. The antioxidant activity was conducted in vitro according to three methods: DPPH free radical scavenging activity β-carotene bleaching test and ferric reducing antioxidant power test. The quantitative determination of total polyphenols and flavonoids are determined respectively according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method and the colorimetric method with aluminum chloride. Results: The results obtained show that the aqueous extract of the fruits of Rhus pentaphylla and the aerial part of Inula viscosa as well as the stalk peel of Cinnamomum zeylanicum significantly (p<0.001) inhibit thrombin-platelet aggregation while the other plant extracts have a slightly but significant effect. These extracts exert a remarkable antioxidant activity with the three methods used. But their IC50 values are still higher than those of the antioxidant references (ascorbic acid and butyl hydroxyanisole). Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of secondary metabolites with varying contents. Additionally the results of quantitative phytochemical analysis showed that the aqueous extracts of the leaves of Rhus pentaphylla and the aerial part of Inula viscosa contain the highest amount of polyphenols and flavonoids. These secondary metabolites are also present in the other extracts but in smaller quantities. Conclusion: These results could contribute to the validation of the medical use of these extracts that exert an antiplatelet effect to treat hemostatic and thrombotic disorders.
Medicinal, Pharmacological and Biochemical Progress on the Study of Genus Helianthemum: A Review
The genus Helianthemum from the Cistaceae family includes about 110 plants which are well known for their wide therapeutic uses and interesting pharmacological activities. To the best of our knowledge there are no previous comprehensive and critical reviews on the therapeutic applications chemical composition and biological properties of this genus. In this context the present paper describes a systematic mini-review on the traditional use phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of species belonging to the genus Helianthemum. For this more than 75 papers covering the period from 1970 to 2022 were collected and analyzed to achieve this review. From 110 species of the genus Helianthemum only 22 species were studied. Helianthemum species are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of respiratory hepatic renal psychiatric and inflammatory diseases. According to the collected information species from this genus have several pharmacological properties linked to their rich chemical composition particularly in phenolic compounds and flavonoids. In fact Helianthemum plants have antioxidant antimicrobial anti-inflammatory analgesic antidiabetic insecticide anticancer antiulcer larvicide chemo and hepatoprotective activities justifying their various uses in traditional medicine. Despite the intense use of Helianthemum species in traditional human and veterinary medicine few studies were conducted on the phytochemical composition and pharmacological activities of the plants constituting this genus. In fact until now the emphasis has only been on twenty-two species and the work carried out was not explanatory especially for certain species. So it will be interesting to broaden the spectrum of the tested biological activities especially for endemic species in order to understand the possible modes of action and to confirm the toxicity of certain species.
Epigenetic Modification of HepG2 Cells by Modulating DNA (cytosine-5)- methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and Ten-eleven Translocation Methylcytosine Dioxygenase 1 (TET1) Expression using Persian Shallot Extract
Background: Various forms of epigenetic modification including DNA methylation contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) dissemination invasion and metastasis. The Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium Bioss.) is reported to have antibacterial antifungal antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. Aims: In the present study we examined the expression of DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) at the mRNA level in HepG2 cells following treatment with Persian shallot extract. Method: Ethanolic extracts of Persian shallot were prepared and dried at 80°C and 50°C for 20 and 30 minutes respectively. Different concentrations of dried shallot extract over the range of 0-250 µg/ml were prepared. HepG2 cells were cultured and the cytotoxicity of each extract concentration was measured using an MTT assay. The gene expression in treated and untreated cells was assessed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined to be 149 µg/ml using an MTT assay. A concentration of 175 µg/ml was found to reduce the expression of DNMT1 in the treated group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Furthermore the TET1 mRNA of HepG2 cells was down-regulated significantly after treatment with 100 and 1000 µg/ml of Persian shallot extract (P<0.05). These doses reduced the viability of the samples by 60% or higher. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the potential use of Persian shallot extract as a supplementary herbal agent for the treatment of HCC. The concentrations of extract used in this study are near or above the level required for toxicity and as such further study is warranted.
Investigation of In Vitro Antioxidant and Hemoglobin Antiglycation Effect of Roasted and Unroasted Argania spinosa L. Seed Oil from Morocco
Background: Argania spinosa L. seed oil is a Moroccan endemic product that is used traditionally as an alternative treatment for diabetes. Objective: The present work aims to evaluate the hemoglobin antiglycation and the antioxidant effect of roasted (Roil) and unroasted (UnRoil) Argan seed oil in vitro. Methods: The antioxidant activity was evaluated by different methods (total antioxidant capacity by the ammonium molybdate metal chelating activity ferric reducing antioxidant power 1 1-diphenyl- 2- picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching test) and the protein antiglycation effect was tested using hemoglobin in vitro. Results: The results showed that both oils possess an important antioxidant effect and the roasting process did not influence the total antioxidant capacity metal chelating activity and β-carotene bleaching test. Although it significantly influences the antiradical activity of Argania spinosa L. seed oil (p < 0.05) with IC50; values of 21.47 ± 0.076 μg/mL for Roil and 4.01 ± 1.13 μg/mL for UnRoil. Besides Roil and UnRoil it significantly inhibit the hemoglobin glycation activity with IC50; values of 1.09 ± 0.31 and 0.16 ± 0.031 mg/ml respectively. Moreover it was noted that UnRoil has a lower IC50; value than Roil which means that UnRoil has a more potent activity than Roil (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Argania spinosa L. seed oil is an essential source of natural antioxidants and hemoglobin antiglycation that plays a key role in scavenging of free radicals and might be used for reducing the development of diabetic complications.
MgO-MgAl2O4: An Efficient Catalyst for Multicomponent Synthesis of Substituted 4H-pyran
Background: The 4H-pyran compounds are an important class of heterocyclic compounds due to their diverse biological and pharmaceutical properties. Moreover 4H-pyran is a crucial structural component commonly encountered in the pharmaceutical industry. Thus it has recently gained significant attention from industry researchers and academic organizations. Herein we report an efficient and eco-friendly one-pot strategy to synthesize bioactive compounds containing 4H-pyran motifs via a multicomponent reaction. This reaction occurs by reacting equimolar amounts of ethyl acetoacetate malononitrile and substituted aldehyde under mild conditions in the presence of a solid catalyst MgO-MgAl2;O4;. This latter was obtained by heat treatment at 800°C of a layered double hydroxide with the metal cation ratio of Mg2+/Al3+ = 3:1 and it was characterized by some techniques including XRD TG-DTA FT-IR and N2; adsorption-desorption. Therefore bioactive compounds containing the pyran unit may possess intriguing biological properties. The synthetic protocol offers advantages such as a simple procedure good to excellent yields and easy catalyst separation from the reaction mixture. Methods: Substituted 4H-pyran derivatives were prepared by the condensation reaction of substituted aldehydes ethyl acetoacetate and malononitrile using MgO-MgAl2;O4; catalyst under mild conditions. This study aims to develop an efficient methodology for synthesizing 4H-pyran heterocyclic compounds that have potential applications in biological sciences. The study utilizes MgO-MgAl2;O4; as a highly effective heterogeneous catalyst. Results: The present research details the synthesis of 4H-pyran bioactive compounds using sustainable reaction conditions which resulted in high yields and facilitated the easy separation of the catalyst from the reaction mixture. Conclusion: In summary the MgO-MgAl2;O4; spinel nanostructure has been successfully prepared and fully characterized by using different physicochemical techniques such as XRD TG-DTA FT-IR and N2; adsorption-desorption. Afterwards its catalytic activity was investigated through the one-pot condensation of aryl aldehyde malononitrile and ethyl acetoacetate. Moreover it exhibits good catalytic activity for the synthesis of 4H-pyran derivatives under green conditions. These latter have many benefits such as simple procedure good to excellent yields and easy separation of the catalyst from the reaction mixture.
In Silico Identification of Cadmium Binding Protein and its Secreted Metalloproteins in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Background: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a pathogenic bacteria that causes serious infectious complications in humans especially in immune-compromised patients. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a gram-negative bacterium that is multidrug-resistant. Objective: The purpose of the study is to understand the diverse cellular and biological functions of cadmium-binding metalloproteins and to predict their role in pathogenicity regulation and growth. Methodology: Different in silico approaches were used to check the Functional Annotation Subcellular Localization Gene Ontology and Bacterial toxin prediction have been used to identify the cellular and biological function of Cd-binding metalloproteins in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Results: Identified 116 Cd-binding proteins from the whole proteome sequence and functional domain family localization and toxicity were also studied. Conclusion: The outcomes revealed that this study could be used in understanding the 116 cadmiumbinding proteins from the whole proteome sequence. This study shows the survival growth and pathogenicity of the bacteria.
Isolation and Biochemical Characterization of Ananassains, Cysteine Peptidases from the Fruits of Ananas ananassoides
Aims: This work performed a preliminary characterization of two new peptidases from Ananas ananassoides. Background: Proteolytic enzymes also known as peptidases are found in all living things and play critical physiological roles in metabolism and cellular regulation. They account for roughly 60% of the enzymes used in industry and have high proteolytic activity such as papain from Carica papaya latex and stem and fruit bromelains from the edible pineapple Ananas comosus. Objective: The wild pineapple Ananas ananassoides contains proteolytic enzymes which motivated this study due to the potential applications of this type of enzyme. Methods: The fruit and stem of A. ananassoides were blended clarified and purified using chromatography (SP-Sepharose and Sephadex G-50). The molecular mass was determined using mass spectrometry (M.S.) and the N-terminal sequences were obtained and compared to other Bromeliaceae proteases. Fluorogenic substrates were used to determine the kinetic parameters. Results: As determined by M.S. the fruit and stem contain cysteine-peptidases with Mr of 27329.6 and 23912.5 Da respectively values that are very similar to those found in edible pineapple bromelains. Despite Mr and carbohydrate composition differences both proteases have similar optimum pH values. They have similar temperature effects though the stem protease is more thermally stable. Both proteases have a stronger preference for hydrophobic polar and basic residues. Both proteases hydrolyzed substrates containing polar and basic residues. Conclusion: A comparison of the N-terminal sequences (AVPQIIDW for fruit ananassains and AVPEIIDW for stem ananassains) reveals a high degree of homology when compared to other Bromeliaceae proteases such as papain.
Hexokinase and Glycolysis: Between Brain Cells Life and Death
Hexokinase catalyses the first regulatory step of the glycolytic pathway. We can say without any exaggeration that both hexokinase and glycolysis are involved in the control of brain cells' life and death. To perform these pivotal roles hexokinase occurs in four different isoforms in mammalian cells. Type I isozyme is best suited for energy generation introducing glucose in glycolysis. In contrast Type II and Type III isoforms product is directed to generation of NADPH through the pentose phosphate pathway utilized in biosynthetic processes. Nevertheless hexokinase has another unique property to accomplish its multiple functions: the capacity for mitochondrial binding. Linked to its role in apoptosis control the binding of hexokinase inhibits the action of apoptosis inducers such as Bax from initiating the release of intramitochondrial proteins. Akt mediates HKII binding to mitochondria. Overexpression of the phosphatase SHIP2 reduces Akt activity and enhances apoptosis emphasizing the role of hexokinase in cell death. Furthermore hexokinase also participates in cellular signaling and functional regulation. Adding complexity to this multidimensional enzyme´s attributes glycolysis occurs in aerobic or anaerobic situations. “Aerobic glycolysis” participates in the control of cell excitability in synapse formation and neurite growth. Here we provide an overview of the multiple roles of hexokinase and glycolysis in neuronal metabolic association with astrocytes oligodendrocytes and microglia. We also provide an update on the role of hexokinase and glycolysis in microglia activation and in brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Traditional use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of the Genus Onopordum
Background: The genus Onopordum (Asteraceae) with about 40 species is composed of perennials and spermatophyte plants which are widely used in popular medicine for the treatment of several human diseases. Plants of this genus constitute an interesting source of bioactive molecules with a wide range of pharmacological applications. Objective: In this context the current study describes a critical review of traditional uses phytochemistry and pharmacological effects of the genus Onopordum in order to establish a valuable database for future ethnopharmacological surveys on this genus. Methods: For this all bibliographic data covering the period of 1970 to 2022 were collected and analyzed. Results: Only 19 species from the genus Onopordum were studied. They are traditionally used to treat gastric renal respiratory urinary and gynecological diseases and in the food industry for cheese production. Indeed it was found that Onopordum species are rich in flavonoids phenolic compounds terpenoids alkaloids tannins and steroids. These plants exhibit several interesting biological activities including: antioxidant antimicrobial antiproliferative apoptotic cytotoxic antitumor anticholinergic larvicidal analgesic and antipyretic hypotensive antiepileptic and anticonvulsant activities. Furthermore their hemostatic anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties increase their usefulness in the cosmetic field. Conclusion: According to the present study Onoporadum species constitute an important natural source of secondary metabolites with potential therapeutic cosmetic and nutritional applications. However the focus has been only on 19 species and the publications were not very explanatory Therefore in-depth pharmacological and phytochemical studies are needed to fully exploit the therapeutic potential and the chemical composition of Onopordum species.
Hydroalcoholic Extract of Achillea Wilhelmsii Decreases the Expressions of Hippo Signaling Pathway-Associated Oncogenes in the A549 Lung Cancer Cell Line
Background: Achillea wilhelmsii used in traditional Iranian medicine to treat a variety of disorders has been proven to contribute to some signaling pathways in cancers. Evidence suggests that the Hippo pathway which regulates organ size is altered in a few conditions like lung cancer. In this regard this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant on the viability and mRNA expression of some Hippo signaling pathway-associated oncogenes and suppressors in A549 lung cancer cell lines. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared using a Soxhlet extractor and its antiproliferative activity was studied by MTT assay. Then the mRNA expressions of "large tumour suppressor kinases 1 and 2" (LATS1 and LATS2) "Yes1 Associated Transcriptional Regulator" (YAP1) and "Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif" (TAZ) were measured using real-time PCR. Results: According to MTT the viability was decreased significantly after 24 h treatment with A. wilhelmsii at the concentrations of 800-1000 μg/ml and after 48 h treatment at the concentration of 400- 1000 μg/ml. While the mRNA levels of LATS1 TAZ and YAP1 decreased significantly compared to untreated cells at the concentration of 200 μg/ml after 48 h treatment. However the mRNA expression of LATS2 did not change. Conclusion: Our findings showed that hydroalcoholic extract of A. wilhelmsii inhibited the viability of lung cancer cells as well as it could decrease the expression of both oncogenes in the Hippo pathway. However it had suppressing effects on LATS1 which should be considered in further studies.
Efficacy and Biomedical Roles of Unsaturated Fatty Acids as Bioactive Food Components
Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) as bioactive compounds possess a wide range of biomedical functions and a lack or shortage of them may cause serious harm to human body health. Biochemically UFAs have attracted growing interest and this attention arises not only from biomedical reasons but also economic ones. Among these fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are considered the most efficient and safe compounds which can be used for expanding and identification of novel functionalities. They are considered essential membrane components and are associated with a variety of biological processes. For example eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a central role in the proper functioning of the nervous system like anti-atherogenic properties and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Briefly understanding the relationship between these properties and potential biomedical applications of UFAs may help to elucidate and facilitate the development of novel pathogenesis strategies regarding their disorders in human health and diseases. This review provides the most suitable functional roles and potential mechanisms of UFAs associated with human health and nutrition.
Optimization of Carotenoid Production by Rhodosporidium babjevae and Evaluation of Antifungal and Dyeing Activity
Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal dyeing activity and optimization of carotenoid production by Rhodosporidium babjevae. Background: Rhodosporidium red yeast is one of the natural alternative sources of carotenoids. Carotenoids are produced by a wide variety of bacteria algae fungi and plants. These pigments serve a vital function as antioxidant protectors and have lately caught a lot of attention because of their positive impact on human health. Methods: In this experimental-laboratory study Rhodosporidium was isolated from different environmental sources in Isfahan. After carotenoid extraction based on the Davis method from Rhodosporidium cell biomass and the total amount of carotenoids were measured and the carotenoid light absorption spectrum was determined. To optimize carotenoid production one-factor and Taguchi methods evaluated incubation time factors pH nitrogen and carbon source. Then yeast carotenoid antifungal activity minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined. The stability of dye against washing rubbing and light was investigated to evaluate the carotenoid dyeing activity. Results: The optimum condition for carotenoid production was 96 hours of incubation 2 g L-1 peptone pH 5.5 and 30 g L-1 glucose. The optimal conditions of Taguchi were performed and production of 11.67 mg L-1 was obtained. The carotenoid pigment isolated from Rhodosporidium babjevae showed no anti-candida properties but has antifungal activity against A. flavus and A. niger. Woolen fabric had washing fastness of 2 and cotton fabric had a washing fastness of 3. The staining grade on woolen and cotton fabrics was 4. The grade of color fastness of woolen and cotton fabrics against dry rubbing was 5 while the grade of color fastness against wet rubbing was 2 and 4 respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results Rhodosporidium babjevae carotenoid is a suitable option for dyeing woolen and cotton fabrics with antifungal properties that can be used in industry. It is hoped that it can be used for the commercial production of carotenoids.
Adaptogenic Properties of 1-(Germatran-1-il)-Oxyethylamine
Background: Germanium is a biologically active trace element and it is present in almost all organs and tissues. Its biological activity was revealed in the 20th century. However the study on the possibility of using germanium for medical purposes was first undertaken by the Japanese scientist Dr. Kazuhiko Asai in 1940. In 1965 academician M.G.Voronkov and colleagues synthesized tricyclic esters of triethanolamine germanium with the general formula XGe(OCH2CH2)3N and studied their biological activity. However the adaptogenic properties of these compounds have not been sufficiently studied. In this regard there is an urgent need to study the adaptogenic properties of these drugs. Objective: As the resistance of the organism to stress factors primarily depends on energy metabolism the aim of our work was to study the influence of stress and 1- (germatran-1-il) –oxyethylamine (GM) on the functional state of mitochondria. Methods: The functional state of mitochondria was studied as per the rate of mitochondria respiration by the level of lipid peroxidation and fatty acid composition of mitochondrial membranes by chromatography technique. Results: It was shown that the drug in concentrations of 10-5 10-6 and 10-11M reduced the intensity of LPO in the membranes of "aged" mitochondria. This may serve as evidence regarding the presence of anti-stress properties in the drug. Injection of GM at a dose of 10-5 mol/kg to rats prevented the activation of LPO in the membranes of the liver mitochondria in conditions of acute hypobaric hypoxia. Restricting lipid peroxidation GM prevented changes in the content of C18 and C22 fatty acids in mitochondrial membranes which probably contributed to maintaining the bioenergetic characteristics of mitochondria at the control level. Conclusion: It is assumed that the anti-stress activity of the drug is associated with its antioxidant properties and its effect on the complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
A Systematic Review Study on the Effectiveness of Medicinal Plants Against Acinetobacter baumannii
Introduction: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic bacterium capable of causing nosocomial infections resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. Herbal medicines could become the source of novel therapies for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review paper aimed to survey the effectiveness of medicinal plants in treating infections caused by A. baumannii. Methods: The relevant data was obtained by systematically searching PubMed ISI Web of Science Scopus Science Direct and Google Scholar databases with the specific keywords of medicinal plants (including extracts and essential oils) and bacterial infections (including A. baumannii). Results: The present review identified 23 studies published between 2009 and 2021 that discussed the effectiveness of medicinal plants in inhibiting the growth of A. baumannii. In these studies 28 medicinal plants were found effective against infection caused by A. baumannii in vivo. Conclusion: The results of this review indicated that to develop a therapeutic strategy for treating bacterial infections especially A. baumannii based on medicinal plants extensive studies were required to determine their cytotoxicity and therapeutic dosage before they could be used as an alternative to antibiotics.