Kinetic and toxicological effects of synthesized palladium(II) complex on snake venom (Bungarus sindanus) acetylcholinesterase

The venom of the krait (Bungarus sindanus), an Elapidae snake, is highly toxic to humans and contains a great amount of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The enzyme AChE provokes the hydrolysis of substrate acetylcholine (ACh) in the nervous system and terminates nerve impulse. Different inhibitors inactivate AChE and lead to ACh accumulation and disrupted neurotransmission. Methods: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of palladium(II) complex as antivenom against krait venom AChE using kinetics methods. Results: Statistical analysis showed that krait venom AChE inhibition decreases with the increase of Pd(II) complex (0.025-0.05 µM) and exerted 61% inhibition against the AChE at a fixed concentration (0.5 mM) of ACh. Kinetic analysis using the Lineweaver Burk plot showed that Pd(II) caused a competitive inhibition. The compound Pd(II) complex binds at the active site of the enzyme. It was observed that K m (Michaelis-Menten constant of AChE-ACh into AChE and product) increased from 0.108 to 0.310 mM (45.74 to 318.35%) and V max remained constant with an increase of Pd(II) complex concentrations. In AChE K Iapp was found to increase from 0.0912 to 0.025 µM (29.82-72.58%) and did not affect the V maxapp with an increase of ACh from (0.05-1 mM). K i (inhibitory constant) was estimated to be 0.029µM for snake venom; while the K m was estimated to be 0.4 mM. The calculated IC50 for Pd(II) complex was found to be 0.043 µM at constant ACh concentration (0.5 mM). Conclusions: The results show that the Pd(II) complex can be deliberated as an inhibitor of AChE.(AU)

Cytotoxic activities of Rosa brunonii, Calligonum polygonoides Pegnum harmala and Sueda fruticosa extract using brine shrimp

The present study was carried out to record and evaluate the effect of Rosa brunonii, Calligonum polygonoides, Sueda fruticosa and Pegnum harmala L., extracts on brine shrimp collected during March-June 2013 from different regions of District Bannu. These four plants were medicinal xerophytes and widely distributed throughout Pakistan. Rosa brunonii is commonly used as a hedge plant for gardening. Calligonum polygonoides and Sueda fruticosa are locally used as a fuel, while Pegnum harmala [L.] is the most important multipurpose medicinal xeric plant, which is used for various purposes. All these selected medicinal xerophytes have inhibitory effect on bacterial growth. In this study the effect of different concentration [10-70 microg/ml] were tested on brine shrimp. The results showed that maximum cytotoxic activities were observed in Rosa brunonii [100.0+/-0.4], Calligonum polygonoides [100.0+/-0.2] and Pegnum harmala [L.] [90.0+/-5.2] while Sueda fruticosa [50.0+/-7.1] has less cytotoxic property. These activities are may be due to the presence of bioactive constituents

Pistacia chinensis: Strong antioxidant and potent testicular toxicity amelioration agent

OBJECTIVES@#To evaluate in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potency of Pistacia chinensis (P. chinensis) bark and leaves extracts along with its protective role against CCl induced toxicity in testis of the rat.@*METHODS@#Various in vitro models such as DPPH, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide scavenging activities, anti-lipid peroxidation activity, phospho-molybdenum activity, β carotene bleaching assay was used for analysis of antioxidant potential. Experimental groups for in vivo study were: Group Ⅰ (control) untreated, Group Ⅱ (Vehicle control), Group Ⅲ (1 mL/kg b.w 30% CCl), Group Ⅳ (1 mL/kg b.w CCl + Silymarin), Group Ⅴ (200 mg/kg b.w PCBE + CCl), Group Ⅵ (400 mg/kg b.w PCBE + CCl) and Group Ⅶ (400 mg/kg b.w PCBE alone).@*RESULTS@#In vitro antioxidant assays displayed significant results and the highest activity was not specified to a specific extract. However, ethyl acetate extract of bark (PCBE) showed highest results in most of the antioxidant assays i.e. beta-carotene bleaching, hydroxyl radical scavenging, ABTS, lipid peroxidation and superoxide radical scavenging activity. On this base, this fraction was selected for in vivo antioxidant experiment. Testis tissues were analyzed to observe the protective effects of PCBE on antioxidant enzymes; catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and quinone reductase activities and glutathione (GSH) as well as nitrite content. Profile of plasma testosterone was also compared to various treatments. Observation suggests a protective role of P. chinensis against CCl induced toxicity.@*CONCLUSIONS@#It is concluded that some bioactive antioxidants of P. chinensis bark might be a good source to isolate the potent antioxidant components.

Pistacia chinensis: Strong antioxidant and potent testicular toxicity amelioration agent

Objectives To evaluate in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potency of Pistacia chinensis (P. chinensis) bark and leaves extracts along with its protective role against CCl

Protective effects of Sonchus asper [L.] against KBrO[3]-induced oxidative stress in rat testis

Sonchus asper is used traditionally in the treatment of kidney inflammation, hormonal imbalance and impotency. Sonchus asper methanolic extract [SAME] was investigated for its possible preventive effect against potassium bromate [KBrO[3]] induced oxidative damages in male rats using biochemical, molecular and histopathological markers in this study. 5 groups, each group of 6 rats were taken kept under standard conditions. Group 1 remained untreated while Group II was given 20 mg/kg KBrO[3] orally [in aqueous saline] and Group III, and IV were treated with 100; 200 mg/kg b.w., of SAME after 48 h of KBrO[3] treatment. KBrO[3] administration in rats significantly altered [P<0.01] the serum level of reproductive hormones, activities of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione contents [GSH], which was significantly reversed P<0.001] by co-treatment of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg b.w., SAME. Administration of SAME in rats also significantly P<0.001] reversed the lipid peroxidation induced by KBrO[3] in rats, which could be due to the presence of some plant bioactive constituents

Tuberculous and cryptococcal meningitis in a setting with high TB and low HIV prevalence

To compare the differences in presentation and outcome of patients with tuberculous meningitis [TBM] and cryptococcal meningitis [CCM]. Case series. The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from December 1995 to December 2005. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of TBM or CCM were included in this study. The signs and symptoms, laboratory findings and other variables of patients were entered and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] Software version 14. We compared 16 patients of TBM with 11 of CCM. None of the patients with TBM were Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV] positive while 4 patients with CCM had HIV. The common initial signs and symptoms in patients with TBM were fever, altered mental status and headache; and in patients with CCM were fever, headache and cough. The mean CSF glucose level decreased according to the Medical Research Council [MRC] stage in TBM. The mean CSF RBCs, WBCs, glucose and protein in TBM were 2010/mm[3], 228/mm[3], 52.32 mg/dL and 289.48mg/dl respectively and in CCM were 178.54 mm[3], 529.54/mm[3], 32.63 mg/dL and 432.18 mg/dL respectively. TBM and CCM should be suspected in all cases that present with symptoms of chronic meningitis. Patients with TBM are more likely to have altered mental status and higher CSF RBCs; those with CCM are more likely to have headache, cough and higher CSF WBCs

Latest approaches to the diagnosis and management of food allergies in children

Adverse food reactions are a challenge for physicians. As the prevalence of this condition rises, it is important that paediatricians and other health care professionals adeptly diagnose this condition. We begin by discussing the relevant points in history and physical examination, then we discuss the recent effective diagnostic tests and techniques available for doctors and patients, along with several management options. Over the last decade, there have been major advancements in this field and novel mechanisms have been proposed which efficiently modulate immune mechanisms involved. Although results are only preliminary, they do however, indicate a promising future for patients with food allergies

closer look at food allergy and intolerance

Food allergy is a condition prevalent in over 2% of the world's population. The topic has been subject to research from ancient Greek times and continues to attract modern scientific and medical communities. In susceptible individuals certain foods produce a wide spectrum of unwanted effects like eczema, asthma, and urticaria. The management of food allergy and intolerance chiefly involves elimination diets, accurate diagnosis and detecting the causative mechanism providing us with ample food for thought. In this article, we have attempted to summarize and simplify the research on the various aspects of food allergy and intolerance, and discuss the natural history, manifestations, mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of this condition affecting countless worldwide