Nephroprotective effect of ethanol extract and fractions of a sea lettuce, Ulva fasciata against cisplatin-induced kidney injury in rats.

Cisplatin is widely used in anticancer therapy, but a substantial percentage of patients who receive the therapeutic dose of cisplatin develop nephrotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity may also develop after a single dose or low repeated doses of cisplatin. Ulva fasciata is an edible seaweed, commonly known as sea lettuces have also been shown various biological activities. In this study, ethanol extract and its solvent fractions (n-hexane and chloroform) of U. fasciata were given (orally) to different groups of rats for 10 days. Injury to the kidney was induced by administrating cisplatin, intraperitoneally (i.p.) to rats at a dose of 7 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) dissolved in 1 mL saline, at 5th day of the experiment. At 10th day rats were sacrificed and kidney parameters (creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)) and electrolyte balance (Ca++, Mg++, K+, and Na+) in serum were determined, while oxidative stress markers glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF α), and interleukin (IL-6) were determined in kidney tissues. Histological examination of the kidney was also performed to examine the changes in kidney tissues. Cisplatin caused adverse effects on blood parameters, antioxidants, and inflammatory markers with severe renal tubular injury in kidney tissues. Ethanol extract of U. fasciata and its fractions effectively improved these disorders and diminished the renal dysfunction. However, ethanol extract was found more effective in attenuating the adverse effect of cisplatin than its fractions. n-Hexane-soluble fraction that was subjected to GC-FID and GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several compounds and some of them are new from this source. It could be concluded that the U. fasciata possesses nephroprotective effect and can attenuate cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction. Since U. fasciata is an edible seaweed, it may be used as a diet supplement.

Hypolipidemic potential of sterol containing fractions of Jolyna laminarioides: a brown alga.

Solvent fractions (n-hexane, cholorofrom, methanol) and fractions containing sterols of Jolyna laminarioides was evaluated in triton-induced and high-fat-diet induced hyperlipidemic rats. Oral administration of J. laminarioides significantly reduced the elevated level of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-c, both in triton induced and high fat diet induced hyperlipidemic rat models with increased serum HDL-c. Chloroform: methanol fraction (2:1) and n-hexane fraction containing sterol showed promising results in reducing LDL-c. The methanol fraction showed hypolipidemic effect by increasing HDL-c (90%). The extracts and fractions of the seaweed also decreased the increased level of cardiac and hepatic marker enzymes beside lowering lipid profile. J. laminarioides exhibited high anti-hyperlipidemic effects both in triton induced and high fat diet induced hyperlipidemic rats.

Hypoglycemic potential of some seaweeds from Karachi coast of Pakistan.

Hypoglycemic activity of ethanol extracts and polysaccharides of seaweeds were studied in Sprague Dawley rats. Based on primary screening of ethanol extracts of 10 seaweeds, three Spatoglossum variabile, Stokeyia indica and Sargassum swartzii were selected for further study and polysaccharides were also extracted from them. Ethanol extracts and polysaccharides were administered to alloxan-induced diabetic rats and glucose level, liver and cardiac enzymes were determined. Antidiabetic activity of ethanol extract of three seaweeds S. swartzii, S. indica and S. variabile caused more than 30% reduction in blood glucose after 6 hours atleast on one dose level (2 mg/200 g and/or 10 mg/200 g body weight) in normal and alloxan diabetic rats. Polysaccharides of these three seaweeds also showed anti-diabetic activity after 6 hours atleast on one dose level (1mg/200 g and/ or 2mg/200g body weight) in normal and alloxan diabetic rats. Seaweed extracts and their polysaccharides caused slight alteration in liver and cardiac enzymes like Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT), Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP).

Marine macro-algae attenuates nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by cisplatin and acetaminophen in rats.

Cisplatin is considered one of the best anticancer medications often used for the treatment of various cancers even with its adverse effects. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a widely used analgesic-antipyretic drug that causes hepatotoxicity at higher than the effective doses. The present study assesses the nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects of two seaweeds against cisplatin and acetaminophen toxicity in rats. Damage to the liver and kidney was induced by administering a single intraperitoneal dose of acetaminophen (600 mg/kg) or cisplatin (7 mg/kg) to groups of rats. The damage to the liver and kidney was assessed by the elevated liver (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, electrolytes) and kidney (urea, creatinine) biomarkers. The ethanol extract of brown seaweed reversed the elevated levels of kidney and liver biomarkers along with triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose. Among the two seaweeds, Sargassum ilicifolium showed better nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects than the standard drug N-Acetyl-cysteine, Halymenia porphyroides showed only limited protection. Findings of this study provide evidence of nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects of S. ilicifolium. Seaweed could be a beneficial dietary supplement to attenuate nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.

Protective role of Sargassum species in liver and kidney dysfunctions and associated disorders in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen.

Hepatoprotective and reno-potective effect of Sargassum species was investigated in rats against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and acetaminophen (AAP) intoxication. The rats were given ethanol extracts of Sargassum ilicifolium, S. lanceolatum and S.swartzii orally at dose of 200mg/kg b.w. (body weight) daily for 14 days. These seaweed treated rats were then intoxicated with single intra-peritoneal dose of CCl4 or AAP on14th day. The administration of CCl4 and AAP caused significant (p<0.05) elevation in liver enzymes; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and other biochemical parameters, bilirubin, glucose, triglyceride and kidney function markers: urea and creatinine. The pre-treatment with ethanol extracts of S. ilicifolium and S. swartzii protected the liver and kidney significantly (p<0.05) by lowering the elevated level of hepatic enzymes, liver and kidney function markers towards normal range. Sargassum species have also showed positive effect on serum glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride.

Effect of seaweeds occurring at Karachi coast on mosquito larvae and liver function in rats.

Seaweeds have been consumed as human food from thousands of years. In this study ethanol extract of 16 different seaweeds were tested for mosquito larvicidal activity against 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegyptii. The ethanol extracts of Padina pavonia and Sargassum ilicifolium caused 50% mortality at 1200ppm concentration. However other seaweeds Halimeda tuna, Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta), Dictyota dichotoma var intricata, Jolyna laminariodes, Sargassum binderi (Phaeophyta), Melanothamnus afaqhusainii and Solieria robusta (Rhodophyta) showed LC50 at ≈1500 ppm concentration. The n-hexane fraction of Padina pavonia was most potent and produced lethality at minimum concentration (LC50 at 250ppm).The effect of ethanol and water extracts of S. binderii was also examined on liver function of healthy rats. The ethanol extract of Sargassum binderi given orally to rats @ 200mg/kg for 14 days slightly increased the concentration of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP and LDH) and urea level as compared with normal control rats, but did not increase bilirubin, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and creatinine. Whereas water extract of S. binderi affected ALT while other biochemical parameters were near normal or slightly decreased as compared to normal control.

Role of Antagonistic Microorganisms and Organic Amendment in Stimulating the Defense System of Okra Against Root Rotting Fungi.

Without application of chemical pesticides control of soilborne diseases is a great challenge. Stimulation of natural plant's defense is considered as one of the most promising alternative strategy for crop protection. Organic amendment of soil besides direct suppressing the pathogen, has been reported to have an influence on phytochemicals in plants. In the present study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium and Paecilomyces lilacinus, an egg parasite of root knot and cysts nematodes were examined individually and in combination in soil amended with cotton cake for suppressing the root rotting fungi and stimulating the synthesis of polyphenols and improving the antioxidant status in okra. Application of P. aeruginosa and P. lilacinus in soil amended with cotton cake significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium solani with complete reduction of Rhizoctonia solani. Combine use of biocontrol agents in cotton cake amended soil showed maximum positive impact on plant growth, polyphenol concentration and antioxidant activity in okra.

Antidepressant effect and categorization of inhibitory activity of monoamine oxidase type A and B of ethanolic extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum Linn.

Trigonella foenum- graecum Linn (Fabaceae) is an annual aromatic herb and no wit is cultivated globally like in Pakistan, Egypt, India, Middle East etc. Traditionally it was used in anorexia, as febrifuge, to soothe gastritis and gastric ulcers, as a galactagogue and as condiment, hypoglycemic agent and employed in various as nervous disorders. The study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of ethanolic extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum and underlying mechanism of action. For assessment of antidepressant activity Forced Swimming Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST), Monoamine (MAO) Assay and Locomotor Activity Test were studied. Acute toxicity, Rota Rod and Grip Strength Tests were also performed. The significant declining in immobility time as compared to control was shown in Forced swimming test as compared to tail suspension test. Considerable change was not found in open field test (OFT). EtOH extract of seeds of fenugreek represent maximum significant reduction which was 30 and 24.65% in MAO- A and B activity respectively in the rat's whole brain as compared to control animals in Monoamine oxidase (MAO) assay. All tested doses were found ineffective in impairment of muscle coordination in Rota rod and in grip strength related to muscle relaxant property. According to experimental findings it is revealed that ethanolic extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum showed antidepressant effect by inhibiting the activity of MAO-A and B.

Antidepressant activity of ethanolic extract of Hibiscus rosa sinenesis Linn.

The present study was undertaken to assess the antidepressant effect of crude ethanolic extract of floral part of Hibiscusrosa sinensis (HRS) at doses 100mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg using three parameters which are forced induced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and open field test(OFT). Flouxetine (15mg/kg, body weight) was used as standard. Significant dose dependent decline in immobility time was observed in all the three doses in FST and TST while in case of OFT none of the dose of HRS exhibited effectual results. To determine MAO"A" and MAO"B" activity HRS extract was used and the results revealed that each dose of this plant exhibited marked effect on MAO"A", while on MAO"B" only 250mg/kg dose was found significant.

Antihepatotoxic effect of golden berry (Physalis peruviana Linn.) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated rats.

Liver is the main site in the body for intense metabolism and excretion. A number of chemicals and drugs which are used routinely cause liver damage. The present study investigates the antihepatotoxic effect of Physalis peruviana whole ripe fruit, water and ethanol extracts of fruit in normal as well as in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) intoxicated rats. The CCl(4) treated rats showed marked elevation in liver enzymes: alanine transaminse, aspratate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and other biochemical parameters: bilirubin, creatinine and urea, thus indicating liver injury. Whereas animal treated/fed with various preparations of Physalis peruviana showed significant lowering effect (p<0.05) in the elevated levels of serum markers like ALAT, ASAT, ALP, LDH, creatinine, urea and bilirubin indicating the protection against hepatic cell damage. The water extract of Physalis peruviana showed highest activity in both rat models while ripe fruit and ethanol extract showed moderate activity compared to standard drug.

Prevalence and associated risk factors for syphilis in women with recurrent miscarriages.

OBJECTIVE: A Cross Sectional population based serological studies was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for syphilis women with recurrent miscarriages. METHODS: Patient's 5ml whole blood was collected through venepuncture technique. Data were collected by all women answered a questionnaire and by investigating blood sample VDRL test and FTA-ABS test. The study was conducted in a confidential manner and numbers were used to identify the participant. RESULTS: Total 256 women were included in the present study. Mean age of women was 29.4 years while range was 21 to 38 years (206/256). Out of the 256 samples, 05 (1.9%) were positive for active syphilis. Majority belonged to low socioeconomic group, uneducated and had previous congenital anomaly. CONCLUSION: Active infection with Treponema pallidum (T.P) in women belonging to low socioeconomic level were disquieting. This is probably due to illiteracy and high proportion of unsafe sexual behavior. It is also suggestive that seropositive status is often discovered in routine serological studies during pregnancy.

Biological activity of Spatoglossum asperum: a brown alga.

Chloroform and methanol fractions of an ethanol extract of Spatoglossum asperum showed antifungal activity against the highly destructive plant pathogen, Macrophomina phaseolina while the n-hexane fraction showed activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani. n-Hexane and methanol fractions also showed nematicidal activity against the plant parasitic nematode, Meloidogyne javanica. Column chromatography of the ethanol extract of seaweed yielded oily fractions named SA-I to SA-VI. GC-MS data of these oily fractions showed the presence of various fatty acid esters. Some of these oily fractions exhibited strong antifungal and nematicidal activities. Oily fractions of S. asperum also showed hypolipidaemic activity in normal, triton-induced and high fat diet-induced hyperlipidaemic rats without producing any ill effect on cardiac and liver enzymes.

Hypolipidaemic activity of seaweed from Karachi coast.

During the present study, ethanol extracts of five seaweed species Solieria robusta, Iyengaria stellata, Colpomenia sinuosa, Spatoglossum asperum and Caulerpa racemosa at 10 mg/ 200 g body weight were tested for their hypolipidaemic activity. All the species significantly decreased the serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in normal, triton-induced and diet-induced hyperlipidaemic rats. Solieria robusta was found to be the most effective in reducing the lipid profile, particularly in diet-induced hyperlipidaemic rats. A beneficial effect of the ethanol extract of S. asperum was also found on cardiac and liver enzymes in diet-induced hyperlipidaemic rats.