Isolation and Cytotoxic Potency of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Dysosma difformis, a Study for the Novel Resources of Podophyllotoxin

Endophytic fungi are promising sources for the production of podophyllotoxin-an important anticancer compound, replacing depleted medical plants. In this study, the endophytes associated with Dysosma difformis-an ethnomedicinal plant species were isolated to explore novel sources of podophyllotoxin. Fifty-three endophytic fungi were isolated and identified by morphological observation and ITS-based rDNA sequencing, assigning them to 27 genera in 3 divisions. Fusarium was found the most prevalent genus with a colonization frequency of 11.11%, followed by Trametes (9.26%) and Penicillium (7.41%). Phylogenetic trees were constructed for the endophytic fungi community in two collection sites, Ha Giang and Lai Chau, revealing the adaptation of the species to the specific tissues and habitats. Cytotoxic activity of endophytic fungal extracts was investigated on cancer cell lines such as SK-LU-1, HL-60, and HepG2, demonstrating strong anti-cancer activity of six isolates belonging to Penicillium, Trametes, Purpureocillium, Aspergillus, and Ganoderma with IC 50 value of lower than 10 10 µg/mL. The presence of podophyllotoxin was indicated in Penicillium, Trametes, Aspergillus and for the first time in Purpureocillium and Ganoderma via high-performance liquid chromatography, which implied them as a potential source of this anticancer compound.

Detection of mutant dystrophin gene carrier using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction

Background: Deletion and duplication mutations of dystrophin gene make up from 70 to 75% of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Two thirds of children with DMD inherited from the heterozygous mothers the mutated gene which is located on one of the sex chromosomes. Objective: To detect the asymptomatic carriers of dystrophin gene mutation using molecular techniques. Subject and methods: 3 DMD patients and their 9 relatives. Using techniques: DNA extraction and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: Successfully detected 4 heterozygous individuals from 9 female members of three different families that have already confirmed DMD patients. Conclusion: This method could lead to a new way of prenatal diagnosis of DMD as well as other genetic disorders that are caused by deletion or duplication mutation.

Up-regulate Heparansulfate Interacting Protein (HIP) transcript in breast cancer tissues

Background: Heparansulfate Interacting Protein (HIP) is a protein that belongs to a novel class of heparin and heparansulfate binding protein. It plays an important role in extracellular matrix structure and function, cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, growth and differentiation. HIP was shown to be expressed in normal epithelia and epithelial cell lines at both mRNA and protein levels. Especially, HIP was found to be up-regulated in some cancer cell lines and related to different status and metastasis.\r\n', u'Objectives: To determinate HIP transcript level of mRNA in breast cancer tissues in comparison with normal tissues; to compare HIP transcript level at different cancer stages and cancer cell types. \r\n', u'Subjects and method: Total RNA was isolated from 62 tissue samples (47 breast cancer and 15 normal tissues); cDNA synthesis by reverse transcript \u2013polymerase chain reaction (RT \u2013 PCR); determination of HIP transcript using semi-quantitative RT \u2013 PCR. \r\n', u'Results: HIP transcript was particularly up \u2013 regulated in breast cancer tissues compared to normal tissues, especially this up-regulated in cancer tissues at different stages of development and cancer cell types. \r\n', u'Conclusion: These results show that the HIP transcript level was different between breast cancer and normal tissues and its expression was related to different status and metastasis in human cancer cell lines. HIP may be used as a prognostic marker for breast cancer.\r\n', u'

Effect of green bean (vigra radiata wilczek) on lipid peroxidation in vitro and in vivo

Background: Lipid peroxidation is considered that is one of the causes of pathological processes. Green bean is not only a food of high economic value but also a good medicine. Objective: To investigate the effects of green bean on (1) the lipid peroxidation in mitochondria of rat liver cell, (2) the index in blood of rabbits exposed to radiation: the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx), concentrations of MDA and TAS. Subjects and methods: In vitro experimental model was used to estimate the effects of green bean on lipid peroxidation in mitochondria of rat liver and in vivo experimental model was used to investigate the effects of green bean on the activities of free radicals in blood of rabbits exposed to radiation. Results and Conclusions: (1) Total green bean decreased the lipid peroxidation in mitochondria of rat liver cell without dependence onagents induced lipid peroxidation such as Fe3+.ADP/NADPH or Cumene hydroperoxid, (2) Green bean concurrently inhibited the decreased activities of SOD, GPx, TAS and the increased concentration of MDA in blood of rabbits radiated with 5 Gy dose. \r\n', u'\r\n', u'\r\n', u'

Extract and determination of polyphenols from Vietnamese green tea leaves

Green tea infusion is one of the most popular drinks in many countries, especially in ASIA countries such as Japan, China and Vietnam. Green tea has been mounting regarding the anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant.