Determination of the activity and kinetic parameters of polyphenol oxidase enzyme in crude extracts of some Jordanian plants

The activity and kinetic parameters of the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in crude extracts of the fruits ofParadise apple (Pyrus malus L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), pomegranaterind and seeds (Punica granatum L.), and the leaf of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) were investigated. Thehighest browning intensity was found in P. apple, followed by pomegranate seeds and cucumber fruits. Theoptimum activity of the enzyme was shown at pH 7.0 for P. apple and cucurbita, but it was found at pH 6.0 forthe rind and seeds of the pomegranate. The PPO of cactus leaf and cucumber fruits showed two peaks at pH 4.0and 7.0. On the other hand, the optimal temperature found for PPO activity in these plants was around 40°C.A strong correlation with value (R) = 0.9485 between the browning intensity and PPO activity in all studiedsamples was obtained.

Morning Salivary Cortisol Associates with Elevated Serum Leptin Levels in Jordanian Young Men with Olive Pollen Induced Allergic Rhinitis.

Aims: Recent studies have shown independently inter-correlations between allergy, obesity, leptin hormone, and stress markers. However, these findings were unclear and contradictory. Thus the aim of the present study is to evaluate diurnal levels of salivary cortisol and DHEA in sample of Jordanian young men with history of olive pollen-induced allergic rhinitis in relation to serum levels of leptin. Methodology: 130 university male students aged (21.98±1.78) years, were divided into two groups (59 allergic and 71 non allergic). Fasting blood samples were collected and tested for blood glucose, lipid profile, serum leptin, and salivary stress hormones (cortisol and DHEA). Results: Allergic subjects showed significantly higher means of serum leptin (p<0.0001), LDL (p<0.0001), Total cholesterol (p=0.001), and BMI (p= 0.004). Also BMI and Body weight significantly correlated with serum leptin in all subjects of the study. Stronger correlation was observed in allergic subjects (r = 0.650; r = 0.589) compared with non allergic subjects (r = 0.349; r = 0.383) respectively. Simple linear regression analysis showed that morning salivary cortisol ( p=0.006) and midnight salivary DHEA ( p=0.015 ), were significantly correlated in allergic subjects with the serum leptin levels concentration. Conclusion: These results revealed an association between the morning salivary cortisol and elevated serum leptin levels in Jordanian young men with olive pollen induced allergic rhinitis.