Taxonomic and community composition of epigeal arthropods in monoculture and mixed tree species plantations in a deciduous forest of Ghana

Tropical forests provide several ecosystem services and functions and support approximately two-thirds of the world’s biodiversity but are seriously threatened by deforestation.Approaches to counteract this menace have revolved around aff orestation with several or a single tree species.We thus investigated how plantation forests with either a single or several tree species infl uenced arthropod taxonomic and community composition using pitfall traps to sample selected groups of epigeal arthropods(Araneae,Coleoptera,Orthoptera and Hymenoptera)and with environmental variables assessed simultaneously.Our results revealed 54 taxonomic groups with signifi cantly higher taxonomic richness,activity density,and diversity in the mixed stands than in the monoculture stands.The significant differences in community composition were mainly driven by families including Lycosidae,Formicidae,Staphylinidae,Scotylidae,Hydrophilidae,Gryllidae and Scarabaeidae and were explained by distinct habitat characteristics(canopy openness,litter depth,deadwood volume,and tree height).While the diverse tree communities and heterogeneous vegetation structure off ered food and habitat resources for diverse arthropod groups,the allelopathic nature coupled with homogenous stand characteristics of the Tectona grandis stands in the monoculture suppressed the growth of understorey vegetation that could otherwise serve as food and habitat resources for arthropods,which might have led to limited activities and diversity of arthropods in the monoculture plantation stands.The fi ndings thus highlight the need to promote mixed tree plantations in degraded tropical areas,especially when restoring biodiversity is the prime management focus.

A comparative assessment on regeneration status of indigenous woody plants in Eucalyptus grandis plantation and adjacent natural forest

Diversity, density and species composition of naturally regenerated woody plants under Eucalyptus grandis plantation and the adjacent natural forest were investigated and compared. Twenty plots, with an area of 20 m × 20 m for each, were established in both of E. grand＆ plantation and adjacent natural forest, independently. In each plot, species name, abundance, diameter and height were recorded. Numbers of seedling were collected in five sub-plots （4 m2） within each major plot. A total of 46 species in the plantation, and 52 species in the natural forest, which belongs to 36 families were recorded. The diversity of species （H＇） is 2.19 in the plantation and 2.74 in the natural forest. The density of understory woody plant was 3842 stems/ha in the plantation and 4122 stems/ha in the natural forest. The densities of seedlings in the natural forest and the plantation were 8101 stems/ha and 4151 stems/ha, respectively. High similarity of woody species composition was found between the natural forest and the plantation. The E. grand＆ plantation was found favoring the regeneration and growth of Millitiaferruginia and Coffea arabica in a much better way than other underneath woody species.

Anti-osteoarthritis effect of a combination treatment with human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and thrombospondin 2 in rabbits

BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis(OA),a chronic age-related disease characterized by the slowly progressive destruction of articular cartilage,is one of the leading causes of disability.As a new strategy for treatment of OA,mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have the potential for articular cartilage regeneration.Meanwhile,thrombospondin 2(TSP2)promotes the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs.AIM To investigate whether TSP2 induces chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived MSCs(hADMSCs)and potentiates the therapeutic effects of hADMSCs in OA rabbits.METHODS We investigated the chondrogenic potential of TSP2 in hADMSCs by analyzing the expression of chondrogenic markers as well as NOTCH signaling genes in normal and TSP2 small interfering RNA(siRNA)-treated stem cells.Anterior cruciate ligament transection surgery was performed in male New Zealand white rabbits,and 8 wk later,hADMSCs(1.7×10^6 or 1.7×10^7 cells)were injected into the injured knees alone or in combination with intra-articular injection of TSP2(100 ng/knee)at 2-d intervals.OA progression was monitored by gross,radiological,and histological examinations.RESULTS In hADMSC culture,treatment with TSP2 increased the expression of chondrogenic markers(SOX9 and collagen Ⅱ)as well as NOTCH signaling genes(JAGGED1 and NOTCH3),which were inhibited by TSP2 siRNA treatment.In vivo,OA rabbits treated with hADMSCs or TSP2 alone exhibited lower degree of cartilage degeneration,osteophyte formation,and extracellular matrix loss 8 wk after cell transplantation.Notably,such cartilage damage was further alleviated by the combination of hADMSCs and TSP2.In addition,synovial inflammatory cytokines,especially tumor-necrosis factor-α,markedly decreased following the combination treatment.CONCLUSION The results indicate that TSP2 enhances chondrogenic differentiation of hADMSCs via JAGGED1/NOTCH3 signaling,and that combination therapy with hADMSCs and TSP2 exerts synergistic effects in the cartilage regeneration of OA joints.

Patterns of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of the Clonal Herb, Potentilla fragarioides var. sprengeliana (Rosaceae) in Korea

The genetic diversity and population structure of Potentilla fragarioides var. sprengeliana (Rosaceae) in Korea were investigated using genetic variation at 22 allozyme loci. The percent of polymorphic loci within the enzymes was 59.1%. The genetic diversity at the species level and at the population level was high ( H es =0.210; H ep =0.199, respectively), whereas the extent of the population divergence was relatively low ( G ST =0.074). F IS , a measure of the deviation from random mating within the 19 populations, was 0.331 . An indirect estimate of the number of migrants per generation ( N m =3.15) indicates that gene flow is high among Korean populations of the species. In addition, analysis of fixation indices revealed a slight heterozygote deficiency in some populations and at some loci. The mean genetic identity between populations was 0.985. It is highly probable that the trend of genetic uniformity in a relatively homogeneous habitat is thought to be operated among Korean populations of P. fragarioides var. sprengeliana .

Macro-and Microelement Contents of Fruiting Bodies of Wild-Edible Mushrooms Growing in the East Black Sea Region of Turkey

Eleven different wild-edible mushroom species growing in the Black Sea region of Turkey were analysed for their metal content. Specimens of mushrooms were gathered in Trabzon, Giresun and Ordu and analyzed for 31 minerals, four of which (Be, Sb, Te and Ti) were not detected. Whereas some minerals including Ag, As, Cd, La, Mo, Pb, Se, Y and Zr were detected in just a few mushroom species, another 18 minerals were found in all 11 species. All metal concentrations were expressed on a dry weight basis (d.w.). With regard to nutritionally important amounts of essential and trace minerals, the metal content (μg/g d.w.) of mushroom samples ranged from 21,800-39,800 for K, 2590-14,000 for P, 268-1600 for Ca, 561-1210 for Mg, 74-829 for Fe, 11.2-321 for Cu, 36.2-241 for Zn, 14.1-76.5 for Mn and 0.13-2.85 for Co. Small amounts of toxic metals such as As, Cd and Pb were found in all 11 mushroom species. L. laccata contained a large amount of As (145 μg/g d.w.). These results show that the investigated mushrooms can be a useful component for human diets because of their high content of many essential minerals and trace elements and low content of toxic metals.

Structural Features of the Vegetative Organs of <i>Allium praemixtum</i>Vved. in Different Ecological Conditions

Central Asia is one of the main centers of origin of bulbous geophytes, including the family Amaryllidaceae Juss. The anatomical features of many endemic, red-book bulbous geophytes are still poorly understood. The article presents the results of a structural study of the inflated part of the stem (fistular), stem and pedicels of an endemic A. praemixtum species grow in two different environmental conditions in the Aktau mountain Nurata Range (Uzbekistan, Province Navoi) and in the conditions of introduction in the Tashkent Botanical Garden (Uzbekistan, Tashkent city). Diagnostic signs of vegetative organs were revealed and various combinations of xeromorphic and mesomorphic signs were determined. Comparative anatomical study of vegetative organs of A. praemixtum is of great theoretical and practical importance in relation to taxonomy and ecology.

Increasing the Protein Amount of Chlorella vulgaris [Chlorphyta] Strains Isolated from Different Fresh Water Ponds

Chlorella vulgaris is a single-cell, spherical green algae and one of the microalgae on which many applied studies are conducted. In the present study, five strains displaying fast and efficient reproduction were chosen among 11 C. vulgaris strains isolated from different fresh water ponds and their cell numbers and the amount of chlorophyll a, protein, lipid, cellulose and carbohydrate were examined. The main goal of the study is to investigate increasing the biochemical contents especially the protein content of C. vulgaris strains in different mediums. In the present study, cell densities were determined through cell count for five days. In parallel with cell count, their chlorophyll a content was determined. The highest cell density was observed with C. vulgaris TOH （Tourism and Hotel Management Pond） strain as 5.5 × 104 h/mL, and the chlorophyll a content as 4.3 × 102 mg/m3. The highest intracellular protein amount was determined with C. vulgaris GUH （Gazi University Rectorship Pond） （0.061 g/100 mL） and the highest lipid amount was attained with C. vulgaris UIK （Ulus Construction Well） strain as 0.019 g/100 mL. The process of increasing the intracellular protein amount in C. vulgaris GUH strain was carried out in Prat, Yagojinski and Chlorella medium. The results indicated that Chlorella medium increased the intracellular protein amount.

Structural Features of the Vegetative Organs of <i>Allium kysylkumi</i>Kamelin. Growing in the Conditions of Kyzylkum

The article presents the results of studies of the anatomical structure of the vegetative organs of Allium kysylkumi of the Amaryllidaceae family, which grows in the conditions of Kyzylkum (Kokchatau outlier mountain). The characteristic diagnostic features have been determined: the outer membrane of epidermal cells is well developed by the outer folded cuticle, cutinized and more thickened;leaves are amphistomatic;stomata are the most submerged, anomocytic type;isolateral-palisade type of leaf mesophyll;the conducting bundles are closed, collateral and are arranged in two rows, of which the upper side is represented only by small bundles, in the lower row, 3 large bundles alternate with one small bundle;peduncle and peduncle, parenchymal-beam type of structure;the epidermis is single-row, folded cuticle with more thickened and cutinized;the crustal parenchyma is thin-walled, round-oval, chlorophyll-bearing;the presence of lactic acid is in the cow parenchyma;the primary cortex is separated from the central cylinder by a ring of sclerenchyma;the central cylinder is extensive;closed collateral-type conductive bundles. In the vegetative organs of Allium kysylkumi, especially in the leaf, xeromorphic characters are pronounced, which indicates the fitness of this species in natural habitat. The revealed structural diagnostic signs of vegetative organs are species-specific, and show the adaptation of this species to its natural habitat, these micromorphological signs are taxonomic significance for distinguishing and identifying Allium species.

Dietary Coleus amboinicus Lour. decreases ruminal methanogenesis and biohydrogenation, and improves meat quality and fatty acid composition in longissimus thoracis muscle of lambs

Background:Methane production and fatty acids(FA)biohydrogenation in the rumen are two main constraints in ruminant production causing environmental burden and reducing food product quality.Rumen functions can be modulated by the biologically active compounds(BACs)of plant origins as shown in several studies e.g.reduction in methane emission,modulation of FA composition with positive impact on the ruminant products.Coleus amboinicus Lour.(CAL)contains high concentration of polyphenols that may potentially reduce methane production and modulate ruminal biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA.This study aimed to investigate the effect of BAC of Coleus amboinicus Lour.(CAL)fed to growing lambs on ruminal methane production,biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA and meat characteristics.In this study,the in vitro experiment aiming at determining the most effective CAL dose for in vivo experiments was followed by two in vivo experiments in rumen-cannulated rams and growing lambs.Experiment 1(RUSITEC)comprised of control and three experimental diets differing in CAL content(10%,15%,and 20%of the total diet).The two in vivo experiments were conducted on six growing,rumen-cannulated lambs(Exp.2)and 16 growing lambs(Exp.3).Animals were assigned into the control(CON)and experimental(20%of CAL)groups.Several parameters were examined in vitro(pH,ammonia and VFA concentrations,protozoa,methanogens and select bacteria populations)and in vivo(methane production,digestibility,ruminal microorganism populations,meat quality,fatty acids profiles in rumen fluid and meat,transcript expression of 5 genes in meat).Results:CAL lowered in vitro methane production by 51%.In the in vivo Exp.3,CAL decreased methane production by 20%compared with the CON group,which corresponded to reduction of total methanogen counts by up to 28%in all experiments,notably Methanobacteriales.In Exp.3,CAL increased or tended to increase populations of some rumen bacteria(Ruminococcus albus,Megasphaera elsdenii,Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus,and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens).Dietary CAL suppressed the Holotricha population,but increased or tended to increase Entodiniomorpha population in vivo.An increase in the polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA)proportion in the rumen of lambs was noted in response to the CAL diet,which was mainly attributable to the increase in C18:3 cis-9 cis-12cis-15(LNA)proportion.CAL reduced the mRNA expression of four out of five genes investigated in meat(fatty acid synthase,stearoyl-CoA desaturase,lipoprotein lipase,and fatty acid desaturase 1).Conclusions:Summarizing,polyphenols of CAL origin(20%in diet)mitigated ruminal methane production by inhibiting the methanogen communities.CAL supplementation also improved ruminal environment by modulating ruminal bacteria involved in fermentation and biohydrogenation of FA.Besides,CAL elevated the LNA concentration,which improved meat quality through increased deposition of n-3 PUFA.Highlight·Coleus amboinicus Lour.(CAL)into sheep diet decreased CH4emission.·CAL did not reduce nutrient digestibility,but inhibited the methanogen community.·CAL increased ruminal propionate proportion and decreased acetate/propionate ratio.·CAL elevated n-3 fatty acid concentration in ruminal fluid and meat.·Supplementation of CAL improved some meat quality traits.

Conceptions about Drinking Water of 10^(th) Graders and Undergraduates

Any everyday subject may trigger individual conceptions either scientifically correct or naively shaped (misconceptions, alternative conceptions). For any educator, knowledge about a pupil’s individual perception may strongly support teaching success. Within this context, we see the use of drinking water as daily behavior loaded with conceptions. We monitored the perceptions of two different samples, of high achieving 10th graders and of undergraduates in Biology. All participants responded to three closed and three open questions requesting individual statements about drinking water. All open questions were categorized via qualitative content analysis mainly revealing the perception of drinking water as a clean product, precisely controlled and drinkable with no need for worry. In general, some alternative conceptions did not seem differ in both samples over the time of about five years: For instance, many see our drinking water as purified in sewage plants. However, differences between individuals exist: For example, whether water is consumed as tap or bottled water. Here, some name water hardness as the reason to not drink tap water, because they think it is harmful (although the very same participants prefer bottled mineral water). Other conceptions seem to change over time, such as the estimation about the remaining time until our drinking water might be used up, or familiarity with the term “virtual water”. Summing up, we did find a positive attitude towards national drinking water policy, although major knowledge gaps need its mentioning. The relevance of these results and strategies for public and school teaching are discussed.

Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the complete plastid genomes and nuclear sequences reveal Daphne(Thymelaeaceae)to be non-monophyletic as current circumscription

The diverse members of the genus Daphne are prized for their fragrant flowers.Despite being promising ornamental plants in many countries,genetic information of Daphne is scarce.In this study,the plastomes of four species and one variety of Daphne were sequenced and analyzed.The plastomes were typical and contained a pair of inverted repeat(IR)regions that separated the large single-copy(LSC)region from the small single-copy(SSC)region.With a length ranging from 132,869 bp(D.genkwa)to 174,773 bp(D.championii),106 to 141 genes were predicted.Comparative plastome analysis of the newly sequenced plastomes with four publicly available Daphne plastomes identified an expansion of the IRs,sequence variations,and mutational hotspots.Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the genus Daphne in its current circumscription is polyphyletic.Daphne genkwa was nested within the genus Wikstroemia,while D.championii was well resolved as sister to Edgeworthia.These findings concurred with results from our study that used nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequence data.The conflicts on the molecular placement of D.championii and D.genkwa and the present taxonomic classification in Daphne suggest that a new intergeneric classification system of Daphneae warrants consideration.

Characteristics and biological control functions of Bacillus sp.PM8313 as a host-associated probiotic in red sea bream(Pagrus major)aquaculture

Host-associated probiotics(HAPs)are bacteria originally isolated from rearing water or the host's gastrointestinal tract in order to enhance the host's growth and health.This study investigated the HAP potential of Bacillus sp.PM8313,isolated from wild red sea bream(Pagrus major),through characterization and feeding trials.Results based on in vitro tests showed that PM8313 is safe,confirming its hemolytic,cytotoxic,and antibiotic resistance.In addition,PM8313 showed advantages as a probiotic with high viability in the gastrointestinal model and a high cell adhesion rate.Whole-genome sequencing demonstrated that PM8313 has a 4,615,871 bp single circular chromosome and a guaninecytosine content of 45.25%.It also showed the absence of genes encoding virulence factors,such as cytotoxin,enterotoxin,hemolysin,sphingomyelinase,and phospholipase.In the feeding trial,a supplemental diet of 1×10^(8)CFU/g PM8313 positively altered the weight gain,digestive enzyme activity,and intestinal microbiota composition of red sea bream.Analysis of nonspecific immune parameters and immune-related gene expression,and a challenge test showed that PM8313 supplementation increases immunity and pathogenic bacteria resistance.Our findings suggest that PM8313 should be considered for application as a novel HAP to red sea bream aquaculture.

Do Really Close Stomata by Soil Drying ABA Produced in the Roots and Transported in Transpiration Stream?

Stomatal aperture responses of Commelina communis L. between well watered plants and water stressed plants were investigated. To see the very rapid response to water stress, the plants were directly rooted out from the soil and exposed to the air immediately. Stomata, rooted out from the soil, were totally closed within 10 minutes without any detention time while the stomata of the plants in the soil had been kept opening. These results suggest that stomatal response to the abrupt water stress is very rapid indicating that guard cell itself or leaves could sense water status in the plants.

Tip60 Tumor Suppressor Requires Its NLS Motif to Interact with Importin <i>α</i>

Tip60 is a specific member of MYST (Moz-Ybf2/Sas3-Sas2-Tip60) family of nuclear histone acetyltransferases (HAT). It is essential for cellular survival, differentiation, and metabolism. A putative canonical NLS motif between the chromo domain and the zinc finger of Tip60 was identified. Here we show evidence that Tip60 is associated with importin α as its substrate and transported from cytoplasm to the nucleus. Pull down assay revealed that Tip60 was physically associated with importin α both in vivo and in vitro. Confocal microscopic observation showed that Tip60 and importin α were co-localized with each other. The localization of Tip60 to the nuclear and its interaction with importin α was disrupted when its putative NLS motif for binding to importin α was mutated (219RKRK222 &#8594 219AAAA222). However, attachment of this putative NLS motif to a cytoplasmic protein (YAP 1-210 fragment) promoted its nuclear localization. Based on transient transfection, Tip60 NLS motif mutant showed a substantial reduction in self-acetylation, HAT activity, and apoptotic ability whereas wild type Tip60 did not show such reduction. Taken together, our results demonstrate that importin α transports Tip60 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus through binding to the putative NLS motif of Tip60 for its tumor suppressing function.

<i>Fasciola hepatica</i>and Associated Parasite, <i>Dicrocoelium dendriticum</i>in Slaughter Houses in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Fasciola hepatica is a parasite of clinical and veterinary importance which causes fascioliasis that leads to reduction in milk and meat production. Bile samples were centrifuged at 1500 rpm for ten (10) minutes in a centrifuge machine and viewed microscopically to check for F. hepatica eggs. A total of 300 bile samples of cattle which included 155 males and 145 females were collected from the abattoir. Results were analyzed using chi-square (p > 0.05). The prevalence of F. gigantica and Dicrocoelium dentriticum is 33.0% (99) and 39.0% (117) respectively. Age prevalence of F. hepatica revealed that 0 - 2 years (33.7%, 29 cattle) were more infected than 2 - 4 years (32.7%, 70 cattle) while for D. dentriticum age 2 - 4 years were more infected than 0 - 2 years with prevalence of 40.2% (86) and 36.0% (31) respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) existed in prevalence in ages of the cattle. Out of the 300 bile samples examined, 22.3% (67 cattle) were co-infected with F. hepatica and D. dendriticum. Males were more co-infected than females having a prevalence of 24.5% (38 cattle) and 20.0% (29 cattle) respectively. Based on the age, samples of age 0 - 2 years were more co-infected than those of age 2 - 4 years with a prevalence of 23.3% (20 cattle) and 22.0% (47 cattle) respectively. The findings of this present study revealed that efforts to alleviate problems of animal health and productivity are yet to make any significant impact as this poses threat on human health. Investigation on the pattern of infections in cattle slaughtered should be strengthened.

Phosphorylation on TRPV4 Serine Residue 824 Enhances Its Association with PGM1

The TRPV4 cation channel is expressed in a broad range of tissues and participates in the generation of a Ca2+ signal and/or depolarization of membrane potential. Here, human phosphoglucomutase- 1 (PGM1), an enzyme that converts glucose-6 phosphate to glucose-1 phosphate in the glycolysis pathway, as the first auxiliary protein of TRPV4 Ca2+ channels, is identified with yeast two hybrid system, coimmunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy, and GST pull-down assays. TRPV4 forms a complex with PGM1 through its C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Because it is demonstrated that TRPV4 serine residue 824 (S824) is phosphorylated by serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1, we elucidate the effect of TRPV4 S824 phosphorylation on TRPV association with PGM1. Even an inactivated mutant version of TRPV4, S824A, exhibited a decreased ability to bind PGM1, an activated phosphomimetic mutant version of TRPV4, S824D, exhibited enhanced binding to PGM1. Thus, formation of the TRPV4/PGM1 complex and localization of this complex to the plasma membrane appear to be regulated by the phosphorylation status of residue S824 in TRPV4. The newly identified interactor of TRPV4 may help the molecular pathways modulating transport activity or glucose metabolism, respectively.

Trochiscia hamzaoglui(Chlorellales):A New Species from Central Anatolia(Turkey)

A new species, Trochiscia hamzaoglui Atici sp. nova, determined from freshwater habitat, Kesik-k?prü Dam Lake on the Kizilirmak River (Kirsehir, Central Anatolia), and the sample was taken from plankton. This new species was first found in the study of algal samples from the area. Light microscope indicated a clear relationship with the species in the genus Trochiscia. Some of the characteristic features of the new taxon include a spine and an irregular cell wall. A comparison with closely related taxa is given on.

Free-ranging dogs match a human’s preference in a foraging task

Social learning is a mechanism used by many species to effciently gain information about their environment.Although many animals live in an environment where members of other species are present,little is known about interspecifc social learning.Domesticated and urbanized species provide the opportunity to investigate whether nonhuman animals can learn from heterospecifcs such as humans,who are integral parts of their social landscape.Although domestic dogs Canis familiaris have been intensively researched for their ability to learn from humans,most studies have focused on dogs living as pets.However,free-ranging dogs represent the majority of the world’s dog population,they live alongside humans,scavenge on human refuse,and are subject to natural and sexual selection.Thus,free-ranging dogs with extensive exposure to humans and their artifacts provide the opportunity to investigate interspecifc social learning in a naturalistic setting,where learning from humans might be a beneft for them.Here we tested individual free-ranging dogs in a between-subject design:Dogs in the control group could spontaneously choose between two novel and differently patterned food-delivering boxes.In the experimental group,instead,dogs could frst observe an unfamiliar human approaching and eating from 1 of the 2 boxes.We provide the frst evidence that free-ranging dogs match the choice of an unfamiliar human.These results show that at least simple forms of interspecifc social learning might be involved in dogs’success in living alongside humans in a complex urbanized environment.

The fatty acid compositions of predator Piocoris luridus （Heteroptera： Lygaeidae） and its host Monosteria unicostata （Heteroptera： Tingidae） reared on almond

The changes in fatty acid compositions during nutritional interaction among almond Amygdalus communis Linnaeus （Rosales： Rosaceae） （host plant）, lacebug Monosteria unicostata （Mulsant and Rey） （Heteroptera： Tingidae） and its predator Piocoris luridus Fieber （Heteroptera： Lygaeidae） were determined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses. The fatty acid profiles of phospholipids and triacylglycerols were substantially different. Unlike the general observations for virtually most terrestrial insects, arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids were detected in high proportions of phospholipid fractions in both insects, especially in P. luridus. Also the almond tissues provide very little oleic acid to the herbivore diet, yet both insect species developed high proportions of this component. Our data reveals instances of specific accumulation of fatty acid biosynthesis, elongation/desaturation, and not incorporating selected fatty acids into cellular lipids.

Bee wax coated water-soluble fraction of bee venom improved altered glucose homeostasis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the anti-diabetic efficacy of orally administered bee wax coated water-soluble fraction of bee venom(BWCBVA)drug over orally administered bee wax(BW)and intraperitoneally administered whole bee venom(BV)in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats.METHODS:Diabetes induced by intraperitoneal administration of 60 mg/kg STZ was treated with BWCBVA,BW,and BV for 21 d.The biochemical,protein and histological changes,and physical characteristics of BWCBVA were then analyzed.RESULTS:The BWCBVA group shows significantly decreased blood glucose level as compared to the BW and intraperitoneally administered whole BV treated group.Moreover,BWCBVA significantly normalizes the serum biochemical parameters and increases the body weight.Also,administration of BWCBVA significantly reverses the altered liver expression of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases-p85 and liver glucokinase.Histological analysis of the pancreas an increase in the islet cell numbers and decrease inβ-cell damage.Co-administering BWCBVA 0.25 mg/kg with nifedipine(6.8 mg/kg)and nicorandil(13.8 mg/kg)to the diabetic rats results in insulin secretion through enhanced calcium ion influx.High performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography was performed to identify the pharmacologically important compounds present in BWCBVA.CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that BWCBVA,an orally administered colon specific drug delivery system,can be effective in treating diabetes mellitus.