Alterations in the lipid profiles and circulating liver enzymes in individuals infected by Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract INTRODUCTION Portal hypertension and periportal fibrosis commonly occur in severe Schistosoma mansoni infection. Changes in lipid profile and elevated levels of circulating liver enzymes have also been described in infected individuals. The present study sought to assess the alterations in laboratory parameters associated with liver disorder in individuals infected by S. mansoni who visited a private routine laboratory service. Levels of circulating liver enzymes (gamma-glutamyl transferase [γ-GT], aspartate transaminase [AST], alanine transaminase [ALT], and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) and a lipid panel (total cholesterol [COL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], very low-density lipoprotein [VLDL], and triglycerides [TRI]) were evaluated in both infected and non-infected individuals and relative risk was used to measure associations. METHODS Data were collected for analysis from a total of 1,078 cases identified in 379,600 individuals who submitted samples to the Datalab Laboratory (Salvador, Bahia) between 2004 and 2008. RESULTS S. mansoni infection led to increased circulating levels of γ-GT in both women and men, AST (women), and ALP (men). S. mansoni infection was a protective factor against increased levels of TRI, CHO, and VLDL for individuals aged 19 years or older. The results of our analysis indicate that alterations in lipid metabolism and circulating liver enzymes in asymptomatic S. mansoni-infected individuals might be attributed to eggs lodged in the hepatic sinusoids. CONCLUSIONS Parasitological testing for S. mansoni should be indicated in endemic areas when this pattern of alterations is detected.

Growth, Carbon Assimilation and Biochemical Changes of Polygonum minus Huds as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilization

Aims: To study the effect of different nitrogen fertilizer rates on growth, carbon assimilation and biochemical changes of Polygonum minus. Study Design: Polygonum minus were treated with different nitrogen fertilizer (0 kg N ha-1, 50 kg N ha-1, 100 kg N ha-1 and 150 kg N ha-1) using Urea (46%N) as a source of nitrogen. This experiment was arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at Taman Pertanian Universiti (TPU), Universiti Putra Malaysia between April 2017 to July 2017. Methodology: The growth parameters measured includes the leaf number, plant height, diameter of the stem, and the leaf area. The carbon assimilation parameters were measured using LICOR 6400XT Portable Photosynthesis System. Total phenolic and flavonoids contents from the leaves extracts of Polygonum minus were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu reagents. Results: The best rates of nitrogen in enhancing the best growth and quality of Polygonum minus was observed at 150 kg N ha-1 in most parameters of growth and carbon assimilation. At the final harvest, the parameters such as number of leaves, plant height, stem diameters, total chlorophyll contents, leaves area, total dry weight, net assimilation rate (NAR), water use efficiency (WUE), net photosynthesis rate (A) stomatal conductance (gs), and maximal efficiency of photosystem II (fv/fm) were highest at 150 kg N ha-1treatments. In the terms of biochemical changes, the parameter such as total phenolics contents and total flavonoids gain the highest production of total phenolics and flavonoids at 50 kg N ha-1. Conclusion: This study indicated growth and carbon assimilation parameters were upregulated under higher nitrogen fertilization and production of secondary metabolites was decreased with high rates of nitrogen. The recommended nitrogen fertilization for P. minus was at 50 kg N Ha-1, where it obtained the highest harvest index.

Natural and controlled fermentation of Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) for daddawa production

Aims: Daddawa is a traditional fermented condiment produced from legumes in Nigeria. Lima bean is an underutilized legume in Nigeria. Natural fermentation has been the conventional method of producing daddawa but the product has been found to be of low quality and consistency. The present study aimed at comparing the microbial and biochemical changes during natural and controlled fermentation of lima bean for production of daddawa. Methodology and results: Lima bean was fermented into Daddawa naturally. It was also fermented into daddawa using pure starter culture of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus as single starter. The microbial and biochemical changes during both fermentation conditions were evaluated. Lima bean fermented naturally (NF) recorded the highest total viable count at 48 h and 72 h of fermentation respectively. Alpha amylase and protease activities increased with fermentation, and reached their peak at 48 h in both naturally fermented lima bean and pure culture fermented lima bean samples. Lima bean fermented with B. subtilis (FBS) recorded the highest total free amino acids at 72 h (54.45 Glycine/g dry wt.). Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The use of lima bean for daddawa production enhanced its utilization. Controlled fermentation of lima bean by Bacillus species improved the biochemical properties such as α-amylase and protease activities and free amino acids content of fermenting lima beans into daddawa. Keywords: Daddawa; fermentation; lima bean; microbial; biochemical changes

Biochemical changes in some deciduous tree species around Talcher thermal power station, Odisha, India.

The present study was conducted to evaluate biochemical traits in leaves to assess the air pollution impact on plants caused by thermal power plant emissions. Ten species of deciduous trees were selected from study sites in different seasons. pH, chlorophyll, phenols, total soluble sugar content and proline content in fresh leaf was analyzed. The leaf wash pH content reveals moderately acidic (4.5-5.0) to highly acidic (3.5-4.5) range. Significant differences (p<0.01) were observed in chlorophyll content according to the seasons and sites. Maximum reduction in chlorophyll was noticed at 2.5 km and 5.0 km west from the power plant. Greater reduction in chlorop0hyll ‘b’ than chlorophyll ‘a’ was noticed. An increase in total soluble sugars and phenols was observed at sites closer to thermal power plant in comparison to control. Highest concentration of total phenols was found in summer season in Dalbergia sissoo (1.52 %), Butea monosperma (1.12 %), Mangifera indica (1.2 %), Tectona grandis (1.26%) and Acacia leucophloea (1.16 %) at 2.5 km north from the source. Highest concentration of soluble sugar was found in Dalbergia sissoo (7.75 %) during winter season. There was about 10-20 fold increase in proline content of leaves in comparison to the control.

Blood glucose level and other biochemical changes induced in normal mice by oral Traditional Chinese Medicine complex for diabetes (TCM-D™)

Background: A number of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) preparations are being used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Some components of these preparations have biochemical effects other than those of lowering blood glucose and indeed have been used for other medical indications in traditional practice. The primary objective of the study was to determine the effect of the oral mixture of Traditional Chinese Medicine for diabetes (TCM-D™ complex) on blood glucose level and the biochemical changes if any, on the liver (ALT, AST, gamma-GT, albumin, globulin) and renal (blood creatinine, urea) functions in normal mice. The oral mixture is an aqueous extract of four wellknown traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and consists of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim., Paeonia lactiflora Pall.,Glycyrrhiza uranlensis Fisch., and Panax ginseng (red) CA Meyer in the proportion of 36%, 28%, 18%, and 18% respectively of the dry weight. These herbs have been shown to have blood glucose lowering activity and have been used for other traditional medicinal purposes. The safety of the combination was evaluated in the present study. Methods: Experimental Balb/c mice were treated orally via gastric tube with the extract at daily doses equivalent to 1 and 10 times the recommended human dose for 8 weeks. Blood glucose and other biochemical profiles were monitored at pre-treatment and monthly posttreatment until killed. Results: When compared to pre-treatment levels, the blood glucose levels were significantly lower in treated animals compared to those in the control group. At the recommended TCM-D™ dose the levels in treated animals were significantly lower than that of control animals and at pre-treatment. When compared with pre-treatment, the glucose levels were lowest at Week 8 of treatment, the mean levels being 111.23%, 83.32% and 70.33% in control, and in animals given 1 x and 10 x the recommended TCM-D™ dosage respectively. The blood glucose lowering effect was also associated with a significant weight loss in treated animals. There were transient increases in AST and ALT levels but these reverted to normal at Week 8 of treatment. The levels of bilirubin, g-GT, albumin, creatinine and blood urea were also not significantly different at Week 8 from pre-treatment levels in all groups. Conclusion: Even at 10 times the dosage recommended for humans, TCM-D™ did not affect the liver and renal functions of treated animals. Treated and control animals remained healthy and normal throughout the period of observation.

Bait formulations of molluscicides and their effects on biochemical changes in the ovotestis of snail Lymnaea acuminata (Mollusca; Gastropoda:Lymnaeidae) / Formulações de iscas de moluscicidas e seus efeitos sobre as alterações bioquímicas no ovoteste do caramujo Lymnaea acuminata (Mollusca;Gastropoda:Lymnaeidae)

The effect of sub-lethal feeding of bait formulations containing molluscicidal component of Ferula asafoetida (ferulic acid, umbelliferone), Syzygium aromaticum (eugenol) and Carum carvi (limonene) on biochemical changes in the ovotestis of snail Lymnaea acuminata were studied. Bait formulations feeding to L. acuminata were studied in clear glass aquaria having diameter of 30 cm. Baits were prepared from different binary combinations of attractant amino acid (valine, aspartic acid, lysine and alanine 10 mM) in 100 mL of 2 percent agar solution + sub-lethal (20 percent and 60 percent of 24h LC50) doses of different molluscicides (ferulic acid, umbelliferone, eugenol and limonene). These baits caused maximum significant reduction in free amino acid, protein, DNA, RNA levels i.e. 41.37, 23.56, 48.36 and 14.29 percent of control in the ovotestis of the snail, respectively. Discontinuation of feeding after treatment of 60 percent of 96h LC50 of molluscicide containing bait for next 72h caused a significant recovery in free amino acid, protein, DNA and RNA levels in the ovotestis of L. acuminata.

Foi estudado o efeito subletal das iscas usadas para alimentação contendo componentes moluscicidas de Ferula asafoetida (ácido ferúlico, umbeliferone), Syzygium aromaticum (eugenol) e Carum carvi (limonene) nas alterações bioquímicas do ovoteste do caramujo Lymnaea acuminata. A formulação das iscas usadas para alimentar L. acuminata foi estudada em aquários de vidros transparentes de diâmetro de 30 cm. As iscas foram preparadas por combinações diferentes binárias de aminoácidos (valina, ácido aspártico, lisina e alanina 10 mM) em 100 mL de solução de agar a 2 por cento + doses subletais (20 por cento e 60 por cento durante 24 horas LC50) de diferentes moluscicidas (ácido ferúlico, umbeliferone, eugenol e limonene). Estas iscas causaram redução significante máxima em aminoácidos livres, proteínas, níveis de DNA e RNA isto é 41,37 por cento, 23,56 por cento, 48,36 por cento e 14,29 por cento de controle no ovoteste do caramujo, respectivamente. Discontinuação da alimentação depois do tratamento de 60 por cento de 96 horas de LC50 do moluscicida contendo a isca para as subsequentes 72 horas causou significante recuperação dos níveis de aminoácidos livres, proteína, DNA e RNA no ovoteste da L. acuminata.

Serial assessment of biochemical parameters of red cell preparations to evaluate safety for neonatal transfusions.

Background & Objectives: Neonatologists often prefer fresh blood (<7 days) for neonatal transfusions. The main concerns for stored RBCs are ex vivo storage lesions that undermine red cell functions and may affect metabolic status of neonatal recipients. This study was designed to evaluate serial in vitro changes of biochemical parameters in different RBC preparations during storage to consider for neonatal transfusions even after storage beyond one week. Methods: Twenty five units each of whole blood (CPDA-1 RBC, SAGM RBC) were selected for serial biochemical parameter assessment after each fulfilled the quality criteria (volume and haematocrit). These units were tested serially for supernatant potassium, pH, lactate, haemoglobin, glucose and red cell 2,3 diphosphoglycerate (2,3 DPG) up to 21 days of storage. Results: Within each group of RBC, rise in mean concentration of potassium, lactate and plasma haemoglobin from day 1 to 21 of storage was significant in CPDA-1 RBC having the highest levels at day 21. From day 3 to 21, SAGM RBC had higher mean pH value than CPDA-1 RBC though this difference was not statistically significant. SAGM RBC had highest mean glucose concentration during storage than other two types of red cell preparations (P<0.005). Within each group, fall in mean 2,3 DPG concentration from day 1 to 7 was significant (P<0.05). A positive correlation existed between mean plasma potassium and haemoglobin in all three types of red cells (r=0.726, 0.419, 0.605 for CPDA-1 RBC, SAGM RBC and whole blood respectively, P<0.005). Interpretation & Conclusions: All the three red cell preparations tested revealed biochemical changes within acceptable limits of safety till 21 days of storage. CPDA-1 RBCs had the highest degree of these changes.

Characterization of seeds of selected wild species of rice (Oryza) stored under high temperature and humidity conditions.

Wild progenitors of rice (Oryza) are an invaluable resource for restoring genetic diversity and incorporating useful traits back into cultivars. Studies were conducted to characterize the biochemical changes, including SDS-PAGE banding pattern of storage proteins in seeds of six wild species (Oryza alta, O. grandiglumis, O. meridionalis, O. nivara, O. officinalis and O. rhizomatis) of rice stored under high temperature (45oC) and humidity (~100%) for 15 days, which facilitated accelerated deterioration. Under the treated conditions, seeds of different wild rice species showed decrease in per cent germination and concentrations of protein and starch, but increase in conductivity of leachate and content of sugar. The SDS-PAGE analysis of seed proteins showed that not only the total number of bands, but also their intensity in terms of thickness differed for each species under storage. The total number of bands ranged from 11 to 22, but none of the species showed all the bands. Similarity index for protein bands between the control and treated seeds was observed to be least in O. rhizomatis and O. alta, while the indices were 0.7 and 0.625 for O. officinalis and O. nivara, respectively. This study clearly showed that seed deterioration led to distinctive biochemical changes, including the presence or absence as well as altered levels of intensity of proteins. Hence, SDS-PAGE protein banding pattern can be used effectively to characterize deterioration of seeds of different wild species of rice.

Alterations in biochemical profile of liver and ovary in zinc-exposed fresh water murrel, Channa punctatus (Bloch).

Sub-chronic exposure (15 days) of Channa punctatus to sub-lethal concentrations of zinc (10, 15 and 25 Zn mg l-1) resulted in a significant decline of hepatic and ovarian glycogen, cholesterol, total proteins and total lipids. DNA and RNA contents were also estimated in the ovary. These parameters simultaneously decline with an increase in dose and duration of the experiment. A decline in all parameters studied thus reflects an adverse influence of Zn exposure on metabolism as well as reproductive activity of the fish.

Clinical and biochemical manifestation produced by scorpion (Hemiscorpius lepturus) venom in experimental animals

Several studies have been published about the clinical and biochemical manifestations produced by the venom of scorpions of the Buthidae family, but very few reports have indicated the manifestations induced by the venom of the Scorpionidae family. Hemiscorpius lepturus is an important scorpion species present in the south and southwestern part of Iran, causing morbidity and mortality in children and adults. For the present study, H. lepturus venom was extracted by electric shock and subcutaneously injected (6.3mg/kg) into a group of six rabbits. Blood collection was carried out before and three hours after venom injection for determination of osmotic fragility and levels of blood sugar, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In vitro studies were also carried out to verify the osmotic fragility of red blood cells (RBCs) exposed to venom concentrations ranging from 0-90µg/2ml blood. Results showed the extreme effect of this venom on the lysis of RBCs both in vitro and in vivo. Venom injection caused significant (p>0.001) increase in ALT, AST, LDH and blood sugar levels. There was also an increase in CPK, and ALP levels after venom injection; however, it was not statistically significant. All animals died four hours after having received the venom. The current study revealed that the neurological effect of H. lepturus venom is similar to that of scorpions of the Buthidae family. However, they differ in RBCs lysis, which was highly significant when induced by H. lepturus venom, probably due to the presence of a type of phospholipase in this venom. Further studies are needed to provide a clearer view of the mechanism of action of H. lepturus venom.(AU)

Biochemical changes and manifestations of envenomation produced by Odonthobuthus doriae venom in rabbits

Many toxins from scorpion venoms cause neurotransmitters release by activating the autonomic system. The aim of the present work was to determine osmotic fragility of red blood cells (RBCs) and serum biochemical changes produced by the venom of Odonthobuthus doriae (O. doriae), a dangerous species of scorpion in Iran. For this study we selected 2 groups, each one containing 10 New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2 ± 0.2 kg. In vivo and in vitro osmotic fragilities as well as packed cell volume (PCV) were determined. Serum was separated and used for determination of glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid (UA), triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST, EC 2.6.1.1), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, EC 2.6.1.2). Results indicate that Odonthobuthus doriae venom (0.5 mg/kg, IV) causes a significant increase (p<0.05) of serum glucose, UA, PCV, ALT, and AST. Increase was also observed in BUN, but it was not statistically significant. On the other hand a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Increased in vivo osmotic fragility of RBCs was significant too, but in vitro osmotic fragility did not show a significant change. These results support the hypothesis that the biochemical variation caused by scorpion venom can be due to an autonomic storm and release of catecholamines.(AU)

Dynamic studies on physiological and biochemical changes during fruit development of Panax notoginseng / 中草药

Objective The physiological and biochemical changes were studied during the Panax notoginseng′s fruit development.Methods Dynamic changes of fruits size,fresh and dry weight,moisture content and soluble sugar,starch and protein contents were investigated.Results The moisture content was increased first and then dropped to 73.37% at maturity.The fresh and dry weight,starch and protein contents of P.notoginseng′s fruits were increased with the fruit development.The soluble sugar content was raised first,then decreased,and increased slightly at the lateral stage of fruit development.Conclusion The P.notoginseng′s fruits are mature at 80 d after peak anthesis;the decrease of moisture content is companied with the gradual increasing of fruit fresh and dry weight during the fruit development.The storage and utilization of nutrients in P.notoginseng′s fruits are closely related with the fruit development.