Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity of Compounds Isolated from Fraxinus mandshurica Bark

Helicobacter pylori is a well-known pathogen that is responsible for gastric disorders. Overcoming of the antibiotic-resistance is a main barrier to treat H. pylori infection. In our search for anti-H. pylori compounds from natural resources, bioactivity-guided isolation on the ethyl acetate fraction of Fraxinus mandshurica bark that had shown anti-H. pylori activity gave twelve compounds (1 - 12) of six coumarins, three phenylethanoids, two secoiridoids, and a lignan using silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex-LH 20, and recrystallization.The chemical structures were identified by spectroscopic data analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR, and mass spectrometry. Among them, compounds 2, 10, and 11 showed moderate growth inhibitory activity against three strains ofH. pylori, compared with positive controls of quercetin and metronidazole. Compounds 5, 6, 8, and 12 exhibited the inhibitory activity against strains 26695 or 43504. This is the first report on the anti-H. pylori activity of this plant and the isolated compounds.

Anatomical characterization and LC-MS profiling of Adenophora roots from Korea

ABSTRACT "Sasam (沙參)" is a crude drug that is defined in the in Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia as the root of Adenophora triphylla var. japonica (Regel.) Hara or A. stricta Miq., Campanulaceae. The dried roots of the Adenophora spp. are available in markets, and the roots of various species are similar to each other in shape, making it difficult to distinguish one from another using only the outer morphological appearance. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish quality control parameters for pharmacognostic evaluation and differentiation of five Adenophora species and two varieties grown in Korea. Inner morphological evaluation of the root of these plants was accomplished and preliminary chemical analysis was performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry profiling. As a result, significant differences among samples were found in anatomical characteristics such as number and thickness of cork layer, existence of stone cell in cork layer, frequency of vessels, and area of intercellular space. Significant differences were found among the samples in the content of three components including shashenoside I and a new alkyl glycoside, adenophoroside I. These findings could provide the scientific criteria for the proper identification and establishment of standards for the use of "Sasam".

Prognostic utility of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is potential prognostic biomarker expressed in many human cancers. Prognostic significance of EGFR immunohistochemical expression has not been established in prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma, therefore we aimed to evaluate the frequency of expression of EGFR in prostatic adenocarcinoma and its association with other prognostic parameters. Methods: The study included 123 cases of biopsy proven prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma treated at Liaquat National hospital, Karachi from January 2013 till December 2017. Paraffin blocks of all cases were retrieved; sections were cut and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Pathologic characteristics including tumor quantification, WHO grade group, gleason score, perineural and lymphovascular invasion were evaluated. EGFR immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on all tissue blocks. Results: Mean age of the patients included in the study was 69.05±8.68years. High gleason scores i.e. 8 & 9 were noted in 22% (27 cases) and 22.8% (28 cases) respectively. Similarly, 22.8% (28 cases) showed WHO grade group 5. 52.8% (65 cases) had > 50% tissue involvement by carcinoma and perineural invasion was seen in 37.4% (46 cases). Positive EGFR expression was noted in 18.7% (23 cases), while 81.3% (100 cases) showed negative EGFR expression. Significant association of EGFR expression was noted with gleason score (p-value = < 0.001), WHO grade (p = < 0.001), tumor quantification (p =0.007) and perineural invasion (p = < 0.001). Moreover, significant association of EGFR expression was also seen with disease recurrence and Her2neu over expression. Patients with low gleason scores (score 6 and 7) and lower grade group (1, 2 & 3) were less likely to have positive EGFR expression as compared to patients with high gleason score (score 9) and higher grade group (5). Similarly, patients with perineural invasion were more likely to have positive EGFR expression. Conclusion: We found a relatively low EGFR expression in our patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma; however, its association with poor prognostic parameters like high gleason score, higher grade group, perineural invasion, higher tissue involvement by cancer and disease recurrence signifies its importance as a prognostic parameter in prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma (AU)

Lethal toxic Dose [i.p LD50], total protein contents and comparative hemolytic potential of [99mTc labeled and non-labeled] Naja naja karachiensis venom

Recent recognition about snake bite envenomation on June, 2017 as neglected tropical disease under categoryA by World Health Organization advocated again its undeniable importance. Present circumstances reasoned to work on a neglected subspecies of Naja naja, i.e., Naja naja karachiensis [N. n. karachensis] has been documented for frequent deaths in Pakistan. In this study median lethal toxic dose [LD50] was determined intraperitoneally in Swiss albino mice and was found to be 2.0microg/g [2.0mg/kg] equal in potency to Naja pallida [red spitting African cobra]. Total protein contents [188+/-0.011microg / 200microg of dry weight] were high enough [94%] to represent an arsenal of proteins. Furthermore, 99mTc was labeled 99.9% with venom and didn't find to alter hemolytic activity of venom in dose dependent manner at 125 microg/ml [p<0.5], 250 microg/ml [p<0.1] and 500 microg/ml [p<0.1] when compared with its crude form. Present work will pave the way for proteomics study in effective production of antidote against specific species of snakes as dare demand of it has been felt since long period of time in Pakistan

Impact of bovine and human serum albumin on curcumin in vitro activity against Staphylococcus aureus

This study evaluated the impact of pH [7.4 and 6.5], bovine serum albumin [BSA], and human serum albumin [HSA] on Curcumin activity against 2 reference, 1 clinical, and 10 environmental strains of Staphylococcus aureus [S. aureus]. Minimal inhibitory concentrations [MICs] of Curcumin against S. aureus were statistically indifferent [p>0.05] at pH7.4 and pH6.5. Activity of Curcumin against S. aureus was reduced by two folds in the presence of 1.25-5% BSA/HAS

Phenolics for skin photo-aging

Photo-aging is one of the foremost problems caused by generation of reactive oxygen species when skin is exposed on UV irradiation. In view of that, generation of reactive oxygen species intermingle with proteins, DNA, saccharides and fatty acids triggering oxidative mutilation and effects are in the appearance of distressed cell metabolism, morphological and ultra-structural changes, mistrqat on the routes and revisions in the demarcation, propagation and skin apoptosis living cells which leads to photo-aging. Plant phenolics are universally found in both edible and inedible plants and have extended substantial interest as photo-protective for human skin due to their antioxidant activities. The objective of this review is to highlight the use of plant phenolics for their antioxidant activities against photo-aging

Anti-Helicobacter pylori Compounds from Polygonum cuspidatum

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity guided fractionation led to the isolation of five anthraquinones, two stilbenes and one naphthoquinone from the EtOAc fraction of Polygonum cuspidatum, using silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex-LH20, MPLC and recrystallization. The chemical structures were identified to be physcion (1), emodin (2), anthraglycoside B (3), trans-resveratrol (4), anthraglycoside A (5), polydatin (6), 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone (7) and citreorosein (8) by UV, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and mass spectrometry. Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity including MIC values of each compound was evaluated. All of the isolates exhibited anti-H. pylori activity of which MIC values were lower than that of a positive control, quercetin. Compounds 2 and 7 showed potent growth inhibitory activity. Especially, a naphthoquinone, compound 7 displayed most potent antibacterial activity with MIC₅₀ value of 0.30 µM and MIC₉₀ value of 0.39 µM. Although anti-H. pylori activity of this plant was previously reported, this is the first report on that of compounds isolated from this species. From these findings, P. cuspidatum roots or its isolates may be useful for H. pylori infection and further study is needed to elucidate mechanism of action.

Antibacterial activity of a peptide derived from HIV-1 MN strain gp41 envelope glycoprotein against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Peptides derived from HIV-1 transmembrane proteins have been extensively studied for antimicrobial activities, and they are known as antimicrobial peptides [AMPs]. These AMPs have also been reported to potently combat the drug-resistant microbes. In this study, we demonstrated that peptide no. 6383 originated from HIV-1 MN strain membrane-spanning domain of gp41 was active [2-log reductions] at 100 micro g/mL [56.5 micro M] against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] in 10% and 50% human plasma-supplemented phosphate buffered saline [PBS]. The activity was further enhanced [3-log reductions] in the presence of 5% human serum albumin [HSA] alone. All bactericidal activities were achieved within 6 hours. At 100 micro g/mL, the peptide showed only 13% toxicity against human erythrocytes. This peptide can serve as an attractive template for a design of a novel peptide antibiotic against drugresistant bacteria. By sequence-specific engineering or modifications, we anticipated that the bactericidal activity and the reduced toxicity against human erythrocytes will be improved

safety and efficacy of 3% Cannabis seeds extract cream for reduction of human cheek skin sebum and erythema content

Escalated sebum fabrication is seen with an unattractive look and adds to the growth of acne. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of 3% Cannabis seeds extract cream on human cheek skin sebum and erythema content. For this purpose, base plus 3% Cannabis seeds extract and base [control] were prepared for single blinded and comparative study. Healthy males were instructed to apply the base plus 3% Cannabis seeds extract and base twice a day to their cheeks for 12 weeks. Adverse events were observed to determine skin irritation. Measurements for sebum and erythema content were recorded at baseline, 2[nd], 4[th], 6[th], 8[th], 10[th] and 12[th] week in a control room with Sebumeter and Mexameter. Base plus 3% Cannabis seeds extract was found to be safe in volunteers. Measurements demonstrated that skin sebum and erythema content of base plus 3% Cannabis seeds extract treated side showed significant decrease [p<0.05] compared with base treated side. Base plus 3% Cannabis seeds extract showed safety. It was well tolerated for the reduction of skin sebum and erythema content. Its improved efficacy could be suggested for treatment of acne vulgaris, seborrhea, papules and pustules to get attractive facial appearance

Synergistic antibacterial activity of Curcumin with antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus

This study evaluated the synergistic antibacterial activity of Curcumin with 8 different antibiotic groups. Two reference, one clinical and ten environmental strains of Staphylococcus aureus [S. aureus] were tested. Disc diffusion assay with 25[micro]g/mL Curcumin demonstrated synergism in combination with a majority of tested antibiotics against S. aureus. However, checkerboard micro dilution assay only showed synergism, fractional inhibitory concentration index [FICI] <0.5 in three antibiotics i.e. Gentamicin, Amikacin, and Ciprofloxacin. Other antibiotics showed indifferent interactions but no antagonism was observed. In time-kill curve, appreciable reduction of bacterial cells was also observed in combination therapy [Curcumin + antibiotics] compared to monotherapy [Curcumin or antibiotic[s] alone]. The antibiotics with higher synergistic interaction with Curcumin are arranged in a decreasing order: Amikacin > Gentamicin > Ciprofloxacin

Osteoporosis and its associated factors revisited: case control study

Background: Osteporosis is increasingly observed as a major public health concern as it leads to poor quality of life, pain and often disability for those effected. Especially in the developing countries, its prevalence in alarming in the face of poor awareness and management

Objective: To assess the risk factors for osteoporosis in females coming to a tertiary care hospital of Karachi

Methods: This was hospital based case control study conducted in a private tertiary healthcare facility of Karachi. It was carried out in 2012. 57 cases and 60 controls were selected through WHO Sample size calculator. Matching among cases and controls was based on gender, socioeconomic status and age group. Data was collected through questionnaire based personal interviews. Data entry and analysis was done using Epi Info. Association between categorical variables was found using chi square. Odds ratio was calculated for finding association between different risk factors and osteoporosis. The study was cleared through the Ethical review board

Results: One hundred and seventeen cases and controls were taken in this study with the age range of 45+ years [mean age 56.8 +/- 11.8]. Statistically significant difference was found in under 50 age group where cases were only n=8 [14%] as compared to controls n=25[42%]. Parsi ethnicity showed strong association with osteoporosis [OR 2.23]. Strong association was observed between smoking and osteoporosis with an Odds Ratio of 4.0. Strong association was observed with Rheumatoid arthritis [OR 2.8, CI at 95% 1.2-6.3] and Calcium deficiency [OR 2.2, CI at 95% 1.1-4.7]

Conclusion: The study revealed specific to Parsi ethnicity, family history, smoking, rheumatoid arthritis and Vitamin D deficiency were found to be potent risk factors. Therefore as reaffirmed from our study also, risk factors except from the non modifiable ones should be tackled well in advance through health education and interventions

New horizons in leishmania cultivation

Three newly developed and cost effective semi defined liquid culture media for the maintenance and bulk cultivation of the promastigote forms of the protozoan parasite Leishmania are studied. Leishmania major [MHOM/PK/88/DESTO] amastigote forms were aspirated from the wet type open ulcerative lesions of the infected patients and introduced in traditional blood agar based biphasic medium NNN for transformation into promastigote form. Promastigotes were then subcultured in most widely used commercially available liquid medium 199 supplemented with 10% heat inactivated foetal calf serum [HIFCS] + 2% sterile human urine as well as in three newly developed liquid media for comparison of growth. All three media studied were found capable of supporting excellent growth in the absence of HIFCS, an essential and extremely costly ingredient of virtually all liquid culture media