Phytochemical analysis of Berberis lyceum methanolic extract and its antiviral activity through the restoration of MAPK signaling pathway modulated by HCV NS5A

Objective: To evaluate the antiviral activity and phytochemicals of selected plant extracts and their effect on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway modulated by hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A). Methods: A total of ten plant extracts were initially screened for their toxicities against HepG2 cells. The non-toxic plants were tested for their inhibitory effect on the expression of HCV NS5A at both mRNA and protein levels using real-time PCR and Western blotting assays, respectively. The differential expression of the genes associated with MAPK pathway in the presence of NS5A gene and plant extract was measured through real-time PCR. Subsequently, the identification of secondary metabolites was carried out by phytochemical and HPLC analysis. Results: The phytochemical profiling of Berberis lyceum revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, terpenoids, steroids, and glycosides. Similarly, quercetin, myricetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid were identified through HPLC analysis. The methanolic extract of Berberis lyceum strongly inhibited HCV RNA replication with an IC50 of 11.44 μg/mL. RT-PCR and Western blotting assays showed that the extract reduced the expression of HCV NS5A in a dosedependent manner. Berberis lyceum extract also attenuated NS5Ainduced dysregulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that Berberis lyceum extract strongly inhibits HCV propagation by reducing HCV NS5Ainduced perturbation of MAPK signaling.

Phytochemical analysis of Berberis lyceum methanolic extract and its antiviral activity through the restoration of MAPK signaling pathway modulated by HCV NS5A

Objective: To evaluate the antiviral activity and phytochemicals of selected plant extracts and their effect on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway modulated by hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A). Methods: A total of ten plant extracts were initially screened for their toxicities against HepG2 cells. The non-toxic plants were tested for their inhibitory effect on the expression of HCV NS5A at both mRNA and protein levels using real-time PCR and Western blotting assays, respectively. The differential expression of the genes associated with MAPK pathway in the presence of NS5A gene and plant extract was measured through real-time PCR. Subsequently, the identification of secondary metabolites was carried out by phytochemical and HPLC analysis. Results: The phytochemical profiling of Berberis lyceum revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, terpenoids, steroids, and glycosides. Similarly, quercetin, myricetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid were identified through HPLC analysis. The methanolic extract of Berberis lyceum strongly inhibited HCV RNA replication with an IC50 of 11.44 μg/mL. RT-PCR and Western blotting assays showed that the extract reduced the expression of HCV NS5A in a dosedependent manner. Berberis lyceum extract also attenuated NS5Ainduced dysregulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that Berberis lyceum extract strongly inhibits HCV propagation by reducing HCV NS5Ainduced perturbation of MAPK signaling.

Coronary risk profile study

Coronary risk profile screening was performed in 251 consecutive patients with myocardial infarction and unstable angina admitted to the Coronary Care Unit of Shaikh Zayed Hospital during a 15 month period. There were more males than females, 209 [83.3%] vs 42 [16.7%]. Moreover males began to suffer the disease at a younger age; 41.1% being under 50 years of age as compared to only 21.4% females. Sedentary life style [62.2%], HDL cholesterol less than 35mg/dI [58.7%], and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio more than 5 [59.7%], were the most common risk factors for both sexes. A large number of males gave the history of current smoking [56.9%] whereas only 2.3% of females were smokers. In women the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia [57.1%], hypertension [57%] and diabetes mellitus [38%] was higher compared with men [28%, 14.3% and 18.2%, respectively]. Family history of ischemic heart disease [IHD] was reported by 30.6% of patients. Hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia were found in 16.7% and 37% cases respectively. Eleven percent patients were free of the major risk factors reviewed. This study shows that hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus are not the most common predisposing factors of IHD in our male patients. Instead low HDL-C, total cholesterol/HDL-C>5 and sedentary life style appear more important. Moreover, there is a high prevalence of smoking in our patients. These findings indicate the need for educating the public regarding the importance of regular exercise and a more effective antismoking campaign in Pakistan

Risk factors for coronary artery disease [an epidemiologic sudy]

Coronary risk profile screening was performed in 251 patients with myocardial infarction and unstable angina admitted to the Sheikh Zayed Hospital, C.C.V. during consecutive 15 months. Mean age was 56.3 years [male: 55.6 years, female: 89years]. Male patients were absolutely greater in number almost 5 times of female patients. moreover males began to suffer the disease at younger age. 60.8% were in the group of 40-60 years, whereas 81.6% female cases were 50 and above. Sedentary life style [62.2%], low HDL cholesterol [< 35 mg/dl], [58.1%] total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio more than 5 [59.7%] were the most common risk factors for both sexes. A large number of males gave the history of current smoking [56.9%] whereas only 2.3% females were smokers. In women the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia [57.1%] hypertension [57%] and diabetes mellitus [38%] was higher compared with men [28%, 14.3%, 18.2% respectively. [fig 4]. Family history of ischemic heart disease was reported by 30.6% of patients. 43.4% reported stressful life style. Of the cases [60.9%] belonged to low to middle class. and were urban dwellers. Hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia were found in 16.7% and 37% cases respectively. 11% patients were free of the major risk factors reviewed. This study shows that hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus are not the most common predisposing factors of IHD in our patients. instead low HDL-C, total cholesterol/HDL-C>5 and sedentary life style appear more important. The high prevalence of smokers in our patients population indicates the need for a more effective antismoking campaign in Pakistan