Activity Of Certain Enzymes Research Articles

Analytical Platforms for the Determination of Phospholipid Turnover in Breast Cancer Tissue: Role of Phospholipase Activity in Breast Cancer Development.

Altered lipid metabolism has been associated with the progression of various cancers, and aberrant expression of enzymes involved in the lipid metabolism has been detected in different stages of cancer. Breast cancer (BC) is one of the cancer types known to be associated with alterations in the lipid metabolism and overexpression of enzymes involved in this metabolism. It has been demonstrated that inhibition of the activity of certain enzymes, such as that of phospholipase A2 in BC cell lines sensitizes these cells and decreases the IC50 values for forthcoming therapy with traditional drugs, such as doxorubicin and tamoxifen. Moreover, other phospholipases, such as phospholipase C and D, are involved in intracellular signal transduction, which emphasizes their importance in cancer development. Finally, BC is assumed to be dependent on the diet and the composition of lipids in nutrients. Despite their importance, analytical approaches that can associate the activity of phospholipases with changes in the lipid composition and distribution in cancer tissues are not yet standardized. In this review, an overview of various analytical platforms that are applied on the study of lipids and phospholipase activity in BC tissues will be given, as well as their association with cancer diagnosis and tumor progression. The methods that are applied to tissues obtained from the BC patients will be emphasized and critically evaluated, regarding their applicability in oncology.

Dynamics of morphological and biochemical parameters in the blood of white mice under the action of the drug “Vitosept”

The paper presents the results of the study of the drug toxicity “Vitosept” in its preclinical studies in intact white mice. It was found that according to the assessment of toxicological parameters of the studied biocidal product is low-toxic. Oral administration of even its highest concentrations (500 mg/l) did not show a pronounced toxic effect. During the action of the drug for 20 days no deviations in the clinical condition, behavioral reactions, reflex activity did not occur. It was found that most of the values that characterize the functional state of the hematopoietic and hepatobiliary systems, against the background of different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite, did not undergo significant changes compared with the control. The hemoglobin content in the blood of white mice in the experimental groups increased compared with the control in the first three experimental groups (concentration of GHN 100–300 mg/l). With increasing concentration of the drug, when administered intraperitoneally, there was a greater number of leukocytes in the blood of laboratory animals. At the same time, a probable increase in this indicator was found only in mice of the II experimental group when administered orally to animals of the lowest test concentration (100 mg/l). The concentration of total protein, urea and glucose in the blood of white mice under the action of “Vitosept” was similar in animals of the control and experimental groups. The revealed tendency to increase the activity of certain enzymes (LF, ALT, AST) was short-lived, and is obviously a compensatory response of animals to the xenobiotic effect of the drug. On the 20th day of the experiment, the studied white mice of the experimental groups were close to those in the control group.

Network Analysis of Transcriptome and LC-MS Reveals a Possible Biosynthesis Pathway of Anthocyanins in Dendrobium officinale.

Anthocyanins, a group of flavonoids, are widely present in plants and determine the colors of the peels of stems, fruits, and flowers. In this study, we used UHPLC-ESI-MS to identify anthocyanins in the herbal plant Dendrobium officinale, which has been used for centuries in China. The results indicated that the total anthocyanin content in samples from Guangxi was the highest. Seven anthocyanins were identified, and the fragmentation pathways were proposed from D. officinale. Most of the identified anthocyanins were composed of cyanidin and sinapoyl groups. We also carried out that the sinapoyl group had active sites on breast cancer receptors by using Schrödinger. The relative levels of the 7 anthocyanins in the samples from the three locations were determined. Transcriptomic analysis was used to analyze the sinapoyl anthocyanin synthesis-related genes in plants, such as genes encoding UGTs and serine carboxypeptidase. We speculated that sinapoyl anthocyanin biosynthesis was associated with the activities of certain enzymes, including chalcone flavonone isomerase-like, hydroxycinnamoyltransferase 1, UGT-83A1, UGT-88B1 isoform X1, serine carboxypeptidase-like 18 isoform X3, and serine carboxypeptidase-like 18.

Transcriptome analysis of Botrytis cinerea in response to tea tree oil and its two characteristic components.

Tea tree oil (TTO) and its two characteristic components (terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole) have been shown to inhibit Botrytis cinerea growth. In this study, we conducted a transcriptome analysis to determine the effects of TTO and its characteristic components, alone and in combination, against B. cinerea. Most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from B. cinerea cells treated with terpinen-4-ol participated in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. All treatments containing terpinen-4-ol potentially induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. These were further confirmed by the decreased activities of several enzymes (e.g., succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH)), the increased activities of certain enzymes (e.g., catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD)), and increased content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). 1,8-Cineole mainly affected DEGs involved in genetic information processing, resulting in cell death. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanism of B. cinerea inhibition by TTO, and explains the synergistic effect of terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole on B. cinerea.

Salicylic acid priming before and after accelerated aging process increases seedling vigor in aged soybean seed

ABSTRACTSeed vigor in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) declines under environmental stresses, and seed shows signs of aging. The aging effects may be alleviated, however, by seed priming with certain chemicals, such as salicylic acid (SA). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of SA priming on activities of certain enzymes and lipid peroxidation in soybean seedlings under accelerated aging (AA) process. A factorial, completely randomized design with three replicates was used. Different aging durations (48 h and 72 h), SA priming solutions (0, 300 and 600 μM) and priming times (before aging, after aging and both before and after aging, i.e., double priming) were the experimental factors. Increasing aging duration significantly increased mean emergence time (MET) but decreased carotenoid content. Nonetheless, SA solution mitigated the adverse effect of seed deterioration on germination-related traits by increasing enzyme activity and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, especially under double priming. A strong negative correlation (r = – 0.99**) was found between MDA content and chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content. By contrast, the correlation between MDA content and MET (r = 0.95**) was found to be positive. The results suggested that double SA priming was an appropriate practical technique to improve seedling establishment from aged soybean seed.

Stimulation of cell growth by addition of tungsten in batch culture of a methanotrophic bacterium, Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z on methane and methanol

It is carried out for researches to convert methane, the second most potent greenhouse gas, to high-value chemicals and fuels by using methanotrophs. In this study, we observed that cell growth of Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z in the batch cultures on methane or methanol was stimulated by the addition of tungsten (W) without formate accumulation. Not only biomass yield but also the total products yield (biomass and formate) on carbon basis increased up to 11.50-fold and 1.28-fold respectively in W-added medium. Furthermore, a significant decrease in CO2 yield from formate was observed in the W-added cells, which indicates that W might have affected the activity of certain enzymes involved in carbon assimilation as well as formate dehydrogenase (FDH). The results of this study suggest that M. alcaliphilum 20Z is a promising model system for studying the physiology of the aerobic methanotroph and for enabling its industrial use for methane conversion through high cell density cultivation.

Recent Progress in the Development of Fluorometric Chemosensors to Detect Enzymatic Activity.

Enzymes are a class of macromolecules that function as highly efficient and specific biological catalysts requiring only mild reaction conditions. Enzymes are essential to maintaining life activities, including promoting metabolism and homeostasis, and participating in a variety of physiological functions. Accordingly, enzymatic levels and activity are closely related to the health of the organism, where enzymatic dysfunctions often lead to corresponding diseases in the host. Due to this, diagnosis of certain diseases is based on the levels and activity of certain enzymes. Therefore, rapid real-time and accurate detection of enzymes in situ are important for diagnosis, monitoring, clinical treatment and pathological studies of disease. Fluorescent probes have unique advantages in terms of detecting enzymes, including being simple to use in highly sensitive and selective real-time rapid in-situ noninvasive and highly spatial resolution visual imaging. However, fluorescent probes are most commonly used to detect oxidoreductases, transferases and hydrolases due to the processes and types of enzyme reactions. This paper summarizes the application of fluorescent probes to detect these three types of enzymes over the past five years. In addition, we introduce the mechanisms underlying detection of these enzymes by their corresponding probes.

PB1888 FEATURES OF CYSTEIN-RICH PROTEIN METALLOTHIONEIN FUNCTIONING IN CHRONIC B-LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA CELLS

Background: The main approach to the hematological cancers treatment is an intensive chemotherapy. However, often its ineffectiveness could be result of the phenomenon of multiple drug resistance (MDR) – immunity of cancer cells to cytostatic drugs. The most important MDR pathways are increased drug efflux resulting in reduced its accumulation, activation of detoxification mechanisms in tumor cells, altered activities of certain enzymes and level of intracellular thiols such as metallothioneins or reduced glutathione which bind compounds toxic for cells. Study and comprehension of these mechanisms will enable the design of suitable techniques and procedures for malignant tumor treatment. Aims: To investigate the level of expression of cystein-rich proteins metallothioneins in lymphocytes of patients with chronic B-lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and to find out their role in the maintenance of redox state under this pathological state. Methods: Lymphocytes were separated from the B-CLL patient's and healthy donor's peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation on histopaque. Monoclonal antibodies UC1MT (Abcam), UIC2 (Immunotech), MRP1 (R&D) were used to evaluate MTs I-II types, ABCB1, ABCC1 expression, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was assessed using fluorescent probe CM-H2DCFDA (Invitrogen). All investigations were carried out on the FACScanto II (BD). Results: A significant reduction (1.5–2.0-fold) of the MT expression level in B-CLL lymphocytes in comparison to the last one in healthy donors was reveled, despite the proven role of this protein in the detoxification processes from drugs. Additionally a comparative evaluation of expression of the membrane protein-transporters ABC family associated with MDR – ABCB1/P-gp and ABCC1/MRP1 was conducted. Theirs significant rise was found in tested group of B-CLL patients. Moreover, the rise of the ABCC1/ABCB1 expression ratio in leukemia cells reveled under enhanced ROS level compare to normal cells. Summary/Conclusion: Thus, in B-CLL cells the role of MT in the maintaining of redox state (ROS sequestration) is decreased under the rise of ABCC1 function. It is clear that the potential of MT as the scavengers of ROS is not fully understood, but the present data show that this protein could be selected as a target for novel treatment strategies for patients with leukemia.

Lichens as promising resources of enzyme inhibitors: A review

Inhibition of some enzymes seems to be one of the therapeutic strategies for the management of certain diseases or conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and obesity. In this review, an updated information on the enzyme inhibitory activity of lichen extracts and lichen compounds by an intensive literature survey is presented. Crude solvent extracts and isolated compounds from lichens were shown to be effective in causing inhibition of several enzymes such as amylase, lipase, lipoxygenase, aromatase, cyclooxygenase, trypsin, β-glucoronidase, prolyl endopeptidase, monoamine oxidase, urease, tyrosinase, xanthine oxidase, Thioredoxin reductase, glucosidase, topoisomerase, pancreatic elastase, phosphodiesterase, telomerase and acetylcholinesterase. Lichen metabolites such as usnic acid and its derivatives, lobaric acid, physodic acid, ramalin, protolichestrinic acid, salazinic acid, atranorin, evernic acid, zeorin, diffractic acid, psoromic acid, methyl β-orcinolcarboxylate, methylorsellinate, and anziaic acid were shown to be inhibitors of some enzymes. In conclusion, lichens can be employed as promising therapeutic agents in terms of their potential to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes that are involved in some diseases or disorders. In vitro culturing of lichen symbionts in optimized media can be carried out to isolate enzyme inhibitors in larger scale and to develop effective therapeutic agents. Keywords: Lichens, lichen substances, enzyme inhibitors, enzyme inhibitory activity

In vivo study of plant protein products from soybeans and non-alkaloid lupine Dega variety

Research on finding additional sources of vegetable protein as an alternative to soy has shown a great prospect of using lupine. The study of biological effects of flour of nonalkaloid lupine Dega variety will assess the future prospects for its use in food industry. The aim - a comparative study of protein products - soybean flour and non-alkaloid lupine flour (Dega-1 variety), added to laboratory rats' diet. Material and methods. Experiment was carried out on three groups of Wistar rats (n=30, 210±5 g) for 28 days: 1st group - rats that consumed the standard vivarium diet (control); 2nd group and 3rd group - animals, that consumed standard diet with addition of lupine flour (protein content - 42.1%) and soy flour (protein content - 50.2%), replacing 26 and 23% protein in standard diet, respectively. Results. As a result of the experiment, fluctuations in body weight of rats in 2nd group and 3rd group were observed from the 11th day; the weight gain of rats in 1st group was 7.74%, 2nd group and 3rd group - 3.32 and 2.04%. Noted changes could be explained by food adaptation of organism to the main nutrients of protein products. The blood test showed minor changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters within physiological reference values. Consumption of lupine flour led to a slight increase of leukocytes (by 14.2%) and lymphocytes (by 24.5%), an increase in the activity of certain enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase by 18.4%, alanine aminotransferase by 26.2% and lactate dehydrogenase by 21.6%, p≥0.05), while alkaline phosphatase activity decreased (14.4%, p<0.05) in comparison with control. Incorporation of soy flour into the diet of rats showed a statistically significant increase in the concentration of monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and immature cells (by 57.1% in comparison with 1st group and 83.3% in comparison with 2nd group), while relative content of granulocytes reduced (by 15.1% relative to the control). Conclusion. The inclusion of plant proteins into the rat's diet did not cause significant deviations in physiological (motor activity), biochemical, hematological parameters in experimental animals. However, the identified features in animals of the experimental groups, possibly related to biologically active substances and anti-alimentary factors in soybean and lupine, indicate the need to improve technological approaches to lupine protein products production in order to improve functional characteristics and completely remove substances that deteriorate nutrients absorption. A possible solution is lupine proteins' proteolysis, the use of various methods of fractionation, isolation and purification in combination with pretreatment to obtain protein concentrates or isolates with improved nutritional, technological and functional properties.

Changes in morphology, chlorophyll fluorescence performance and Rubisco activity of soybean in response to foliar application of ionic titanium under normal light and shade environment

Titanium (Ti) is considered an essential element for plant growth; however, its role in crop performance through stimulating the activities of certain enzymes, enhancing chlorophyll content and photosynthesis, and improving crop morphology and growth requires more study. We therefore conducted a laboratory experiments to study the effects of ionic Ti application on morphology, growth, biomass distribution, chlorophyll fluorescence performance and Rubisco activity of soybean (Glycine max L.) under normal light (NL) and shade conditions (SC). In this study, we sprayed soybean plants with five different levels of ionic Ti (T1 = 0, T2 = 1.25, T3 = 2.5, T4 = 5 and T5 = 10 mg Ti Plant−1) through foliar application method. Our results show that with increasing moderate (2.5 mg Ti Plant−1) Ti concentration, the chlorophyll pigments (chlorophyll [Chl] a, b, carotenoid [Car]), plant biomass, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), and electron transport rate (ETR) of soybean increased, but higher levels (5–10 mg Ti Plant−1), resulted in leaf anatomical and chloroplast structural disruptions under both NL and SC. Soybean plants showed maximum biomass, leaf area, leaf thickness, Chl a, b, Car, Rubisco activity, Fv/Fm and ETR for T3 at 2.5 mg Ti Plant−1; however, declined significantly for T5 at high concentration of 10 mg Plant−1. In NL, the application of 2.5 mg Ti Plant−1 (T3) increased the Chl a, b, and total Chl contents 40, 20, and 27% as compared to control treatment (T1). In SC, the application of 1.25 mg Ti mg Plant−1 (T2) increased the Chl a, b, and total Chl contents 38, 19, and 14% as compared to control treatment. In NL, the Fv/Fm, qP, PSII, and ETR were higher in the T3 treatment over the T1 (control) by 7, 0.3, 16, and 16%, respectively. In SC, the Fv/Fm, qP, PSII, and ETR were higher in the T3 treatment over the T1 (control) by 5, 5, 19, and 19%, respectively. Moreover, Rubisco activity was at peak (55 and 6% increase under NL and SC) at 2.5 mg Ti Plant−1and decreased with increasing Ti concentration, reaching the lowest at 10 mg Ti Plant−1, which indicates that leaf cells were damaged as observed in the leaf anatomy. We concluded that ionic Ti expresses a hormesis effect: at lower concentrations, promoting soybean growth, however, at higher concentrations, suppressing soybean growth both under NL and SC. We therefore suggest that under different light stress conditions, Ti application could serve to mitigate abiotic stresses, especially in intercropping systems.

Catalytic bioscavengers against organophosphorus agents: mechanistic issues of self-reactivating cholinesterases

Catalytic bioscavengers are the second-generation bioscavengers. These biopharmaceuticals are intended to degrade toxic organophosphorus agents on the skin for decontamination or in the bloodstream for pre-treatment and post-exposure treatment of organophosphate poisoning. Because catalytic degradation has to be fast, their catalytic efficiency has to be as high as possible (kcat/Km>106 M−1 min−1). Certain evolved mammalian paraoxonases and bacterial phosphotriesterases already fulfill this requirement.To be of interest, the catalytic activity of certain enzymes has to be increased by several orders of magnitude. This can be reached by computer-redesign or directed evolution existing enzymes, and alternatively, combinational strategies.The present paper focuses on the better understanding of catalytic mechanisms of cholinesterase inhibition, aging and reactivation and how this knowledge serves the rational design of novel catalytic bioscavengers based on cholinesterase structure.

BMAA-protein interactions: A possible new mechanism of toxicity

β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been shown to accumulate in organisms by associating with host proteins. It has been proposed that this association is the result of misincorporation of BMAA into the primary structure of proteins, specifically in the place of L-serine, and that this misincorporation causes protein misfolding resulting in the tangle formation typically associated with neurodegenerative diseases. However, more recent studies have questioned the validity of the BMAA misincorporation hypothesis. Furthermore, BMAA association with proteins in the absence of de novo protein synthesis has been demonstrated although the nature of these associations has not yet been characterized. We therefore sought to investigate the effects of these undescribed interactions on protein functioning, and to identify the site(s) of these interactions. We present data here to show that BMAA can inhibit the activity of certain enzymes, interfere with protein folding in the absence of de novo protein synthesis, and associate in vitro with commercial proteins to such an extent that it cannot be removed by protein precipitation or denaturation. Based on the observed effects of these interactions on protein functioning, we suggest that this might constitute an additional mechanism of toxicity that could help to explain the role of BMAA in the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Content of Triterpene saponins and phenolics compounds in leaves of in vitro Beta vulgaris L. genotypes

&lt;p&gt;An important element in plants adaptation to adverse environmental stress factors is the synthesis of secondary metabolites which involved in formation for the constitutional stability of plant organism. Saponins play an important role in the regulation of metabolic processes and the development of adaptive and defense plant reactions. Triterpene saponins have pronounced surface-active properties, increase activity of certain enzymes and perform antioxidant function, which in general determines their important role in formation of a common nonspecific plant resistance system. Sugar beet contains saponins of the triterpenoid type. Our experiments were shown that some vegetative parts of in vitro plants of sugar beet accumulate secondary metabolites including phenolic carboxylic acids, flavonoids and saponins, which play an important role in the formation for the constitutional resistance. The general condition of the plant organism and the survival strategy depends on activity of phenolic substances and saponins synthesis. Phenolic carboxylic acids in leaves of in vitro sugar beet plants were determined by thin layer chromatography method. Generally, in leaves of sugar beet varieties, hybrids were found saponins with Rf values of 0.21, 0.32, 0.35, and 0.51. Qualitative composition and quantitative indices of triterpene saponins and phenolic compounds content in sugar beet leaves during in vitro cultivation have sortspecific character, due to the peculiarities of their metabolism. Taking into account the absolutely identical composition of nutrient medium, same photo- and thermo-regimes for cultivation of in vitro sugar beet, triterpenoid saponins with Rf = 0,56 and 0,62 are biochemical markers which determine adaptive potential of plants-regenerants. This makes it possible to consider it expedient carrying out the researches of content of triterpene saponins as a marker for primary diagnostics and selection of plants-regenerants with a high adaptive potential and drought resistance at the initial stages of selection.&lt;/p&gt;

Alterations in the activity of certain enzymes in the gills of a carp Labeo rohita exposed to an azo dye, Eriochrome black T: a biochemical investigation.

In Labeo rohita exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of an azo dye, Eriochrome black T for 4days, gills show considerable alterations in the activity of certain metabolic enzymes-alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, carboxylesterase, lactate dehydrogenase, and succinate dehydrogenase; and antioxidant enzymes-catalase and peroxidase. The activities of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, carboxylesterase, succinate dehydrogenase, catalase, and peroxidase decline significantly. This has been associated with impaired metabolic function of the gills due to azo dye toxicity. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase, in contrast, shows a gradual increase, reflecting a shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. In the fish kept for recovery for 8days, after exposing the fish to the dye for 4days, activity of succinate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase gradually become similar to control. Nevertheless, activity of acid phosphatase, catalase, peroxidase, and carboxylesterase, although recover gradually, remained significantly low as compared to that of control. This study signifies that the dye is highly toxic to Labeo rohita and suggests that the activity of metabolic and antioxidant enzymes can be used as biomarker for fish toxicity.

EFFICACY OF SOME BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL INSECTICIDES ON THE COTTON LEAF WORM, SPODOPTERA LITTORALIS (BOISD.)

he present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Emamectin benzoate and Bacillus thuringiensis as bioinsecticides as well as the organophosphorus compound, chlorpyrifos on the 2nd and 4th instar larvae of S. littoralis under laboratory conditions. The results showed a decrease in both larval and pupal duration after larvae treatment. Results also showed a decrease in the pupation and the adult emergence percentage compared to the control. Moreover, adult longevity of male and female moths was affected. In addition, mean number of eggs laid and hatched /female as a result of treatment was reduced. Results showed also that the treatment with tested compounds presented and biochemical components impact on the activity of certain enzymes, e.g. total carbohydrates, total proteins, digestive enzymes, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Glutathione S-transferase (GST).

Titanium as a Beneficial Element for Crop Production.

Titanium (Ti) is considered a beneficial element for plant growth. Ti applied via roots or leaves at low concentrations has been documented to improve crop performance through stimulating the activity of certain enzymes, enhancing chlorophyll content and photosynthesis, promoting nutrient uptake, strengthening stress tolerance, and improving crop yield and quality. Commercial fertilizers containing Ti, such as Tytanit and Mg-Titanit, have been used as biostimulants for improving crop production; however, mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects still remain unclear. In this article, we propose that the beneficial roles Ti plays in plants lie in its interaction with other nutrient elements primarily iron (Fe). Fe and Ti have synergistic and antagonistic relationships. When plants experience Fe deficiency, Ti helps induce the expression of genes related to Fe acquisition, thereby enhancing Fe uptake and utilization and subsequently improving plant growth. Plants may have proteins that either specifically or nonspecifically bind with Ti. When Ti concentration is high in plants, Ti competes with Fe for ligands or proteins. The competition could be severe, resulting in Ti phytotoxicity. As a result, the beneficial effects of Ti become more pronounced during the time when plants experience low or deficient Fe supply.

Repositioning the Old Fungicide Ciclopirox for New Medical Uses.

Ciclopirox (CPX) has been used as an antifungal agent in various formulations to treat superficial fungal infection for decades. Its effectiveness and safety in treatments have been demonstrated by multiple studies. Here we briefly summarize the pharmacological and toxicological properties of CPX as an antifungal agent, the new medical uses of CPX, as well as the correspondent molecular mechanisms. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that CPX is able to inhibit tumor growth, ameliorate diabetes and its complications, prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and improve age-associated cardiovascular defects. Interestingly, its antifungal activity and all those newly observed effects are more or less related to its capability of chelating iron and interfering with the related signaling pathways. Mechanistically, CPX is capable of modulating the activities of certain enzymes or signaling pathways, such as ribonucleotide reductase (RR), deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH)/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A), Wnt/β-catenin, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1 α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2, mammalian target of rapamycin, and cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs). Most of these activities are related to its chelation of iron. CPX, as an antifungal agent, may be repositioned for treatment of cancer and other human diseases.

Effect of Thylakoid Supplementation on Activities of Glucose Metabolizing Enzymes in Rats

Background and aims: Thylakoids are the photosynthetic sites present in the green plant cell which acts as appetite suppressant resulting in loss of body weight and enhancing satiety in animals and humans. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of thylakoids on body weight gain and enzymatic activity of certain enzymes of glucose metabolism. Methods:Thylakoids from spinach leaves were isolated and freeze dried. Supplementation of spinach thylakoids to Sprague dawley male rats (n=6) at an oral dose of 0.5 g/kg body weight for 4 days was carried out. Food intake, changes in body weight of treated and control rats were monitored and enzymatic activities in liver and muscle tissues were estimated at the end of the experiments. Results: The gain in body weight was less in treated rats in comparison with control (control 12.1 g and treated 9.6 g, p<0.05). There was a significant increase (p<0.001) in specific activities of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (control vs. treated, liver: 6 times; muscles: 11.1 times), lactate dehydrogenase (control vs. treated, liver: 5.9 times; muscles: 6.8 times), succinate dehydrogenase (control vs. treated, liver: 1.5 times; muscle: 2.5 times) and malate dehydrogenase (control vs. treated, liver: 1.4 times; muscle: 5 times). Conclusion: Dietary intake of spinach thylakoids increase the activity of glucose metabolizing enzymes, which indicates increased utilization of substrates for energy production in addition to regulate body weight gain in rats. This may be responsible for observed beneficial effects of thylakoid supplementation.

Enzymatic Activities in Fresh Seminal Plasma and Extended Refrigerated Semen in Nari Suvarna Rams

Enzyme activities in the seminal plasma are the good indicators of fertility. A study was conducted to determine the activities of certain enzymes in fresh seminal plasma and extended refrigerated semen in Nari Suvarna rams. Six rams of Nari Suvarna breed were selected and sixteen ejaculates were collected from each ram for a period of eight weeks at the rate of two collections per week by artificial vagina technique. The seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation. Enzyme activities such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were estimated. There was a non-significant (P>0.05) difference between the activities of enzymes in seminal plasma except ALP activity between the rams. The semen was extended using Tris and citrate buffers and the enzymatic activities such as ALP, ALT, AST and LDH were determined after refrigeration for 24 hrs for four Nari Suvarna rams. The numerically increased activities of all the enzymes were observed after extension and refrigeration. It was concluded that the levels of ALP, ALT, AST and LDH enzymes were established in the seminal plasma of Nari Suvarna rams in the present study and the numerical increase in the activities of these enzymes after refrigeration with extension of Tris and citrate buffers for 24 hours could be due to damage to the sperm membrane and leakage of enzymes in to the seminal fluid.