Long-term outcomes of index cryoballoon ablation or point-by-point radiofrequency ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and systolic heart failure.

Catheter ablation is an established effective approach for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure, however, the role of cryoablation in this setting is unclear. Procedural success and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF) improvement in patients with LVEF ≤ 45% undergoing index catheter ablation with cryoablation were evaluated. Freedom from AF recurrence was seen in 43% rising to 59% following repeat procedure. There were significant improvements in LVEF and functional status at long-term follow-up. Results were comparable to a contemporaneous cohort of heart failure patients undergoing index ablation with radiofrequency ablation. Cryoablation is an effective first-line AF ablation approach in the setting of heart failure.

Isolation, purification and characterization of cellulase produced by Aspergillus niger cultured on Arachis hypogaea shells.

Cellulases are enzymes that hydrolyse cellulose and related cellu-oligosaccharides derivatives. Its applications are enormous but high cost of production is the bottle-neck against the utilization of cellulase in industries. Therefore, this study investigated the isolation, purification and characterization of cellulase produced by Aspergillus niger cultured on Arachis hypogaea shells. The crude cellulase enzyme was produced by A. niger through submerged fermentation process using A. hypogaea shells as a carbon source. The optima fermentation conditions were determined by varying different parameters. The crude cellulase was purified through ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis and gel-filtration chromatography. The molecular weight was estimated using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The effects of pH and temperature on the activity of the purified cellulase were investigated. The study revealed that the: optimal production of crude cellulase was achieved at incubation period of 120 h, pH 4, temperature 40 °C, and inoculum size of 13 × 105 CFU/ml. Cellulase was purified to 68.12-fold with a yield and specific activity of 3.87% and 484.3 U/mg respectively. The Vmax for the cellulase was 9.26 U/ml while the Km was 0.23 mg/ml. The molecular weight of the cellulase was approximately 13.5 kDa and the enzyme has higher specificity for CMC compared to other substrates. The optimum pH and temperature for the cellulase activity were 4 and 40 °C respectively. The present study has shown that A. hypogaea shells can be used as a carbon source by A. niger for the production of cellulase.

Enhancing the antimalarial activity of artesunate.

The global challenge to the treatment of malaria is mainly the occurrence of resistance of malaria parasites to conventionally used antimalarials. Artesunate, a semisynthetic artemisinin compound, and other artemisinin derivatives are currently used in combination with selected active antimalarial drugs in order to prevent or delay the emergence of resistance to artemisinin derivatives. Several methods, such as preparation of hybrid compounds, combination therapy, chemical modification and the use of synthetic materials to enhance solubility and delivery of artesunate, have been employed over the years to improve the antimalarial activity of artesunate. Each of these methods has advantages it bestows on the efficacy of artesunate. This review discussed the various methods employed in enhancing the antimalarial activity of artesunate and delaying the emergence of resistance of parasite to it.

Antimalarial Activity of Cocos nucifera Husk Fibre: Further Studies.

In this study, the antimalarial and toxicity potentials of husk fibre extracts of five Nigerian varieties of Cocos nucifera were evaluated in vitro. The only active extract fraction, West African Tall (WAT) ethyl acetate extract fraction, was then evaluated for its phytochemical constituents, antimalarial and toxicity potentials at varying doses (31.25-500 mg/kg body weight) using various organ function indices. The results revealed that WAT ethyl acetate extract fraction (WATEAEF) contained alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids and was active against Plasmodium falciparum W2 strain maintained in continuous culture, with a selectivity index of 30.3. The same extract fraction was active in vivo against Plasmodium berghei NK65, causing more than 50% reduction in parasitaemia on days 4 and 6 after inoculation at various doses administered. WATEAEF did not significantly alter (P > 0.05) function indices of the liver and cardiovascular system at all doses administered but significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma creatinine concentration at 250 and 500 mg/Kg body weight compared to controls. The results of this study suggest that WATEAEF possesses antimalarial activity and may not adversely affect normal liver function nor predispose subjects to cardiovascular diseases but may impair normal kidney function at higher doses. Further studies are underway to isolate the active principles.

Toxicity evaluation of crankcase oil in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of crankcase oil on the cellular and functional integrity of rat skin. Thirty (30) rats were randomly grouped into six viz groups A-F. Group A (base-line control) received 2 ml of distilled water. 2.5 %, 5.0 %, 7.5 %, and 10.0 % v/v of the crankcase oil were prepared using unused oil as solvent and 2 ml of the concentrations were topically administered to groups C-F respectively for seven consecutive days. Group B served as positive control and received 2 ml of the unused oil. The rats were sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration, and blood and part of the skin were collected. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde level in the blood and skin samples collected were evaluated. Elemental analysis of the crankcase oil was also carried out. The result revealed high lead, iron and chromium levels. Blood lead concentration of rats was significantly (P<0.05) high after seven days of administration. ALP level in skin and serum increased significantly (P<0.05) with the concentration of crankcase oil. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in skin ACP activity while it increased significantly (P<0.05) in the serum. Similar results were observed in the SOD levels of the serum and the skin. The level increased significantly (P<0.05) in groups D-F when compared with controls. The MDA concentration of both serum and skin were significantly (P<0.05) elevated. This suggests toxic potential of used lubricating oil and its potential predisposition to cancer.

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of Celosia argentea leaves.

OBJECTIVE: The aqueous extract of Celosia argentea var. cristata L. leaves at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) was investigated against cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats. The in vitro antioxidant of the extract was evaluated using ammonium thiocyanate, reducing power, and membrane stabilizing models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the in vivo study, 30 male rats (Rattus norvegicus) weighing 138.02 ± 7.02 g were completely randomized into 6 groups (A-F) of 5 animals each. Animals in groups A and B received 0.5 ml of distilled water and the same volume containing 8 mg/kg b.w. of Cd, respectively, for 7 days orally. Animals in groups C, D, E, and F were treated like those in group B except that they received 100 mg/kg b.w. of ascorbic acid, and 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w. of the extract, respectively, in addition to Cd. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids (0.61%), saponins (2.93%), cardiac glycosides (0.21%), cardenolides (0.20%), phenolics (3.26%), and flavonoids (2.38%). A total of 10 mg/ml of the extract inhibited linoleic acid oxidation by 67.57%. The highest reducing power was 100 mg/ml as against 10 mg/ml for ascorbic acid. In addition, 2 mg/ml of the extract produced a membrane stabilizing activity of 63.49% as against 77.46% for indomethacin. Compared with the distilled water control group, the administration of Cd alone significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the alkaline phosphatase activity of the rat liver and brain. This decrease was accompanied by a corresponding increase in the serum enzyme. The simultaneous administration of the extract and Cd produced an enzyme activity that compared favorably (P > 0.05) with the animals that received Cd and ascorbic acid. In addition, the reduction in the superoxide dismutase and catalase activity of the liver and brain of the animals, serum uric acid, albumin and bilirubin, and also the increase in the serum malondialdehyde content in animals treated with Cd alone was attenuated by the extract; the values compared well (P > 0.05) with those simultaneously administered with Cd and ascorbic acid. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results indicated that the aqueous extract of C. argentea leaves attenuated Cd-induced oxidative stress in the animals, with the best result at 400 mg/kg b.w. The antioxidant activity of the extract may be attributed to the phenolic and flavonoid components of the extract. The induction of antioxidant enzymes and scavenging of free radicals may account for the mechanism of action of the extract as an antioxidant.

Effects of co-administration of artesunate and amodiaquine on some cardiovascular disease indices in rats.

The effects of co-administration of artesunate and amodiaquine on some cardiovascular disease indices were investigated in albino rats (Rattus novergicus). The experimental animals were randomly divided into four groups: those administered distilled water (control), those administered artesunate (2 mg/kg body weight), those administered amodiaquine (6.12 mg/kg body weight) and those co-administered artesunate (2 mg/kg body weight) and amodiaquine (6.12 mg/kg body weight). The drugs were orally administered twice daily for three days after which the serum lipid profile, heart MDA content and heart ALP and ACP activities were determined. Artesunate significantly reduced (P<0.05) total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations in the serum with no significant effects (P>0.05) on other parameters compared to controls. Amodiaquine, on the other hand, significantly reduced (P<0.05) serum total cholesterol concentration while it significantly increased (P<0.05) serum LDL-cholesterol and heart ACP activity compared to controls. Co-administration of artesunate and amodiaquine significantly reduced (P<0.05) total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations in the serum while significantly increasing (P<0.05) serum LDL-cholesterol concentration, atherogenic index (LDL-C/HDL-C) and ACP activity in the heart compared to controls. The results obtained suggest that co-administration of artesunate and amodiaquine to patients with coronary heart disease should be with caution.

Promethazine oxidation by redox mediation in peroxidase reactions.

The effect of promethazine on peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of 3,3', 5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine was investigated at pH 5.4. Promethazine dose dependently introduced a lag in the appearance of tetramethylbenzidine charge-transfer complex monitored at 652 nm. Increasing concentrations of tetramethylbenzidine however decreased the lag period proportional to the tetramethylbenzidine concentration. Addition of promethazine to preformed charge transfer complex caused rapid bleaching of the blue-colored complex. Titration of promethazine with the yellow-colored diimine gave rise to the blue charge-transfer complex and the complete reduction of the species to the colorless parent amine compound. The available evidence suggests that promethazine is oxidized via redox mediation by tetramethylbenzidine peroxidase-oxidized products.

Effects of defective in vivo synthesis of mitochondrial proteins on cellular biochemistry and physiology of malnourished rats.

Investigations were carried out to find the biochemical and bioenergetic implications of a defective in vivo synthesis of mitochondrial proteins during dietary-protein depletion. 3.4% dietary protein was fed to 21-day-old weanling rats for 30 days (experimental), while 21.0% dietary protein was fed to controls. A close simulation of marasmic-kwashiorkor syndrome was obtained in the experimental group. Rat liver mitochondria were isolated, and the functional and structural integrity was determined using biochemical standard parameters. Results show that the respiratory control ratio (RCR) is reduced by 50% in the experimental group, using any of the pyruvate/malate, beta-hydroxybutyrate or succinate as substrate. The effects of storage at 0 degree C were more pronounced in mitochondria from protein-depleted rats as these mitochondria are more leaky to protons (H+); hence they are defective in carrying out chemiosmotic oxidative phosphorylation. There is a drastic reduction in the basal ATPase and cytochrome oxidase activities with low ATP production and a decline in energy expenditure. This led to serious bioenergetic consequences culminating in heavy dependence on glycolysis and other biochemical aberrations.

Comparative effects of three naturally occurring furanocoumarins on mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Oxygraphic measurements of the rates of mitochondrial respiration in the presence of varying amounts of chalepin, imperatorin and marmesin, three naturally occurring furanocoumarins, revealed that the oxidation of NAD(+)-linked substrates was inhibited by chalepin and imperatorin and less significantly by marmesin. The order of potency being rotenone much greater than chalepin imperatorin greater than marmesin. There was no effect whatsoever on succinate oxidation by the furanocoumarins tested (up to 60 microM). State 3 respiration was also inhibited by these furanocoumarins; by at least 80% by 10 microM chalepin and by 48 and 29% with 60 microM imperatorin and 60 microM marmesin, respectively. Consequently, ADP control of respiration was diminished by those concentrations of furanocoumarins that inhibited respiration. At 60 microM, respiratory control ratio was reduced by about 88, 49 and 28% with chalepin, imperatorin and marmesin, respectively. A measurement of the rate of proton and Ca2(+)-movements across the mitochondrial coupling membrane demonstrated that succinate-supported transport was not affected by these furanocoumarins. On the other hand, pyruvate/malate-supported proton ejection was significantly inhibited by chalepin, imperatorin and marmesin. The order of the degree of inhibition of proton flux is rotenone much greater than chalepin greater than imperatorin greater than marmesin. The pattern of the inhibition of pyruvate/malate-supported Ca2(+)-transport was identical to that seen during proton transport. A comparison of the effects of chalepin to that of rotenone suggests that chalepin might be about 10 times less potent than rotenone.

Protonophoric properties of fluorinated arylalkylsulfonamides. Observations with perfluidone.

The acidity and lipophilicity of the fluorinated arylalkylsulphonamides are determined by the nature of the substituents on their aromatic rings. Herbicidal and anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds appear to increase with their lipophilicity. According to Mitchell's chemiosmotic theory, lipophilic weak-acid uncoupling agents act by transporting protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane and thus destroying the proton-electrochemical potential gradient required for ATP synthesis and ion transport. 1:1:1-Trifluoro-N-[2-methyl-4-(phenylsulphonyl) phenyl]methanesulphonamide (Perfluidone), a pre- and post-emergence herbicide (at 20 microM concentration), in isolated rat-liver mitochondria caused (1) a 2-fold stimulation of metabolic state-4 respiration, (2) a reduction of respiratory control ratio (RCR) by at least 50%, (3) an enhancement of latent ATPase activity by 40%, (4) a significant passive swelling of mitochondria in 0.15 N NH4Cl(delta A520 = -0.46 +/- 0.003), (5) proton intrusion during state-4 respiration (356 ng H+/min/mg protein; ng H+/min/mg protein with 5 microM perfluidone), and (6) at least 100% stimulation of oligomycin-inhibited respiration. These profiles are qualitatively comparable with those of the classical lipophilic weak-acid uncoupler, carbonylcyanide-trifluoro-methoxyphenylene hydrazone (FCCP), which acts by promoting the electrogenic transport of H+ ions across mitochondrial membrane.

Sensitivity of oligomycin-inhibited respiration of isolated rat liver mitochondria to perfluidone, a fluorinated arylalkylsulfonamide.

Oxygen electrode polarographic measurements of the rate of oxygen consumption by isolated rat liver mitochondria revealed that oligomycin inhibition of respiration was offset to different degrees by varying concentrations of perfluidone (1,1,1-trifluoro-N-(2 methyl-4-(phenylsulfonyl) methanesulfonamide). Using any of pyruvate-malate, succinate or ascorbate-TMPD (N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine) as substrate, this herbicidal and anti-inflammatory agent at 100 microM concentration caused a 5-fold stimulation of oligomycin-inhibited respiration. Higher concentrations of the herbicide (greater than or equal to 120 microM) gave lower stimulatory effects. Similar stimulatory effects were obtained with 1 microM FCCP (carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethyoxyphenyl-hydrazone), a classical protonophore. Our results also show an enhanced oligomycin-sensitive ATPase action in intact mitochondria incubated with ATP and varying concentrations of perfluidone. Maximum enhancement effect (111.3%) was obtained at 120 microM perfluidone. FCCP (1 microM) stimulated this ATPase action by 130%. An initial inhibition of respiration by oligomycin is due to an interaction with the proton well of FOF1-ATP synthetase (Lardy, H.A. et al., Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 78 (1953) 587). Perfluidone probably increases the proton conductance of mitochondrial inner membrane in the same manner as FCCP and thus causes an increase in mitochondrial respiratory rate. As protons move into the matrix, delta mu H+, the proton electrochemical potential gradient becomes very small and the F0F1-ATP synthetase functions in the direction of hydrolysis of ATP rather than its shnthesis (Mitchell, P., Eur. J. Biochem., 95 (1979) 1). These findings therefore indicate that perfluidone acts in a way similar to FCCP, a classical uncoupler and protonophore.

Mitochondrial bioenergetics during exposure of rats to perfluidone, a fluorinated arylalkylsulphonamide.

Apart from the symptoms of poisoning which the fluorinated arylalkylsulphonamides share with the classical protonphore and uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP), the direct correlation between the lipophilic weak acid properties of these chemicals and their biological activity suggests that permeation of the inner mitochondrial membrane could be the initial step in the molecular mechanism of their biological activity. Mitochondria isolated from the livers of rats intraperitoneally exposed to varying doses (0-80 mg/kg body wt.) of perfluidone (1,1,1-trifluoro-N-(2 methyl-4-(phenylsulphonyl)phenyl methanesulphonamide), a fluorinated arylalkylsulphonamide pesticide, exhibit the following dose-dependent features: (i) increased state-4 respiration: stimulation being maximal (greater than or equal to 400%) at 80 mg perfluidone per kg body wt.), (ii) release of respiratory control by ADP: least respiratory control ratios (RCRs) (less than or equal to 1.2) were obtained at 80 mg perfluidone per kg body wt., (iii) reduced ADP/O ratios, (iv) increased mitochondrial passive swelling, (vi) reduced rates of mitochondrial proton ejection during succinate oxidation, (vi) reduced rates of respiration-dependent Ca2+ accumulation and (vii) an enhanced oligomycin-sensitive ATPase action. These features which are qualitatively identical to those of the classical protonophore FCCP, suggest that permeation of the inner mitochondrial membrane by perfluidone is accompanied by a movement of protons into the matrix such that the proton motive force required for ATP synthesis and ion transport becomes small or not formed at all.

Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by chalepin, a naturally occurring furocoumarin.

Polarographic measurements of the rates of oxygen consumption by isolated rat liver mitochondria respiring on pyruvate/malate in metabolic state 4 revealed that additions of micromolar amounts of chalepin, a naturally occurring furocoumarin resulted in significant decreases in respiratory rates. At 16 microM chalepin, respiration was inhibited by at least 40%. A maximum inhibition of 60% was obtained at 80 microM chalepin. Whereas 16 microM chalepin gave 76% reduction of respiratory control ratio, at most 80% reduction was obtained at greater than or equal to 80 microM chalepin. There was no significant effect on either metabolic state 4 respiration or respiratory control ratio when succinate was used as electron donor. A comparison with the effects of rotenone indicates that chalepin is probably only one-tenth as potent as this classical inhibitor of respiration. These results show that chalepin-like rotenone is an inhibitor of energy coupling site 1.