Galectin-2 in Health and Diseases.

Galectin-2 is a prototype member of the galactoside-binding galectin family. It is predominately expressed in the gastrointestinal tract but is also detected in several other tissues such as the placenta and in the cardiovascular system. Galectin-2 expression and secretion by epithelial cells has been reported to contribute to the strength of the mucus layer, protect the integrity of epithelia. A number of studies have also suggested the involvement of galectin-2 in tissue inflammation, immune response and cell apoptosis. Alteration of galectin-2 expression occurs in inflammatory bowel disease, coronary artery diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and pregnancy disorders and has been shown to be involved in disease pathogenesis. This review discusses our current understanding of the role and actions of galectin-2 in regulation of these pathophysiological conditions.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of Zea mays husk in male Wistar rats.

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Zea mays husk extract (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of body weight) were investigated in rats. The hot plate and formalin-induced paw licking models were used to assess analgesic effects of the extract, whereas the carrageenan and cotton pellet models were used for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity. The extract at 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight significantly (P < .05) reduced pain stimuli and inflammatory activity when compared with the control group. The reductions in paw licking time and granuloma weight in the formalin and cotton pellet models were both dose dependent. Also, the 200 mg/kg doses of the extract produced higher effects compared with indomethacin (5 mg/kg body of weight) in all the tests. These observations suggest that Z. mays husk extract may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that may be due to its tannins and polyphenolic constituents. These results provide scientific validation for the use of Z. mays husk decoction for the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions in Nigerian folk medicine.