Protective effect of ascorbic acid on cyclophosphamide induced testicular gametogenic and androgenic disorders in male rats

Aim:To study the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the testicular androgenic and gametogenic activities through endocrine inhibition and/or induction of oxidative stress in male albino rats and to evaluate the protective effect of ascorbic acid.Methods:The testicular△^(5),3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(HSD),17β-HSD,peroxidase and catalase activities along with the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)and conjugated dienes in testicular tissue were measured for the evaluation of testicular oxidative stress.The plasma testosterone(T)level was measured by immunoassay.Various germ cells at stageⅦof spermatogenic cycle were quantified from testicular stained sections.Results:Cyclophosphamide treatment results in a significant inhibition in the testicular△^(5),3β-HSD and 17β-HSD activities,a decrease in plasma T level and a diminution in the counts of various germ cells.Moreover,this treatment was also associated with a significant inhibition of the peroxidase and catalase activities along with high levels of MDA and conjugated dienes in the testis.All these changes were reversed by ascorbic acid co-administration.Conclusion:Cyclophosphamide treatment at the dosage used caused testicular gametogenic and androgenic disorders as well as induced testicular oxidative stress that can be reversed by ascorbic acid co-administration.

Biochemical characters and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolates

Objective:To observe the biochemical characters and antibiotic susceptibility of isolated Staphylococcia aureus(S.auerus) strains against some conventional and traditional antibiotics. Methods:Thirty post operative pathogenic isolated S.aureus strains were used in this study. Bacterial culture was done in Mueller-Hinton broth at 37 ℃.Characters of these strains were determined by traditional biochemical tests such as hydrolysis test of gelatin,urea,galactose, starch and protein,and fermentation of lactose and sucrose.Antibiotic susceptibility were carried out by minimum inhibilory concentration test,minium bactericidal concentration test,disc agar diffusion test and brain heart infusion oxacillin screening agar.Results:Prom this study,it was observed that 100%S.aureus isolates showed positive results in gelatin,urea and galactose hydrolysis test.50%isolates were positive in starch hydrolysis test,35%in protein hydrolysis test. 100%isolates in lactose fermenting test,but no isolate was positive in sucrose fermenting test. Antibiotic susceptibility testing suggested that 20%of isolates were resistant to kanamycin and 46.67%were resistant to oxacillin.Conclusions:These findings show that all these isolates have gelatin,urea,galactose hydrolysis and lactose fermenting activity.20%of these isolates were resistant to kanamvcin and 46.67%were resistant to oxacillin.

Nitric oxide mediated Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis and protective role of nanoconjugated vancomycin

Objective:To investigate the relation between fruit seeds,plants residuals and appendicitis. Methods:Among cases that underwent appendectomy,the appendicitis cases having fruit seeds and undigested plant residuals in their etiology were examined retrospectively.Also, histopathological features,age,sex,and parameters of morbidity and mortality were used. Results:Fruit seed was found in one case(0.05%) with presence of pus in appendix lumen, undigested plant residuals in 7 cases(0.35%).It was determined that there were appendix inflammation in 2 of the plant residuals cases,while there were obstruction and lymphoid hyperplasia in the appendix lumen of 5 cases.No mortality was observed.Conclusions:The ratio of acute appendicitis caused by plants is minimal among all appendectomised patients, but avoidence of eating undigested fruit seeds and chewing plants well may help to prevent appendicitis.

Antioxidative effect of folate-modified chitosan nanoparticles

Objective:To evaluate the potency of carboxymethyl chitosan-2,2' ethylenedioxy bisethylamine-folate(CMC-EDBE-FA) on tissue injury,antioxidant status and glutathione system in tissue mitochondria and serum against nicotine-induced oxidative stress in mice.Methods: CMC-EDBE-FA was prepared on basis of carboxymethyl chitosan tagged with folic acid by covalently linkage through 2,2' ethylenedioxy bis-ethylamine.Animals were divided into four groups,i.e.,control,nicotine(1 mg/kg bw/day),CMC-EDBE-FA(1 mg/kg bw/day) and nicotine(1 mg/kg bw/day) and CMC-EDBE-FA(1 mg/kg bw/day) for 7 days.Levels of lipid peroxidation, oxidized glutathione level,antioxidant enzyme status and DNA damage were observed and compared.Results:The significantly increase of lipid peroxidation,oxidized glutathione levels and DNA damage was observed in nicotine treated group as compared with control group;those were significantly reduced in CMC-EDBE-FA supplemented group.Moreover,significantly reduced antioxidant status in nicotine treated group was effectively ameliorated by the supplementation of CMC-EDBE-FA.Only CMC-EDBE-FA treated groups showed no significant change as compared with control group;rather than it repairs the tissue damage of nicotine treated group.Conclusions:These findings suggest that CMC-EDBE-FA is non-toxic and ameliorates nicotine-induced toxicity.

Aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum Linn and ascorbic acid ameliorate nicotine-induced cellular damage in murine peritoneal macrophage

Objective:To test the in vitro protective role of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. (0.gratissimum) and ascorbic acid against nicotine-induced murine peritoneal macrophage. Methods:Peritoneal macrophages from mice were treated with nicotine(10 mM),nicotine (10 mM) with aqueous extract of O.gratissimum(1 to 25μg/mL),and nicotine(10 mM) with ascorbic acid(0.01 mM) for 12 h in cell culture media,while the control group was treated with culture media.Levels of free radical generation,lipid peroxidation,protein carbonyls,oxidized glutathione levels and DNA damage were observed and compared.Results:Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extract has shown high amount of phenolics and flavonoids compound present in it.The significantly increased free radical generation,lipid peroxidation,protein carbonyls,oxidized glutathione levels and DNA damage were observed in nicotine-treated group as compared to the control group:those were significantly reduced in aqueous extract of O. gratissimum and ascorbic acid supplemented groups.Moreover,significantly reduced antioxidant status in nicotine exposed murine peritoneal macrophage was effectively ameliorated by these two products.Among the different concentration of aqueous extract of O.gratissimum,the maximum protective effect was observed at 10μg/mL which does not produce any significant change in the normal cell.Conclusions:These findings suggest the potential use and beneficial role of O.gratissimum as a modulator of nicotine-induced cellular damage in murine peritoneal macrophage.

Effect of Stephania hernandifolia leaf extract on testicular activity in rats

<abstract>Aim: The testicular inhibitory effect of the aqueous fraction of methanol extract of Stephania hernandifolia leaf was studied in male Wistar rats. Methods: The supernatent and the precipitate part of aqueous fractions of the methanol extract of the leaf were gavaged separately to rat at a similar dose of 200 mg/mL per 100 g body weight per day for 28 days. After cessation of treatment, various observations were conducted. Results: In both treated groups, there were significant decreases in the relative weights of the sex organs, the testicular key androgenic enzymes activities, the plasma level of testosterone, the number of different germ cells at stage VII of seminiferous epithelial cell cycle and the seminiferous tubular diameter in comparison to the controls. Neither of the parts had somatic, renal and hepatic toxicity. This study suggested that the active molecules present in the aqueous fraction of methanol extract of Stephania hemandifolia leaves might be steroids as indicated by thin layer chromatography using specific staining substance for steroid molecules. Conclusion: In rats, the aqueous fraction of methanol extract of the 5. hemandifolia leaves possesses certain testis-inhibitory substances, which may be steroid-like agents.

Alteration of some cellular function in amikacin resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa transfected macrophages:a time dependent approach

Objective:To evaluate the free radical generation and antioxidant enzymes status in murine peritoneal macrophage during in vitro amikacin resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa(ARPA) treatment with different time interval.Methods:Peritoneal macrophages were treated with 1× 10~2 CFU/mL ARPA cell suspension in vitro for different time interval(1,2,3,6,12,and 24 h) and super oxide anion generation,NO generation,reduced glutathione level and antioxidant enzymes status were analyzed.Results:Super oxide anion generation and NO generation got peak at 12 h,indicating maximal free radical generation through activation of NADPH oxidase in murine peritoneal macrophages during ARPA transfection.Reduced glutathione level and antioxidant enzymes status were decreased significantly(P【0.05) with increasing time of ARPA transfection. All the changes in peritoneal macrophages after 12 h in vitro ARPA transfection had significant difference(P【0.05).Conclusions:From this study,it may be summarized that in vitro ARPA infection not only generates excess free radical but also affects the antioxidant system and glutathione cycle in murine peritoneal macrophage.

Chromium-induced membrane damage: protective role of ascorbic acid

Importance of chromium as environmental toxicant is largely due to impact on the body to produce cellular toxicity. The impact of chromium and their supplementation with ascorbic acid was studied on plasma membrane of liver and kidney in male Wistar rats (80-100g body weight). It has been observed that the intoxication with chromium (i.p.) at the dose of 0.8 mg/100g body weight per day for a period of 28 days causes significant increase in the level of cholesterol and decrease in the level of phospholipid of both liver and kidney. The alkaline phosphatase, total ATPase and Na\++\|K\++\|ATPase activities were significantly decreased in both liver and kidney after chromium treatment, except total ATPase activity of kidney. It is suggested that chromium exposure at the present dose and duration induce for the alterations of structure and function of both liver and kidney plasma membrane. Ascorbic acid (i.p. at the dose of 0.5 mg/100g body weight per day for period of 28 days) supplementation can reduce these structural changes in the plasma membrane of liver and kidney. But the functional changes can not be completely replenished by the ascorbic acid supplementation in response to chromium exposure. So it is also suggested that ascorbic acid (nutritional antioxidant) is useful free radical scavenger to restrain the chromium induced membrane damage.

Biocompatibility of folate-modified chitosan nanoparticles

Objective:To evaluate the acute toxicity of carboxymethyl chitosan-2,2' ethylenedioxy bisethylamine-folate(CMC-EDBE-FA) and as well as possible effect on microbial growth and in vitro cell cyto-toxicity.Methods:CMC-EDBE-FA was prepared on basis of carboxymethyl chitosan tagged with folic acid by covalently linkage through 2,2' elhylenedioxy bis-ethylamine. In vivo acute toxicity,in vitro cyto-toxicity and antimicrobial activity of CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle were determined.Results:Vancomycin exhibited the antibacterial activity against vancomycin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus,but CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle did not give any antibacterial activity as evidenced by minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC),minimal bactericidal concentration(MBC),disc agar diffusion(DAD) and killing kinetic assay.Further,the CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle showed no signs of in vivo acute toxicity up to a dose level of 1000 mg/kg p.o.,and as well as in vitro cyto-toxicity up to 230 μg/mL.Conclnsions:These findings suggest that CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle is expected to be safe for biomedical applications.

Ethnobotanical survey of folklore plants used in treatment of snakebite in Paschim Medinipur district,West Bengal

Objective:To investigate and collect information from traditional health healers/tribal communities on the use of medicinal plants for treatment of snakebite.Methods:The ethno-medicinal study was conducted in 8 villages of the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal in 2012-2013 through questionnaire and personal interviews.Following the method of Martin,information about medicinal plants used in snake bite,precise plant parts used,methods of treatment and administration was enquired from the tribal communities(Santhals,Mundas,Lodhas,Bhumijs,Oram Kherias) of the region.Results:The present study enumerates 20 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 16 families used by the tribal communities and medicinal healers of Paschim Medinipur district,West Bengal in treatment of snakebite.Each plant species has been listed alphabetically according to its botanical name,family,vernacular name,part(s) used,mode of preparation/administration.Conclusions:The importance of traditional medicinal system among the tribal communities of Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal has been highlighted in the present study.

A review of age-old antimalarial drug to combat malaria:efficacy upgradation by nanotechnology based drug delivery

Malaria is uncontrolled burden in the world till now.Despite of different efforts to develop antimalarial drug for decades,any anti-malarial drug can able to eradicate completely till now.Many anti-malarial substances are practically ineffectual because of their physicochemical limitations,cytotoxicity,chemical instability and degradation,and limited activities against intracellular parasites.Taking into consideration,the amount of research is going to conduct in the field of nanoparticle based drug delivery systems,lead to new ways of improving the treatment of infectious diseases.The study has focused on the progress and advancement of research on nanotechnology based drug delivery to eradicate the malaria.We like to focus the efficacy of nanotechnology based drug application for the opening out of novel chemotherapeutics in laboratory research,which may show the way to better use with age-old antimalarial drug and may draw the attention of pharmaceutical industries for the improvement and designing of effective anti-malarial drugs in future.

Alpha-tocopherol supplementation on chromium toxicity: a study on rat liver and kidney cell membrane

Membrane damage is one of the important consequence of chromium, an environmental toxicant, to produce cytotoxicity. α-tocopherol, a membrane protectant can be used to reduce the chromium-induced membrane damage. In the present study, the impact of chromium in presence and absence of α-tocopherol was studied on plasma membrane of liver and kidney in male Wistar rats (80—100 g body weight). Significant increase in membrane cholesterol level as well as significant decrease in membrane phospholipid level in chromium exposed ( 0.8 mg /100 g body weight/d, i.p., for 4 weeks) animals suggest structural alteration of both liver and kidney plasma memebrane. The alkaline phosphatase, total ATPase and Na +-K +-ATPase activities of plasma membrane were significantly decreased in both liver and kidney after chromium treatment. However, α-tocopherol (30 mg/100 g diet) supplementation can restrict the changes in these membrane-bound enzyme activities. Thus, the usefulness of dietary supplementation of α-tocopherol to restrain the chromium-induced membrane damage is suggested.

Nano chloroquine delivery against Plasmodium berghei NK65 induced programmed cell death in spleen

Objective:To compare the protective effects of chitosan-trypolyphosphate(CS-TPP) nanoparticle conjugated chloroquine(CQ) with effect of CQ alone on the reversal of splenic damages and induction of apoptosis.Methods:Different researches have been carried out to explore the potential role of chitosan based drug delivery system against parasitic diseases.After successive Plasmodium berghei NK65 parasiste infection by intraperitoneal injection in Swiss mice and subsequent parasite development,the ROS generation,anti-apoptotic and pro apoptotic protein levels in spleen were measured.To analyze caspases,flow cytometry study was performed with annexin 桋-FITC and with PI staining.Results:The results revealed that ROS mediated caspase 3 and 9 activation and the induction of apoptosis occurred during the parasitic infection.However,CS-TPP conjugated CQ was relatively better in reversing the splenic damage compared with similar effects of CQ alone.Conclusions:This study indicates that Plasmodium berghei NK65 induces apoptosis in the spleen.The study further shows that CS-TPP nanoparticles conjugation with CQ have positive influence on the recovery of damaged host's system towards maintenance of normal homeostasis,and this is shown to be selective to CS-TPP conjugated CQ treated animals only.