RESUMO
Aims: The presents study examines the purification and characterization of a chitinase from S. maltophilia SJ602 strain isolated from a soil sample collected from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi. Methodology and Results: The purification steps included chitin affinity using colloidal chitin as the affinity matrix and column chromatography using Sephadex G-100. The chitinase was purified to 66 fold having a yield of 17%. The molecular weight of the chitinase was found to be around 29 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The pH and temperature optima of the purified chitinase were found to be at pH 5.5 and 60 °C, respectively. Conclusion, Significance and Impact of the study: Besides showing a significant yield, the enzyme has a high thermal stability which has its applicability in the recycling of chitin waste.
RESUMO
The efficacy of Muravvaq of Mako [Frothless juice of Aolanum nigrum leaves] to control hepatic damage induces by Rifampicin was studied in Wistar albino rats. Rifampicin was administered orally as suspension to rats with a daily dose of 50 mg/kg body weight till 30 days with Muravvaq of Mako in concurrent group. In the second phase of study the effect of Muravvaq on established hepatotoxicity was studied by giving it for 20 days after withdrawal of Rifampicin. Hepatic dysfunction was assessed by biochemical and histological parameters. A significant increase observed in serum bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT and Alkaline phosphatase levels in negative control groups. However, there was a significant reduction in increased enzymatic levels in concurrent and treated group of rats, which received Muravvaq alongwith Rifampicin for 30 and 50 days, respectively. Histopathological analysis of liver samples also confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of Muravvaq. These results suggest that Muravvaq of Mako shows hepatoprotective effect against Rifampicin-induced hepatic damage in rats. The study was done in two different seasons, just after rainy [August-September] and in autumn season, to assess the efficacy of seasonal variation