Towards Application of Bioactive Natural Products Containing Isoprenoids for the Regulation of HMG-CoA Reductase—A Review

Recognition of the biological properties of numerous “natural products” has fueled the current focus of this field, namely, the search for new drugs, antibiotics, insecticides, and herbicides. Based on their biosynthetic origins, natural products can be divided into three major groups: the isoprenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds. Isoprenoids are structurally the most diverse group of secondary natural metabolites with different roles in the growth, development, and reproduction of a diverse range of prokaryotic and eukaryotes cells. Mevalonate and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathways are known to be responsible for biosynthesis of numerous isoprenoids. HMG-CoA reductase is a rate-determining enzyme in mevalonate pathway, producing intermediates such as farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphates, which lead to by-products such as cholesterol. Earlier studies have demonstrated that the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase is one of the most effective approaches for treating hypercholesterolemia and eventually cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and the most prescribed group of drugs worldwide in treating hypercholesterolemia;however the application of this group of drugs may be expensive and has side effects including rashes and gastrointestinal symptoms. For these reasons, there is an important need to examine the viability of natural products as an alternative to statin treatment. This article is a review of different aforementioned areas with a focus on isoprenoids that can be used for the regulation of HMG-CoA reductase.

Inhibitory roles of protein kinase B and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator on hepatic HMG-CoA reductase promoter activity

Since we had previously demonstrated that siRNAs to tristetraprolin (TTP) markedly inhibited insulin stimulation of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) transcription, we investigated the effects of transfecting rat liver with TTP constructs. We found that transfecting diabetic rats with TTP did not increase HMGR transcription but rather led to modest inhibition. We then investigated whether co-transfection with protein kinase B, hepatic form (AKT2), might lead to phosphorylation and result in activation of HMGR transcription. We found that this treatment resulted in near complete inhibition of transcription. Transfection with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g coactivator (PGC-1a) also inhibited HMGR transcription. These results show that although TTP is needed for activation of HMGR transcription, it cannot by itself activate this process. AKT2 and PGC-1a, which mediate the activation of gluconeogenic genes by insulin, exert the opposite effect on HMGR.

Nrf2-inducing and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activities of a polyphenol-rich fraction of Guazuma ulmifolia leaves

Objective: To fractionate and identify polyphenols from Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. leaves, and to explore their antioxidant, 5-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A(HMG-Co A) reductase inhibitory, and Nrf2 modulatory activities.Methods: The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of a polyphenolic fraction of the extract of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. leaves. THP-1 gene reporter cell lines constructed with a transcriptional response element specific for Nrf2 and a minimal promoter for the firefly luciferase–green fluorescent protein transgene were used to determine the effect of the polyphenolic fraction on the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, an assay of HMG-Co A reductase inhibitory activity was performed by using a commercial enzyme kit. Polyphenolic compounds were identified by liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry.Results: The polyphenolic fraction showed fairly strong antioxidant activity [IC50 =(14.90 ± 4.70) μg/m L] and inhibited HMG-Co A reductase activity by 69.10%, which was slightly lower than that by pravastatin(84.37%) and quercetin(84.25%). Additionally, the polyphenolic fraction activated the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway at 500 μg/m L. Eleven subfractions resulting from the column chromatography separation of the polyphenolic fraction also showed relatively strong antioxidant activities(IC50: 17.46–217.14 μg/m L). The subfraction(F6) stimulated the Nrf2 signaling pathway and had HMG-Co A reductase inhibitory activity(65.43%). Moreover, the subfraction contained two main flavonoids: quercetin and quercimeritrin.Conclusions: The polyphenolic fraction of Guazuma ulmifolia could induce antioxidant genes via the Nrf2/antioxidant regulatory elements pathway, and is a promising candidate for an inhibitor of HMG-Co A reductase.

Aspects of Antithrombotic Effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors are widely used for the treatment of hypercholesteremia and have showed remarkable activity in preventing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies demonstrated that statins have significant antithrombotic effect in addition to cholesterollowering action. Although the efficacy of statins for reducing cardiovascular events has historically been ascribed to their inhibitory activity on cholesterol synthesis, the degree of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction by statins generally does not correlate with the magnitude of coronary risk reduction.

Relation between Baseline Lipid Levels and Effectiveness of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors in Patients with Hyperlipidemia

Objective To evaluate whether the effects of HMG - CoA reductase inhibitors on patients with hyperlipidemia are closely related to baseline lipid levels. Methods The data analyzed originated from 3 separate multicenter clinical trials with similar designs during 1994 to 1999. 166 patients with mean age 58. 9±9. 2 years were involved in Simvastatin Clinical Trial with simvastatin 10 mg once daily for 8 weeks. 146 patients with mean age 57. 9±8. 7years were involved in Lovastatin Clinical Trial with lovastatin 20 mg once daily for 8 weeks. 105 patients with mean age 57. 8±9. 3 years were involved in Atorvastatin Clinical Trial with atorvastatin 10 mg once daily for 6 weeks. Baseline total cholesterol (TC) was more than 5. 98 mmol. L - 1, and baseline triglyceride (TG) was less than 4. 52 mmo. L - 1. The patients were grouped by baseline lipid levels. Results The higher the baseline TC, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL - C) and TG levels were, the more effective the simvastatin, lovastatin, or atorvastatin was in reducing serum TC, LDL - C, and TG, respectively. A positive linear correlation was found between baseline values and effects of simvastatin, lovastatin, or atorvastatin in reducing serum TC, LDL - C, and TG, respectively. Conclusion The changes of reduction on serum lipid with HMG - CoA reductase inhibitors in patients with hyperlipidemia were influenced by baseline lipid levels.

Aldo-keto reductase family member C3(AKR1C3)promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth by producing prostaglandin F2α

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a leading cause of death worldwide.Current therapies are effective for HCC patients with early disease,but many patients suffer recurrence after surgery and have a poor response to chemotherapy.Therefore,new therapeutic targets are needed.We analyzed gene expression profiles between HCC tissues and normal adjacent tissues from public databases and found that the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism was significantly different.The analysis showed that AKR1C3 was upregulated in tumors,and high AKR1C3 expression was associated with a poorer prognosis in HCC patients.In vitro,assays demonstrated that the knockdown of AKR1C3 or the addition of the AKR1C3 inhibitor indomethacin suppressed the growth and colony formation of HCC cell lines.Knockdown of AKR1C3 in Huh7 cells reduced tumor growth in vivo.To explore the mechanism,we performed pathway enrichment analysis,and the results linked the expression of AKR1C3 with prostaglandin F2 alpha(PGF2a)downstream target genes.Suppression of AKR1C3 activity reduced the production of PGF2a,and supplementation with PGF2a restored the growth of indomethacin-treated Huh7 cells.Knockdown of the PGF receptor(PTGFR)and treatment with a PTGFR inhibitor significantly reduced HCC growth.We showed that indomethacin potentiated the sensitivity of Huh7 cells to sorafenib.In summary,our results indicate that AKR1C3 upregulation may promote HCC growth by promoting the production of PGF2α,and suppression of PTGFR limited HCC growth.Therefore,targeting the AKR1C3-PGF2a-PTGFR axis may be a new strategy for the treatment of HCC.

Basic-leucine zipper 17 and Hmg-CoA reductase degradation 3A are involved in salt acclimation memory in Arabidopsis

Salt acclimation, which is induced by previous salt exposure, increases the resistance of plants to future exposure to salt stress. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism, particularly how plants store the"memory" of salt exposure. In this study, we established a system to study salt acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Following treatment with a low concentration of salt, seedlings were allowed to recover to allow transitory salt responses to subside while maintaining the sustainable effects of salt acclimation. We performed transcriptome profiling analysis of these seedlings to identify genes related to salt acclimation memory. Notably, the expres-sion of Basic-leucine zipper 17 (bZIP17) and Hmg-CoA reductase degradation 3A (HRD3A), which are important in the unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD), respectively, increased following treatment with a low concentration of salt and remained at stably high levels after the stimulus was removed, a treatment which improved plant tolerance to future high-salinity challenge. Our findings suggest that the upregulated expression of important genes involved in the UPR and ERAD represents a "memory" of the history of salt exposure and enables more potent responses to future exposure to salt stress, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying salt acclimation in plants.

Astragalin attenuates diabetic cataracts via inhibiting aldose reductase activity in rats

AIM:To investigate the aldose reductase(AR)inhibition capacity of astragalin(AST)against streptozoticin-induced diabetic cataracts(DCs)in rats.METHODS:Ex vivo investigations were conducted by treating the lens of a goat placed for 72h in artificial aqueous humor(AAH)of pH 7.8 at room temperature with cataract-causing substance(55 mmol/L of galactose)and in vivo studies were performed on rats via induction with streptozotocin.AST was administered at different dose levels and scrutinize for DC activity.RESULTS:In diabetic rats,AST improved the body weight,blood insulin,and glucose as well as the levels of galactitol in a dose-dependent way,other biochemical parameters i.e.inflammatory mediators and cytokines,and also suppress AR activity.The level of the antioxidant parameters such as superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),and glutathione(GSH)activity were also altered on a diabetic lens after the administration of the AST.CONCLUSION:AST protects against lens opacification to avoid cataracts and polyols formation,indicating that it could be used as a potential therapeutic agent for diabetes.

HMG-CoA还原酶ScrFI基因多态性对高胆固醇血症和AI的影响:一个中老年人群的横断面研究

目的:探讨3-羟基-3-甲基戊二酸单酰辅酶A还原酶(HMG-CoA还原酶)的基因多态性对高胆固醇血症和动脉粥样硬化指数(AI)的影响。方法:检测南京市常住汉族174名中老年人血总胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C),计算AI;使用聚合酶链反应-限制性内切酶片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)技术检测HMG-CoA还原酶ScrFI基因多态性。结果:高胆固醇血症患者87例(高胆固醇组),男21例,女性66,平均年龄(63.59±8.37)岁;胆固醇正常87例(正常组),男21例,女66例,平均年龄(62.92±7.60)岁。高胆固醇组AA基因型频率为25.10%,Aa基因型频率为55.31%,aa基因型频率为19.59%;正常组AA基因型频率为18.39%,Aa基因型频率为52.87%,aa基因型频率为28.74%;高胆固醇组的a等位基因频率为55.17%,高于正常组的47.13%,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),AA基因型人群的血HDL-C水平显著高于Aa和aa基因型人群(P<0.05);胆固醇正常组AA基因型人群的AI显著低于aa型基因人群(P<0.05);两组人群的AI随突变型杂合子和突变型纯合子的发生逐渐升高,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:HMG-CoA还原酶ScrFI基因多态性可能是高胆固醇血症发生的遗传易感因素之一;HMG-CoA还原酶ScrFI基因突变可能会影响HMG-COA还原酶的活性,降低对胆固醇的抑制作用,增加总胆固醇和LDL-C的合成,较暴露于同样环境中的基因非突变型人群发生高胆固醇血症和动脉粥样硬化的风险可能会增高。

多枝赖草Glutathione Reductase基因克隆及胁迫表达分析

为了获得完整的谷胱甘肽还原酶基因序列,根据已克隆到的谷胱甘肽还原酶cDNA片段设计引物,利用RACE扩增获得了基因全长序列,应用Southern印迹杂交法分析基因存在状态,Northern印迹杂交法研究基因表达情况.结果表明,该基因全长1580 bp,含一个1 140 bp的开放阅读框架,编码380个氨基酸,与其它植物谷胱甘肽还原酶氨基酸序列的同源性在77%-92%之间;Southern杂交表明该基因有一个拷贝;Northern杂交表明在逆境胁迫下GR基因表达加强.

油菜素内酯合成酶(Steroid 5α-Reductase)基因的超量表达对毛白杨生长的影响

将棉花Steroid 5α-reductase基因(DET2)超量表达载体导入毛白杨中,观察其对毛白杨生长和芽休眠的影响。结果表明,超量表达DET2基因的毛白杨茎高度、直径生长和不定根的生长增强,芽的休眠破除提前。

Single nucleotide polymorphism C677T in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene might be a genetic risk factor for infertility for Chinese men with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia

Aim： To analyze the distribution of the single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） C677T in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase （MTHFR） gene in 355 infertile Chinese patients with idiopathic azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia and 252 fertile Chinese men as controls to explore the possible association of the SNP and male infertility. Methods： Using the polymerase chain reaction （PCR）-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique, the allele and genotype distribution of SNP C677T in the MTHFR gene were investigated in both patients and controls. Results： The frequencies of allele T （40.9% vs 30.4%, P = 0.002, odds ration [OR] = 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]： 1.24-2.02） and mutant homozygote （TT） （18.3% vs. 11.5%, P = 0.023, OR = 1.72, 95% CI： 1.07-2.76） as well as carrier with allele （TT ＋ CT） （63.4% vs. 49.2%, P = 0.0005, OR = 1.79, 95% CI： 1.29-2.48） in infertile patients were significantly higher than those in controls. After patient stratification, the significant differences in distribution of the SNP between each patient subgroup and control group still remained. Conclusion： Our findings indicate that there is an association of SNP C677T in the MTHFR gene with male infertility, suggesting that this polymorphism might be a genetic risk factor for male infertility in Chinese men.

Influences of Mo on Nitrate Reductase, Glutamine Synthetase and Nitrogen Accumulation and Utilization in Mo-Efficient and Mo-Inefficient Winter Wheat Cultivars

The objective is to study whether the accumulation and utilization of plant N are controlled by Mo status in winter wheat cultivars. Mo-efficient cultivar 97003 （eft） and Mo-inefficient cultivar 97014 （ineff） were grown in severely Mo-deficient acidic soil （Tamm-reagent-extractable Mo 0.112 mg kg^-1） with （＋Mo） and without （-Mo） the application of 0.13 mg kg^-1 Mo. The accumulation and use efficiency of plant total N were significantly higher in ＋Mo than that in -Mo and in eft than that in ineff under Mo deficiency. N use efficiency was remarkably higher in maturity but it was forwarded to jointing stage after Mo supply, thus indicating that Mo supply promoted the N use efficiency besides N uptake and eff was efficient in N uptake and utilization. The overall activity of nitrate reductase （NR, EC 1.6.6.1） was significantly higher in ＋Mo than in -Mo and ratio of ＋Mo/-Mo was even to 14.8 at filleting stage for ineff. Activity of glutamine synthetase （GS, EC 6.3.1.2） was significantly lower in ＋Mo than in -Mo. Concentration of nitrate and glutamate were also significantly lower in ＋Mo than in -Mo, thus provided evidences for enhancing N use efficiency by Mo supply. Activities of NR and GS were significantly higher and concentrations of nitrate and glutamate were significantly lower in eff than ineff under Mo deficiency, thus indicated eff was more efficient in N reduction and utilization. It is therefore concluded that Mo could promote N accumulation and utilization in winter wheat which was directly related to NR and feedback regulated by GS. Higher Mo status also results in higher accumulation and utilization of plant N in eft.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and gastric cancer susceptibility

AIM: To identify the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR) polymorphisms and gastric cancer(GC) susceptibility.METHODS: Systematic searches were performed on the electronic databases PubMed, ISI, Web of knowledge, CNKI and Wanfang, as well as manual searching of the references of the identified articles. A total of 26 papers were included in this meta-analysis. Overall and subgroup analyses were performed. Odds ratio(OR) and 95%CI were used to evaluate the associations between MTHFR polymorphisms and GC risk. The I2 statistics were used to evaluate between-study heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was also performed.RESULTS: Increased risk was found for the MTHFRC677T polymorphism under four genetic models(TT + CT vs CC: OR = 1.23, P = 0.002; T vs C: OR = 1.15, P = 0.001; TT vs CC: OR = 1.37, P = 0.0005; TT vs CT + CC: OR = 1.17, P = 0.0008). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity suggested that C677 T polymorphism conferred a risk of GC in eastern but not in western populations. Stratification by tumor site showed an association between the C677 T polymorphism and gastric cardia cancer and non-cardia GC in the worldwide population and in eastern populations. Regardless of comparisons with controls or diffuse-type GC, a positive association was found for the C677 T polymorphism and an increased risk of intestinal-type GC in the whole population and in western populations. With regard to the A1298 C polymorphism, we found that genotype CC was significantly decreased and conferred protection against GC in eastern populations(CC vs AA: OR = 0.44, P = 0.03; CC vs AC + AA: OR = 0.46, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: MTHFR C677 T polymorphism is a risk factor for GC, and the A1298 C polymorphism may be a protective factor against GC in eastern populations.

Inhibitory effect of two Indian medicinal plants on aldose reductase of rat lens in vitro

Objective:To assesse the inhibitor) effect of alcoholic extract of two Indian medicinal plants namely Ceasalpinia digyna Rottler and.Alangium lamarckii Thwaits on aldose reductase（AR） of rat lens.Methods:Rats lens were enucleated through posterior approach and their homogenate was prepared and centrifuged to obtain a clear supernatant for the determination of AR activity and protein content.Results:The alcoholic extract of Ceasalpirda digyna and Alangium lamarckii had a potent inhibitory effect on the lens AR enzyme.The IC50 values of alcoholic extract of the selected plants were calculated and were（46.29±11.17） and（106.00±5.11）μg/mL,respectively. Quercetin was used as a positive control and its IC50 value was（2.95±1.53）μg/mL.Conclusions:Thus,it is concluded that alcoholic extracts of the selected plant exhibit significant inhibitory effects on AR in the rat lens in vitro.

Changes of Nitrate Reductase Activity in Cucumber Seedlings in Response to Nitrate Stress

In China, nitrogen fertilizer application rates in intensive agricultural systems have increased dramatically in recent years, especially in protected vegetable production systems. This excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer has resulted in soil secondary salinization, which has become a significant environmental stress for crops such as cucumber, in the protected farmland of China. So it is necessary to illuminate how crops respond to nitrate stress. The objective of this work was to examine the effects of increased nitrate concentration [14 （CK） and 140 mmol L^-1 （T）] on NO3- concentration, and in vitro and in vivo nitrate reductase activities in the roots and leaves of cucumber （Cucumis sativus L. cv. Xintaimici） seedlings with hydroponic culture. The results showed that the NO3- concentration in the roots and leaves of T seedlings significantly increased over treatment course, and at 12 d increased by 1.08 and 1.72 times with respect to CK seedlings, respectively; in vitro nitrate reductase activity of T was increased dramatically to 1.74 times of CK in the roots at 2 d and 1.56 times of CK in the leaves at 6 d, and then decreased. At 12 d, in vitro activity was still 24.3% higher in the roots and only 9.9% lower in the leaves than CK. Compared with in vitro nitrate reductase activity, in vivo activity responded differently to the increase of treatment time. At the beginning, in vivo nitrate reductase activity in the roots and leaves of T had no significant difference from CK, whereas with the increase of treatment duration, the activity decreased. At 12 d, in vivo activity in the roots and leaves of T lowered by 20.1 and 52.8% with respect to CK, respectively. This evidence suggests that posttranslational activation of nitrate reductase in cucumber seedlings may be seriously inhibited by nitrate stress.

Thioredoxin and glutaredoxin-mediated redox regulation of ribonucleotide reductase

Ribonucleotide reductase(RNR), the rate-limitingenzyme in DNA synthesis, catalyzes reduction of thedifferent ribonucleotides to their corresponding deoxyri-bonucleotides. The crucial role of RNR in DNA synthesishas made it an important target for the development ofantiviral and anticancer drugs. Taking account of the re-cent developments in this field of research, this reviewfocuses on the role of thioredoxin and glutaredoxin sys-tems in the redox reactions of the RNR catalysis.

Cytochrome b5 reductase 2 suppresses tumor formation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by attenuating angiogenesis

Background:Cytochrome b5 reductase 2(CYB5R2) is a potential tumor suppressor that inhibits cell proliferation and motility in nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).Inactivation of CYB5R2 is associated with lymph node metastasis in NPC.This study aimed to explore the mechanisms contributing to the anti-neoplastic effects of CYB5R2.Methods:Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) assays were used to analyze the transcription of 84 genes known to be involved in representative cancer pathways in the NPC cell line HONE1.NPC cell lines CNE2 and HONE1 were transiently transfected with CYB5R2,and data was validated by real-time PCR.A chick chorioallantoic membrane(CAM)embryo model was implanted with CYB5R2-expressing CNE2 and HONE1 cells to evaluate the effect of CYB5R2 on angiogenesis.An immunohistochemical assay of the CAM model was used to analyze the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Results:In CYB5R2-transfected NPC cells,PCR assays revealed up-regulated mRNA levels of Fas cell surface death receptor(FAS),FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog(FOS),phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1(PIK3R1),integrin beta 3(ITGB3),metastasis suppressor 1(MTSSl),interferon beta 1(IFNB1),and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A(CDKN2A) and down-regulated levels of integrin beta 5(ITGB5),insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF1),TEK tyrosine kinase(TEK),transforming growth factor beta receptor 1(TGFBRl),and VEGF.The angiogenesis in the CAM model implanted with CYB5R2-transfected NPC cells was inhibited.Down-regulation of VEGF by CYB5R2 in NPC cells was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining in the CAM model.Conclusion:CYB5R2 up-regulates the expression of genes that negatively modulate angiogenesis in NPC cells and down-regulates the expression of VEGF to reduce angiogenesis,thereby suppressing tumor formation.

Evaluation of in vitro aldose reductase inhibitory potential of different fraction of Hybanthus enneaspermus Linn F.Muell

Objective:To evaluate the aldose reductase inhibitory(ARI)activity of different fractions of Hybanthus enneaspermus for potential use in diabetic cataract.Methods:Total phenol and flavonoid content of different fractions was determined.ARI activity of different fractions in rat lens was investigated in vitro.Results:The results showed significant level of phenolic and flavonoid content in ethyl acetate fraction[total phenol(212.15±0.79 mg/g),total flavonoid(39.11±2.27mg/g)]and aqueous fraction[total phenol(140.62±0.57mg/g),total flavonoid(26.07±1.49 mg/g)]as compared with the chloroform fraction[total phenol(68.56±0.51mg/g),total flavonoid(13.41±0.82mg/g)]and petrolium ether fraction[total phenol(36.68±0.43mg/g),total flavonoid(11.55±1.06mg/g)].There was a significant difference in the ARI activity of each fraction,and it was found to be the highest in ethyl acetate fraction[IC_(50)(49.26±1.76μg/mL)]followed by aqueous extract[IC_(50)(70.83±2.82μg/mL)]and it was least in the petroleum ether fraction[IC_(50)(118.89±0.71μg/mL)].Chloroform fraction showed moderate activity[IC_(50)(98.52±1.80μg/mL)].Conclusions:Different fractions showed significanct amount of ARI activity,where in ethyl acetate fraction it was found to be maximum which may be due to its high phenolic and flavonoid content.The extract after further evaluation may be used in the treatment of diabetic cataract.

Polymorphisms of the oxidant enzymes glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase and their association with resistance of Plasmodium falciparum isolates to antimalarial drugs

Objective:To investigate the association between amplification of the two regulatory genes controlling glutathione(GSH) levels,glutathione reductase(PfGR) and glutathione S-transferase (PfGST) genes and sensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum) isolates collected from different malaria endemic areas of Thailand to standard antimalarial drugs.Methods:A total of 70 P.falciparum isolates were collected from endemic areas of multi-drug resistance (Tak,Chantaburi and Ranong Provinces) during the year 2008-2009.The in vitro assessment of antimalarial activity of P.falciparum clones(K1- and Dd2 chloroquine resistant and 3D7- chloroquine sensitive) and isolates to chloroquine,quinine,mefloquine and arteusnate was performed based on SYBR Green modified assay.Results:68(97.14%),11(15.71%) and 28(40%) isolates respectively were classified as chloroquine-,quinine- and mefloquine-resistant isolates. With this limited number of P.falciparum isolates included in the analysis,no significant association between amplification of PfGST gene and sensitivity of the parasite to chloroquine, quinine,mefloquine and quinine was found.Based on PCR analysis,Dd2,Kl and 3D7 clones all contained only one copy of the PfGST gene.All isolates(70) also carried only one copy number of PfGST gene.There appears to be an association between amplification of PfGR gene and chloroquine resistance.The 3D7 and Dd2 clones were found to carry only one PfGR gene copy, whereas the K1 clone carried two gene copies.Conclusions:Chloroquine resistance is likely to be a consequence of multi-factors and enzymes in the GSH system may be partly involved. Larger number of parasite isolates are required to increase power of the hypothesis testing in order to confirm the involvement of both genes as well as other genes implicated in glutathione metabolism in conferring chloroquine resistance.