Enhanced production and organic solvent stability of a protease fromBrevibacillus laterosporus strain PAP04

A bacterial strain (PAP04) isolated from cattle farm soil was shown to produce an extracellular, solvent-stable protease. Sequence analysis using 16S rRNA showed that this strain was highly homologous (99%) to Brevibacillus laterosporus. Growth conditions that optimize protease production in this strain were determined as maltose (carbon source), skim milk (nitrogen source), pH 7.0, 40°C temperature, and 48 h incubation. Overall, conditions were optimized to yield a 5.91-fold higher production of protease compared to standard conditions. Furthermore, the stability of the enzyme in organic solvents was assessed by incubation for 2 weeks in solutions containing 50% concentration of various organic solvents. The enzyme retained activity in all tested solvents except ethanol; however, the protease activity was stimulated in benzene (74%) followed by acetone (63%) and chloroform (54.8%). In addition, the plate assay and zymography results also confirmed the stability of the PAP04 protease in various organic solvents. The organic solvent stability of this protease at high (50%) concentrations of solvents makes it an alternative catalyst for peptide synthesis in non-aqueous media.

Does the maternal micronutrient deficiency (copper or zinc or vitamin e) modulate the expression of placental 11 βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 per se predispose offspring to insulin resistance and hypertension in later life.

The relevance of maternal macronutrient deficiency on developmental origin of health and adult disorders has been well studied but not that of micronutrients. We hypothesized that chronic maternal dietary mineral (copper or zinc) or vitamin E restriction modulates the expression of placental 11 β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (11 β HSD-2) per se predisposing the offspring to insulin resistance (IR) and hypertension in later life. Female weaning Swiss albino mice received a control or a 50% of Vitamin-E or Zn or Cu restricted diet and mated with control males. Pups born to the dams on the restricted diet had significantly (P<0.001) reduced body weight and crown rump length. These offsprings were weaned on to the restricted diet till postnatal day 180. Glucose intolerance in association with hyperinsulinemeia (IR), hyperlipidemeia and increased systolic blood pressure were recorded in all the offsprings of micronutrient restricted groups. Placental 11 β HSD-2 expression was attenuated, while activities of glucocorticoid -insensitive enzymes were unchanged in all the restricted groups. Thus, the present study reiterates the importance of micronutrients during pregnancy because chronic maternal micronutrient deficiency may alter placental 11 β HSD-2 expression and predispose the offspring to IR and hypertension in later life.

Hypoglycemic and other related effects of Boswellia glabra in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

The hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves and roots of Boswellia glabra was examined using alloxan-induced diabetic rats. A single oral administration of Boswellia glabra leaf and root extract decreased the blood glucose level. The continued use of leaf and root extract for 28 days produced significant hypoglycemic effects; also there was a decrease in serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, urea and creatinine levels and enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase). Ultra structural studies of beta cell of alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with root extract showed numerous granulated sacs in comparison to rats treated with leaf extract. Thus, rats treated with root extract showed less degranulated sacs and more number of filled secretory granules in comparison to diabetic rats. Thus the use of aqueous extract of Boswellia glabra increased the synthesis of secretory granules in the beta-cell.