Phyto- and Bio-Chemical evaluation of Diospyros kaki L. cultivated in Egypt and its biological activities / Avaliação fito e bioquímica de Diospyros kaki L. cultivado no Egito e suas atividades biológicas

Abstract Diospyros kaki L. or Costata cultivar is the main persimmon variety progressively consumed in the Egyptian market and exportation. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioprotective effects of the alcoholic extract of fruits as well as leaves of D. kaki using in-vivo rat models. Petroleum ether extracts of fruits and leaves were analytically characterized for saponifiable and unsaponifiable compounds by GC/MS. Main flavonoids were chromatographically isolated from 80% aqueous methanol extract of leaves. Chemical evaluation for fruits and leaves namely, content of moisture, ash, proteins, fatty acids, amino acids, fat and water soluble vitamins, minerals, carotenoids was carried out. Total antioxidant activity was determined by radical scavenging effects using DPPH assay. The effect on biochemical parameters and its biological activity were also performed. Results revealed the identification of the major compounds of saponifiable and unsaponifiable matters of fruits and leaves. Scopoletin, as well as, kaempferol, luteolin, rutin and apigenin 7-O-glucoside were isolated and identified. It showed that this plant can provide a good nutritional value and it is safe regarding the kidney and liver functions, good source that help in enhancing the antioxidant defense against free radicals. No abnormal effects were found in lipids profile on experimental animals and there were good results in the ratio of HDL and LDL cholesterol. Also, this plant can help in optimizing blood sugar, enhancing the level of blood haemoglobin. It is concluded that D. kaki displays a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that may contribute to its therapeutic benefits against the risk of disease complications.

Resumo Diospyros kaki L. ou Costata é a principal variedade de caqui progressivamente consumida no mercado e exportação egípcia. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos bioprotetores do extrato alcoólico de frutos e folhas de D. kaki utilizando modelos de ratos "in vivo". Extratos de éter de petróleo provenientes de frutos e folhas foram caracterizados analiticamente para compostos saponificáveis ​​e insaponificáveis ​​por GC/MS. Os principais flavonoides foram isolados cromatograficamente, a partir de 80% de extrato aquoso de folhas de metanol. Foi realizada avaliação química de frutos e folhas, ou seja, de teor de umidade, cinzas, proteínas, ácidos graxos, aminoácidos, vitaminas lipossolúveis e solúveis em água, minerais, carotenoides. Foi caracterizada a atividade antioxidante, utilizando ensaio (DPPH). O efeito nos parâmetros bioquímicos e sua atividade biológica também foram analisados. Os resultados revelaram a identificação dos principais compostos saponificáveis e insaponificáveis de frutos e folhas. Escopoletina, bem como kaempferol, luteolina, rutina e apigenina 7-O-glicosídeo foram isolados e identificados. Também demonstraram que esta planta pode proporcionar um bom valor nutricional e é segura em relação às funções renais e hepáticas, boa fonte que ajuda a melhorar a defesa antioxidante contra os radicais livres. Não foram encontrados efeitos anormais no perfil lipídico em testes em animais, e houve um efeito satisfatório na relação de colesterol HDL e LDL. Além disso, esta planta pode ajudar na otimização do açúcar no sangue, aumentando o nível de hemoglobina. Conclui-se que o D. kaki apresenta uma boa fonte de nutrientes e de compostos bioativos que contribuem para seus benefícios terapêuticos e contra o risco de complicações de doenças.

Phyto- and Bio-Chemical evaluation of Diospyros kaki L. cultivated in Egypt and its biological activities.

Diospyros kaki L. or Costata cultivar is the main persimmon variety progressively consumed in the Egyptian market and exportation. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioprotective effects of the alcoholic extract of fruits as well as leaves of D. kaki using in-vivo rat models. Petroleum ether extracts of fruits and leaves were analytically characterized for saponifiable and unsaponifiable compounds by GC/MS. Main flavonoids were chromatographically isolated from 80% aqueous methanol extract of leaves. Chemical evaluation for fruits and leaves namely, content of moisture, ash, proteins, fatty acids, amino acids, fat and water soluble vitamins, minerals, carotenoids was carried out. Total antioxidant activity was determined by radical scavenging effects using DPPH assay. The effect on biochemical parameters and its biological activity were also performed. Results revealed the identification of the major compounds of saponifiable and unsaponifiable matters of fruits and leaves. Scopoletin, as well as, kaempferol, luteolin, rutin and apigenin 7-O-glucoside were isolated and identified. It showed that this plant can provide a good nutritional value and it is safe regarding the kidney and liver functions, good source that help in enhancing the antioxidant defense against free radicals. No abnormal effects were found in lipids profile on experimental animals and there were good results in the ratio of HDL and LDL cholesterol. Also, this plant can help in optimizing blood sugar, enhancing the level of blood haemoglobin. It is concluded that D. kaki displays a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that may contribute to its therapeutic benefits against the risk of disease complications.

The role of microalbuminuria as a predictor of subclinical cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis patients and its relation to disease activity.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects many body tissues and leads to major morbidity and mortality. Renal disease in RA is clinically important because it restricts the management of primary disease and increases mortality. The objectives of this study are to (1) investigate the difference between RA patients with and without microalbuminuria (MAU) and (2) find out the relation between MAU and disease activity as well as subclinical cardiovascular effects. Ninety RA patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of MAU, in addition to 30 healthy volunteers. ESR, hs-CRP, RF, lipid profile, urinary microalbumin, GFR, renal function tests, carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery (FMD), ECG, and echocardiographic examination were performed for patients and controls. MAU positive RA patients revealed significantly higher lipid profile, ESR, hs-CRP, DAS 28, cIMT, and lower FMD as well as ECG and echocardiographic abnormalities compared to MAU negative RA patients. Moreover, there was significant positive correlation between MAU and DAS28, hs-CRP, LDL, cIMT as well as negative correlation with FMD%. In our study, all RA patients with MAU had a normal serum creatinine concentration and gave a negative result with Albustix. MAU is significantly correlated with ESR, hs-CRP, lipid profile, cIMT, and FMD% in RA patients; therefore, it can be used as an index to measure disease activity as well as subclinical cardiovascular affection in RA patients.

Phyto- and Bio-Chemical evaluation of Diospyros kaki L. cultivated in Egypt and its biological activities

Abstract Diospyros kaki L. or Costata cultivar is the main persimmon variety progressively consumed in the Egyptian market and exportation. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioprotective effects of the alcoholic extract of fruits as well as leaves of D. kaki using in-vivo rat models. Petroleum ether extracts of fruits and leaves were analytically characterized for saponifiable and unsaponifiable compounds by GC/MS. Main flavonoids were chromatographically isolated from 80% aqueous methanol extract of leaves. Chemical evaluation for fruits and leaves namely, content of moisture, ash, proteins, fatty acids, amino acids, fat and water soluble vitamins, minerals, carotenoids was carried out. Total antioxidant activity was determined by radical scavenging effects using DPPH assay. The effect on biochemical parameters and its biological activity were also performed. Results revealed the identification of the major compounds of saponifiable and unsaponifiable matters of fruits and leaves. Scopoletin, as well as, kaempferol, luteolin, rutin and apigenin 7-O-glucoside were isolated and identified. It showed that this plant can provide a good nutritional value and it is safe regarding the kidney and liver functions, good source that help in enhancing the antioxidant defense against free radicals. No abnormal effects were found in lipids profile on experimental animals and there were good results in the ratio of HDL and LDL cholesterol. Also, this plant can help in optimizing blood sugar, enhancing the level of blood haemoglobin. It is concluded that D. kaki displays a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that may contribute to its therapeutic benefits against the risk of disease complications.

Resumo Diospyros kaki L. ou Costata é a principal variedade de caqui progressivamente consumida no mercado e exportação egípcia. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos bioprotetores do extrato alcoólico de frutos e folhas de D. kaki utilizando modelos de ratos in vivo. Extratos de éter de petróleo provenientes de frutos e folhas foram caracterizados analiticamente para compostos saponificáveis e insaponificáveis por GC/MS. Os principais flavonoides foram isolados cromatograficamente, a partir de 80% de extrato aquoso de folhas de metanol. Foi realizada avaliação química de frutos e folhas, ou seja, de teor de umidade, cinzas, proteínas, ácidos graxos, aminoácidos, vitaminas lipossolúveis e solúveis em água, minerais, carotenoides. Foi caracterizada a atividade antioxidante, utilizando ensaio (DPPH). O efeito nos parâmetros bioquímicos e sua atividade biológica também foram analisados. Os resultados revelaram a identificação dos principais compostos saponificáveis e insaponificáveis de frutos e folhas. Escopoletina, bem como kaempferol, luteolina, rutina e apigenina 7-O-glicosídeo foram isolados e identificados. Também demonstraram que esta planta pode proporcionar um bom valor nutricional e é segura em relação às funções renais e hepáticas, boa fonte que ajuda a melhorar a defesa antioxidante contra os radicais livres. Não foram encontrados efeitos anormais no perfil lipídico em testes em animais, e houve um efeito satisfatório na relação de colesterol HDL e LDL. Além disso, esta planta pode ajudar na otimização do açúcar no sangue, aumentando o nível de hemoglobina. Conclui-se que o D. kaki apresenta uma boa fonte de nutrientes e de compostos bioativos que contribuem para seus benefícios terapêuticos e contra o risco de complicações de doenças.

Potentiality of uranium biosorption from nitric acid solutions using shrimp shells.

Biosorption has gained important credibility during recent years because of its good performance and low cost. This work is concerned with studying the potentiality of the chitin component of the shrimp shells for uranium biosorption from nitric acid liquid solutions. The structural characteristics of the working chitin have been determined via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The surface morphology was examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The adsorption capacity of biomass was investigated experimentally. The influence of contact time, pH, metal ion concentration, solution volume to mass ratio and temperature were evaluated and the results were fitted using adsorption isotherm models. The kinetic of uranium biosorption was also investigated as well as biosorption thermodynamic.

Power Doppler sonography in the evaluation and follow-up of knee involvement in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of ultrasound (US), conventional color (CD) and power Doppler (PD) in the detection and quantification of inflammatory signs of the knee in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to correlate these findings with patient history, clinical, laboratory and radiological findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with JIA who had clinical signs of knee involvement as well as 15 healthy children as a control group where subjected to full clinical examination and laboratory investigations on the same day of US examination. The knee joints were evaluated with plain radiography, US, and color Doppler in 13 patients, while the remaining 17 were assessed with power Doppler. Fourteen patients were subjected to follow-up assessment. RESULTS: A highly significant difference in synovial thickening and cartilage thickness detected by US between JIA affected knees and those of controls (p < 0.0001). Knee effusion was demonstrated in 93% of patients. Synovial vessels were detected by Doppler in 76.7% of patients. A significant correlation was detected between the degree of vascularity detected by PD and knee score (p < 0.05), and JAFAR score (P < 0.05). On comparing the findings of the follow-up with those of the initial examination, a significant positive correlation was detected between the differences in the knee score and those in synovial thickness (p < 0.05), and with the vascularity scale detected by PD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests the Doppler sonography as a non-invasive, low-cost, and readily available tool for the evaluation and follow-up of articular involvement in knees of JIA patients.

Post kala-azar ocular leishmaniasis.

The clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of 6 patients with post kala-azar ocular leishmaniasis are described. The eye lesions were associated with past or concomitant post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). Four patients had post kala-azar leishmanial conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Using the polymerase chain reaction, the causative parasite was characterized as Leishmania donovani in 2 of these 4 patients. Two patients had post kala-azar anterior uveitis. The diagnosis of uveitis was based on the clinical manifestations, temporal relation to treated visceral leishmaniasis, the association with PKDL and positive anti-Leishmania serology. All patients were treated with systemic sodium stibogluconate. Patients with anterior uveitis were also treated with steroid and atropine eyedrops. The response to treatment was good. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment of ocular leishmaniasis is stressed.

Ivermectin treatment in severe asymmetric reactive onchodermatitis (sowda) in Sudan.

Ivermectin efficacy and post-treatment reactions in asymmetric severe reactive ochodermatitis (sowda) were studied in 8 patients with sowda syndrome and 6 with mild generalized onchodermatitis in Sudan. Initial skin snips from 12 patients contained microfilariae (1-9 per mg skin). Patients were treated in hospital with a single oral dose of c. 150 micrograms/kg ivermectin (103-200 micrograms/kg) and monitored for frequency and severity of post-treatment reactions for 4 weeks. Serial samples of heparinized blood were collected over the first 24 h after treatment for determination of ivermectin pharmacokinetics. Skin snips from all patients on days 3 and 28 revealed no microfilariae. Post-treatment reactions were more common and severe in individuals with sowda; they consisted mainly of musculoskeletal pain, local swellings with pitting oedema, and lymph gland tenderness and enlargement. No relation was established between these reactions, the microfilarial infection intensity, or the plasma pharmacokinetic profiles. A single oral dose of ivermectin cleared the skin of microfilariae and led to improvement of symptoms and dermatological signs of sowda, but resulted in more marked reactions than in cases of generalized onchodermatitis.

Effect of nitrogen fixation, nitrogen fertilization and viral infection on yield, tannin and protein contents and in vitro protein digestibility of faba bean.

A field investigation of two faba bean cultivars (cv.), Agabat and Silaim, showed that bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) infection reduced (p < or = 0.001) yield (Kg/ha), protein content and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) but increased (p < or = 0.05) tannin content (mg/100 ml). Nitrogen fertilization with viral infection significantly reduced yield and IVPD for cv. Silaim and increased (p < or = 0.05) protein and tannin contents. Nitrogen fertilization alone was found to increase (p < or = 0.05) yield, protein and tannin contents but slightly reduced IVPD. Rhizobium inoculation with viral infection significantly decreased yield per unit area, protein content and IVPD, but increased (p < or = 0.05) tannin content. Rhizobium inoculation alone significantly increased (p < or = 0.001) yield and tannin content and slightly increased protein content but decreased IVPD. The results indicated that nitrogen fertilization or nitrogen fixation increased yield, protein and tannin contents and decreased IVPD. Viral infection had an adverse effect on yield, protein content and IVPD but had no effect on tannin content.

Xerophthalmia in malnourished Sudanese children.

Two hundred and thirteen Sudanese children (4-60 months old) with malnutrition were examined for signs of xerophthalmia. Sixty-three (29%) of these children were found to have varying stages of xerophthalmia. These included 35 (56%) patients with conjunctival xerosis, 12 (19%) with Bitot's spots, seven (11%) with corneal xerosis, seven (11%) with corneal ulceration and two (3%) with corneal scar. Direct questioning of the parents of these children revealed evidence of night blindness in nine (4%) of all patients. All nine patients had signs of xerophthalmia which showed good response to vitamin A therapy.

Tumors of the eye and adnexa in the Sudan.

854 lesions involving the eye and adnexa in the Sudan were studied as regards their frequency, sex and age incidence, site, pathologic types and geographic and racial distribution. Of 279 primary malignant tumors (frequency ratio 4.3%), conjunctival squamous carcinoma was the commonest (50.4%) while retinoblastoma formed 20.8%, basal cell carcinoma 6.1% and malignant melanoma 4.6%. Conjunctival carcinoma and allied epithelial lesions occurred much more predominently in Northern than in Southern Sudan and no basal cell carcinoma of the eyelids was recorded in the latter. Retinoblastoma and melanoma showed certain tribal predilections. Most cases of Burkitt's lymphoma occurred in Southern Sudan. It is concluded that geographic and racial factors play important roles in determining the frequency and pattern of eye neoplasms in the Sudan.