Exploration and evaluation of antioxidant activity in isolated phenolics from Jasminum scandens (retz) vahl.

Given the widespread and established use of Jasminum scandens (Retz) Vahl, a member of the Oleacea family, this study aimed to identify and characterise secondary metabolites derived from the plant, with the objective of evaluating their potential biological activities. Using chromatographic separations techniques based on molecular weight and polarity, various VLC fractions of the plant were purified. These fractions yielded seven compounds- 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethanol (1), 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethanol (2), 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-1,2,3-propanetriol (3), 1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-1,2,3-propanetriol (4), lupeol (5), ß-sitosterol (6), and methyl linoleate (7), which have never been previously reported in this plant. Out of the seven identified compounds, compounds 3 and 4 had the greatest capacity to scavenge free radicals with IC50 values of 3.81 µg/ml and 4.08 µg/ml, respectively when compared to the standard Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) with IC50 value of 6.54 µg/ml.

Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of an Indigenous Plant of Bangladesh, Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr.: Drug Discovery from Nature.

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. (Family: Asteraceae) is a tropical Asian medicinal plant found in Thailand, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It has long been utilized to treat a variety of health concerns in numerous countries around the world, such as renal discomfort, constipation, diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, and hypertension. The chemical investigation resulted in the isolation and characterization of six compounds from the methanol (MeOH) extract of the leaves of Gynura procumbens, which were identified as phytol (1), lupeol (2), stigmasterol (3), friedelanol acetate (4), ß-amyrin (5), and a mixture of stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol (6). In-depth investigations of the high-resolution 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic data from the isolated compounds, along with comparisons to previously published data, were used to clarify their structures. Among these, the occurrence of Compounds 1 and 4 in this plant are reported for the first time. The crude methanolic extract (CME) and its different partitionates, i.e., petroleum ether (PESF), chloroform (CSF), ethyl acetate (EASF), and aqueous (AQSF) soluble fractions, were subjected to antioxidant, cytotoxic, thrombolytic, and anti-diabetic activities. In a DPPH free radical scavenging assay, EASF showed the maximum activity, with an IC50 value of 10.78 µg/mL. On the other hand, CSF displayed the highest cytotoxic effect with an LC50 value of 1.94 µg/mL compared to 0.464 µg/mL for vincristine sulphate. In a thrombolytic assay, the crude methanolic extract exhibited the highest activity (63.77%) compared to standard streptokinase (70.78%). During the assay for anti-diabetic activity, the PESF showed 70.37% of glucose-lowering activity, where standard glibenclamide showed 63.24% of glucose-reducing activity.

Isolation and Characterization of One New Natural Compound with Other Potential Bioactive Secondary Metabolites from Glycosmis cyanocarpa (Blume) Spreng. (Family: Rutaceae).

Glycosmis cyanocarpa (Blume) Spreng is a plant in the Rutaceae family and a species in the Glycosmis genus that has received little attention. Therefore, this research aimed to report the chemical and biological analysis of Glycosmis cyanocarpa (Blume) Spreng. The chemical analysis involved the isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites through an extensive chromatographic study, and the structures of these metabolites were elucidated on the basis of a detailed analysis of NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic data and by comparison with those of related compounds reported in the literature. Different partitions of the crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract were evaluated for antioxidant, cytotoxic, and thrombolytic potentials. In chemical analysis, one new phenyl acetate derivative, namely 3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-yl 2-phenylacetate (1), along with four known compounds N-methyl-3-(methylthio)-N-(2-phenylacetyl) acrylamide (2), penangin (3), ß-Caryophyllene oxide (4), and acyclic diterpene-phytol (5) were isolated for the first time from the stem and leaf of the plant. The ethyl acetate fraction showed significant free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 11.536 µg/mL compared to standard ascorbic acid (4.816 µg/mL). In the thrombolytic assay, the dichloromethane fraction showed the maximum thrombolytic activity of 16.42% but was still insignificant compared to the standard streptokinase (65.98%). Finally, in a brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the LC50 values of dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions were found to be 0.687 µg/mL, 0.805 µg/mL, and 0.982 µg/mL which are significant compared to the standard vincristine sulfate of 0.272 µg/mL.

Isolation and In Silico Prediction of Potential Drug-like Compounds with a New Dimeric Prenylated Quinolone Alkaloid from Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) Root Extracts Targeted against SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro).

A new dimeric prenylated quinolone alkaloid, named 2,11-didemethoxy-vepridimerine A, was isolated from the root bark of Zanthoxylum rhetsa, together with twelve known compounds. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic investigations (NMR and Mass). The interaction of the isolated compounds with the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) was evaluated using molecular docking followed by MD simulations. The result suggests that 2,11-didemethoxy-vepridimerine A, the new compound, has the highest negative binding affinity against the Mpro with a free energy of binding of -8.5 Kcal/mol, indicating interaction with the Mpro. This interaction was further validated by 100 ns MD simulation. This implies that the isolated new compound, which can be employed as a lead compound for an Mpro-targeting drug discovery program, may be able to block the action of Mpro.

Isolation, Characterization and Pharmacological Investigations of a New Phenolic Compound along with Four Others Firstly Reported Phytochemicals from Glycosmis cyanocarpa (Blume) Spreng.

Plants are serving the mankind with important bioactive phytochemicals from the very ancient ages to develop novel therapeutics against different disease states. Glycosmis cyanocarpa (Blume) Spreng is a plant from the Rutaceae family and a very less explored species from the Glycosmis genus. Thus, this present study was intended to present the chemical and biological investigation of Glycosmis cyanocarpa (Blume) Spreng. The chemical investigation resulted in the isolation of one new phenolic compound to the best of our knowledge which is (4-(3-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)-2-methoxyphenol) (1) along with four known compounds that are isolated for the first time from this species- 3-methyl-1H-indole (2), Tri-transpoly-cis prenol-12 (3), Stigmasterol (4) and ß-sitosterol (5). Their chemical structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, and comparison with the available literature data. Isolated phytochemicals were further investigated to unveil their antioxidant properties with IC50 values (ranged from 9.97-75.48 µg/mL), cytotoxicity with LC50 values (ranged from 1.02-1.92 µg/mL), and antibacterial properties against some selected Gram (+) ve and Gram (-) ve bacteria. Among the compounds, 3-methyl-1H-indole (2) was found to be the most active against Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the phenolic compound (1) and the alkaloid (2) revealed the highest antioxidant (9.97 µg/mL) and cytotoxic activities (1.02 µg/mL), respectively. Thus, the isolation of these bioactive phytochemicals from the plant revealed a new perception in the study arena of drug discovery and the findings may ease the development and discovery of novel therapeutics. Further investigations are still recommended to understand their exact molecular mechanism and toxicological impact.

Chemico-Biological Profiling of Blumea lacera (Burm.f.) DC. (Family: Asteraceae) Provides New Insights as a Potential Source of Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Antimicrobial, and Antidiarrheal Agents.

Blumea lacera (Burm.f.) DC., popular for its traditional use in different diseases, was employed in phytochemical and biological investigations. The chemical studies led to the isolation of acyclic diterpene-phytol (1) along with two fatty acids-linolenic acid (2) and oleic acid (3). All the structures were determined by 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis and first time reported from this plant. Different fractions of crude methanol extract were subjected to antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, and antidiarrheal assays. The molecular docking studies have been implemented using PyRx, UCSF Chimera, Discovery Studio, and online tools. In addition, The ADME/T analysis and PASS prediction were implemented by using PASS online tools. In the molecular docking study of antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, and antidiarrheal activity, the compounds showed strong binding affinity ranging from -4.5 to -6.2 kcal/mol. Again, all three isolated compounds met the preconditions of Lipinski's five rules for drug discovery. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the pet-ether and chloroform soluble fraction showed noteworthy antioxidant activity sowing promising IC50 values (10.76 µg/ml and 11.77 µg/ml, respectively), compared to the standard (6.05 µg/ml) with a total phenolic content range of 7.33-40.33 mg of GAE/gm. The pet-ether soluble fraction revealed substantial cytotoxicity showing an LC50 value of 1.03 µg/ml, compared to the standard (0.93 µg/ml). Besides, ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed moderate activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while both ethyl acetate and pet-ether soluble fraction showed excellent dose-dependent antidiarrheal activity.

Profiling of minerals, water soluble vitamins and carotenoid in selected unconventional leafy and non-leafy vegetables of Bangladesh.

The present study was aimed at evaluating mineral contents, B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6), vitamin C, total carotenoids content and carotene composition of unconventional vegetables, comprising 7 leafy and 4 non-leafy, growing in Bangladesh. Investigated unconventional vegetables were found to have varied amount of minerals (0.04 ± 0.01 to 786.41 ± 6.37 mg/100 g), B-vitamins (0.06 ± 0.01 to 1.05 ± 0.13 mg/100 g) and vitamin C (5.23 ± 0.81 to 59.01 ± 2.23 mg/100 g). The study findings also revealed that the selected plant samples exhibited diverse amount of ß-carotene ranging from 106.26 ± 5.32 µg/100 g EP in Orhor dal to 994.81 ± 21.01 µg/100 g EP in Orhor Pata whereas lutein content ranged from 7.76 ± 1.02 µg/100 g EP in Pahari Kolar Thor to 566.33 ± 20.63 µg/100 g EP in Kachuripana. It can be suggested that regular intake of these vegetables may contribute to daily minerals and vitamins requirement and can combat micronutrient deficiency.

Cholinesterase inhibitory activity of tinosporide and 8-hydroxytinosporide isolated from Tinospora cordifolia: In vitro and in silico studies targeting management of Alzheimer's disease.

Tinosporide and 8-hydroxytinosporide isolated from Tinospora cordifolia were evaluated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activities. The structure of the compound was confirmed by spectroscopic analysis, whereas cholinesterase inhibition was investigated by Ellman method using donepezil as standard drug and the data were presented as IC50 (µg/ml ± SEM). Furthermore, donepezil, tinosporide and 8-hydroxytinosporide were executed for docking analysis. The results from the isolated compounds TC-16R confirmed as tinosporide promisingly inhibited AChE with IC50 value of 13.45 ± 0.144, whereas TC-19R confirmed as 8-hydroxytinosporide moderately inhibited AChE with IC50 value of 46.71 ± 0.511. In case of BuChE inhibition, the IC50 values were found to be 408.50 ± 17.197 and 317.26 ± 6.918 for tinosporide and 8-hydroxytinosporide, respectively. The in silico studies revealed that the ligand tinosporide fit with the binding sites and inhibited AChE. Overall, the study findings suggested that tinosporide would be a complementary noble molecule of donepezil which is correlated with its pharmacological activity through in vitro studies, while 8-hydroxytinosporide modestly inhibited BuChE and the results are very close to the standard donepezil.

Indole alkaloids from the leaves of Ravenia spectabilis engl. with activity against pancreatic cancer cell line.

Two previously undescribed indole alkaloids, 3-prenyl-5(3-keto-but-1-enyl) indole and 3-prenyl-indole-5-carbaldehyde, the structurally-related 3,5-diprenyl indole and four known alkaloids were isolated from the leaves of Ravenia spectabilis Engl. Structures were elucidated based on nuclear magnetic resonance (1D and 2D NMR) spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analysis. The previously undescribed compounds isolated were subsequently screened against the HeLa (human cervical cancer), MIA PaCa-2 (human pancreatic adenocarcinoma) and A549 (lung cancer) cell lines. Among the isolated compounds, 3,5-diprenyl indole was the most cytotoxic across all three cell lines (MIA PaCa-2 IC50 = 9.5 ± 2.2 µM). Molecular modelling studies suggested DNA intercalation as the mode of action of these compounds.

Effect of immunonutritional status, healthcare factors, and lifestyle on acute respiratory infections among under-5 children in Bangladesh.

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory infection is a major cause of death for under-5 children in Bangladesh. We aimed to analyze the effect of immunonutritional status, healthcare factors, and lifestyle on the incidence of acute respiratory infection among under-5 children taking individual-level and contextual-level risk factors into consideration. METHODS: This study recruited 200 children suffering from acute respiratory infection and 100 healthy controls matched by age, sex, and sociodemographic profile. Serum antioxidant vitamin A (retinol), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) were assessed along with the impact of vaccination, socioeconomic factors, and Z-score on the incidence of acute respiratory infection. RESULTS: Serum antioxidant vitamins were significantly lower in the acute respiratory infection children compared to the non-acute respiratory infection group. Vitamin A was found to be significantly high in acute respiratory infection children who were breastfed for more than 1 year. Vitamin E levels were found to be significantly higher in the acute respiratory infection children who were immunized. Compared to the children living in tin-shed house or huts, serum vitamin E level increased in those acute respiratory infection children who resided in apartments. Vitamin A level was significantly high in those acute respiratory infection children whose height-for-age was -2 SD and above (Z-score), and vitamin C levels were also significantly high in those acute respiratory infection children whose weight-for-height was -2 SD and below (Z-score). CONCLUSION: Deficiencies of antioxidant vitamins along with healthcare and lifestyle factors have a significant influence on the incidence of acute respiratory infection among under-5 children in Bangladesh.

Immunoglobulins content in colostrum, transitional and mature milk of Bangladeshi mothers: Influence of parity and sociodemographic characteristics.

BACKGROUND: The study investigated the concentration of IgA, IgM and IgG in colostrum, transitional and mature milk and the effect of parity, age, BMI and family income on secreted immunoglobulin contents of human milk. METHODS: Sequential samples of colostrum, transitional and mature milk were collected from 38 women. Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay was used to analyse the immunoglobulin concentrations. RESULTS: The study revealed that IgA was the dominant immunoglobulin and mean concentration in colostrum, transitional and mature milk was 5.92 ± 1.50 g/L, 3.85 ± 0.64 g/L and 3.72 ± 0.68 g/L, respectively. Both IgA and IgM levels of colostrum decreased significantly in both transitional (P = 0.000) and mature milk (P = 0.000), while the concentration of IgG rises significantly in them (colostrum vs. transitional milk, P = 0.000; and colostrum vs. mature milk P = 0.011). While maternal age, BMI and family income had no significant influence on the immunoglobulin levels at different stages of lactation, parity showed significant influence on IgG (P = 0.03) and IgM (P = 0.05) levels of transitional milk and IgA level of colostrum (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that immunoglobulin composition in breast milk is strongly associated with stage of lactation and is likely to be more susceptible to parity than BMI and socioeconomic characteristics.

Crispenes F and G, cis-Clerodane Furanoditerpenoids from Tinospora crispa, Inhibit STAT3 Dimerization.

Two new cis-clerodane-type furanoditerpenes, crispenes F and G (1 and 2), together with seven known compounds, were isolated from the stems of Tinospora crispa. Crispenes F and G (1 and 2) inhibited STAT3 dimerization in a cell-free fluorescent polarization assay and were found to have significant cytotoxicity against a STAT3-dependent MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cell line, while being inactive in a STAT3-null A4 cell line. These two compounds share structural similarities with a previously reported STAT3 inhibitor, crispene E, isolated from the same plant. Molecular docking studies suggested that the molecules inhibit STAT3 by interacting with its SH2 domain.

Carotenoids and ß-carotene in orange fleshed sweet potato: A possible solution to vitamin A deficiency.

The present study, in line with a plant-food-based approach to address vitamin A deficiency, reports the analysis of total carotenoids, and trans- and cis-ß-carotenes, in different varieties of raw and boiled orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP). Carotenoids were isolated using acetone-petroleum ether extraction followed by spectrophotometric determination. trans- and cis-ß-Carotenes were analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC method using a mobile phase containing acetonitrile:methanol:2-propanol in the ratio of 85:15:33 with 0.01% ammonium acetate. Intra-varietal difference in carotenoids as well as trans- and cis-ß-carotenes were noted in both the raw and boiled potatoes. Carotenoid content was found to be higher in the raw potatoes compared to the boiled samples from the same variety. Amongst the OFSP varieties, Kamalasundari (BARI SP-2) was found to contain the most carotenoids in both the raw and boiled samples. ß-Carotene was significantly higher in the Kamalsundari and BARI SP-5 varieties. trans-ß-Carotene was found to be the major carotenoid in all of the raw potatoes, but boiling was associated with an increase in cis-ß-carotene and a decrease in the trans isomer. Kamalsundari and BARI SP-5 orange-fleshed sweet potatoes have the potential to be used as food-based supplements to reduce vitamin A deficiency.

Nutrient composition of strawberry genotypes cultivated in a horticulture farm.

This article decribes the nutrient composition of four strawberry genotypes cultivated at the Sher-e-Bangla Agriculture University horticulture farm in Dhaka (Bangladesh). AOAC and standard validated methods were employed to analyse the nutrient composition. Protein, fat and ash contents were found to be vary significantly (LSD<0.05), while the variation in moisture (LSD<1.33), dietary fibre (LSD<0.15) and total sugar (LSD<0.09) were found to be insignificant among the genotypes. Vitamin C content ranged from 26.46 mg to 37.77 mg per 100g edible strawberries (LSD<0.060). Amount of carotenoids were found to be very low being in a range of 0.99-3.30 µg per 100g edible fruit. Analysis of mineral revealed that strawberry genotypes contained a wide array of minerals including Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe; most of which varied significantly (LSD<0.05) among the genotypes. Strawberries could be a potential dietary supplement for vitamin C along with minerals, particularly for the children who do not like local fruits, but love to eat the colourful strawberries.

Cytotoxic dimeric quinolone-terpene alkaloids from the root bark of Zanthoxylum rhetsa.

Four quinolone-terpene alkaloids, chelerybulgarine (1), 2'-episimulanoquinoline (3), 2,11-didemethoxyvepridimerine B (4), and rhetsidimerine (5) were isolated from the root bark of Zanthoxylum rhetsa DC. Chelerybulgarine (1) is a C-C linked terpene alkaloid where the C-6 of dihydrochelerythrine is linked to C-11 of the sesquiterpenoid 10ß-methoxybulgarene. 2'-Episimulanoquinoline is a dimeric alkaloid containing dihydrochelerythrine and 8-methoxy-N-methylflindersine moieties, whereas 2,11-didemethoxyvepridimerine B and rhetsidimerine are dimeric prenylated quinolone alkaloids. Seven of the isolated compounds exhibited weak cytotoxicity when tested against a panel of six human stomach-cancer cell lines.

Secondary metabolites from the stem of Ravenia spectabilis Lindl.

BACKGROUND: Ravenia spectabilis is a medium tall shrub found widespread in South America. It also found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. Few alkaloid and steroid compounds were reported from the plant previously. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methanol extract from the stems of Ravenia spectabilis were partitioned into n-hexane, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous soluble fractions, respectively. The crude methanol extract, carbon tetrachloride fraction and chloroform fraction were fractionated by column chromatography of Silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 for isolation and purification of compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by extensive NMR spectral analysis, including 2D NMR, mass spectroscopy etc. RESULTS: Ten compounds, γ-fagarine (1), ravenoline (2), N-methyl atanine (3),2,3,3,5-tetramethyl-2,3,4,5- tetrahydrofurano [3,2-c] quinolin-4-one (4), arborinine (5), 3-geranyl indole (6), atanine (7), steroids sitosta-4-en- 3-one (8), stigmasterol (9) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy cinnamic acid (10) were isolated from the stems of Ravenia spectabilis. CONCLUSION: Compounds N-methyl atanine (3), 2,3,3,5-tetramethyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydrofurano [3,2-c] quinolin-4-one (4), 3-geranyl indole (6), sitosta-4-en-3-one (8) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy cinnamic acid (10) were isolated from this plant for the first time. 3-geranyl indole (6) was also isolated second time from natural sources.

Serum trace elements levels in preeclampsia and eclampsia: correlation with the pregnancy disorder.

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are fatal medical complications of pregnancy accounting for 20-80 % of increased maternal death in developing countries. Their aetiologies are still under investigation. Serum trace elements have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Aim of this study was to address the correlation of serum trace elements with preeclampsia and eclampsia. It was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted on conveniently recruited 44 preeclampsia, 33 eclampsia and 27 normotensive pregnant patients. Atomic absorption spectrometry was employed to analyse serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn and Fe. Data were analysed by Student's t test, one-way analysis of variance and multinomial logistic and binary regression analyses. p < 0.05 was considered as a level of significance. In preeclampsia, the serum Ca and Mg were significantly lower than those in eclampsia, while Cu and Zn values were higher. Significant changes of Ca, Mg and Cu were noted among preeclampsia, eclampsia and pregnant control. Serum Ca and Mg indicated a positive association, and Cu gave a negative association in preeclampsia. Cu/Fe ratio was high in eclampsia. Significant correlations of Mg with Zn in eclampsia and Mg with Fe in preeclampsia and eclampsia were predicted. Significant changes in serum trace element levels were present in preeclampsia and eclampsia that may have a link with the pathogenesis of pregnancy disorder.

Serum antioxidant micromineral (Cu, Zn, Fe) status of drug dependent subjects: Influence of illicit drugs and lifestyle.

BACKGROUND: Use of illicit drugs induces multiple nutrient deficiencies. Drug habit, sexual practice and socioeconomic factors influence the nutrient profile of drug dependent subjects. The literature on this issue is still insufficient. This study has tested the hypothesis that illicit drug use and lifestyle impair mineral status. To test this hypothesis, 253 men multiple drug users of age 18-45 years were recruited to investigate their serum copper, zinc and iron levels. Influence of illicit drugs and their lifestyle on the mineral levels was also examined. The study subjects were drug dependent who had shared needles and had sexual activity with multiple partners. Serum concentrations of the minerals were estimated by atomic absorption flame spectrometry. RESULTS: Results showed a significant increase in serum copper and zinc concentrations, and decrease in iron level in drug dependent subjects. The increase of copper level was found to be much higher than that of zinc. Period of drug abuse had made a significant positive influence on the copper and iron levels, but it was apparently reversed for zinc concentration. Multiple sexual partnerships had significant influence on zinc status. There also were significant relationships observed between body mass index (BMI) as well as certain socioeconomic factors, and mineral status of drug dependent subjects and non-drug dependent controls. A series of multiple linear regression analysis predicted mineral values for education, age and BMI. The group (drug dependent subject = 1, non-drug dependent control = 2) had a significant influence on these parameters. However, after controlling these factors, it was shown that illicit drug use significantly contributed to influence the serum mineral levels. CONCLUSION: Illicit drug use impairs serum mineral value causing an increase in copper and zinc and a decrease in iron. Lifestyle and nutritional status of drug dependent subjects influence serum mineral concentrations.

Immunosuppressive and cytotoxic properties of Nigella sativa.

In this study the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds (NSVO) was investigated for its immunomodulating and cytotoxic properties. A rat model was designed to examine the effect of NSVO on selected immune components. Long-Evans rats were challenged with a specific antigen (typhoid TH) and treated with NSVO; and the changes produced in their serum antibody titre along with the splenocytes and peripheral immune cells were analysed. Antibody titre for the experimental animal was found to be 1280 as compared to the 2560 in the control rats. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in splenocytes and neutrophils counts, but a rise in peripheral lymphocytes and monocytes in the experimental animals. To test the cytotoxicity of NSVO, a panel of five human cancer cell lines and a fibroblast line was used. The MTT assay was employed to estimate the cell mortality. Vinblastine sulphate and mitomycin C were used as the positive control. LC(50) values for NSVO were 155.02 +/- 10.4, 185.77 +/- 2.9, 120.40 +/- 20.5, 384.53 +/- 12.1 and 286.83 +/- 23.3 micro g/ml respectively against the SCL, SCL-6, SCL-37'6, NUGC-4 cancer lines and 3T6 fibroblast line. Results indicate that the NSVO could be considered as a potential immunosuppressive cytotoxic agent.

Serum immunoglobulins and white blood cells status of drug addicts: influence of illicit drugs and sex habit.

The aim of this study was to investigate the serum immunoglobulins and white blood cells status of drug addicts and to assess the extent of influence of drug habit and sexual practice on the immune components. The study was conducted among 253 male drug addicts and 100 non-addict controls of aged 18-45 years. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to analyse the serum immunoglobulin concentrations. White blood cells profile was estimated by counting 200 cells. Results showed a significant increase (p<0.03) of serum IgG, IgA and IgM in the drug addicts (6.93+/-1.53 g/l, 2.90+/-1.13 g/l and 1.72+/-0.73 g/l, respectively) compared to those in the cohort controls (6.52+/-1.05 g/l, 2.61+/-0.83 g/l and 1.52+/-0.59 g/l, respectively). A significant (p=0.00) decrease of peripheral lymphocytes (51.8+/-15.2 vs. 71.9+/-11.5) was noted in the drug addicts. Monocytes (8.3+/-4.9), neutrophils (128.2+/-18.9) and eosinophils (11.4+/-5.8) were found to be increased in the drug addicts against those in the controls (5.2+/-2.5, 113.2+/-13.0 and 9.6+/-5.8, respectively). Multiple drug abuse for longer period had resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease of serum immunoglobulins and lymphocytes. The longer period of addiction had also made a significant (p<0.05) decrease of eosinophils (p=0.05) and an increase of monocytes and neutrophils. Sex with multiple sexual partners had shown a significant (p<0.01) decrease of serum immunoglobulins and eosinophils.