High Steroid Concentrations Research Articles

Phytochemistry, Nutritional, and Pharmacological Potential of Citrus Limonum

The current research aimed to provide an overview of the phytochemical configuration, nutritional value, and therapeutic uses of Citrous Limonum (lemon). Its fruit contains a variety of phytochemicals including citric acid, polyphenols, terpenes, limonene, flavonoids, vitamin C, sugar, pectin, citric acid, malic acid, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpineol, fellander, camhenium, citrain, calcium oxalates, and mucilages. Vitamin C is abundant in citrous fruits, as well as macronutrients (dietary fibre and simple sugar) and micronutrients (copper, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, vit B6 niacin thiamin, and folate). Lemon oil is composed of 70% limonene and 20% monoterpenes, along with significant amounts of aldehydes, such as citral, alcohols (linalool), and esters (coumarin). Lemon peel contains high concentrations of flavonoids, glycosides, coumarins, steroids (beta, gamma, sitosterol), dietary fibers, carbs, and volatile oils, all of which are necessary for good health and appropriate development. However, citrus fruits are low in calories, salts, and cholesterol. They find uses in herbal remedies due to their antioxidant, antifungal, anti-cholesterol, anticancer, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It is also important to mention that the excessive use of lemon may also be associated with some risks, such as the lowering of sperm count.

Pharmacognostic and Pharmacolgical Profile of Amomum subulatum, ‘Black Cardamom’

Abstract: Amomum subulatum is a well-known aromatic spice that has been used for many years to treat a wide range of health issues. The literature search was limited to English-language research papers using PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, NCBI, Springer, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. For the review, significant information on the pharmacological activities of A. subulatum, such as anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and so on, was gathered. The profusion of secondary metabolites found in this medicinal herb may be responsible for its pharmacological activities. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed a high concentration of terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, minerals, vitamins, and other compounds. The significant phytochemicals reported from A. subulatum include limonene, 1,8-cineole, terpineol, and many others. The current review provides a full summary of current knowledge on A. subulatum, including its phytoconstituents and pharmacological applications.

Antibacterial Potency of Allium sativum, Psidium guajava, Zingiber officinale Roots against the Food Poisoning Strains (Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus)

Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus are notorious food poisoning bacteria of great effect on human health. This study determined the phytochemical constituents of ethanolic, vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) filtrates of Allium sativum (garlic), Psidium guajava (guava), Zingiber officinale (ginger) and their antibacterial activities on E. coli 0157:H7 and S. aureus. In a laboratory-based controlled experiment, the antibacterial and inhibitory activities of the VLC filtrates in doses of 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08g/mL were investigated on E. coli 0157:H7 and S. aureus using the agar well diffusion method and compared with a standard antibiotic. The indices of the zone of inhibition on the agar plates were subjected to analysis of variance (p = 0.01). Phytochemical analysis revealed a high concentration of glycosides, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and the absence of flavonoids in A. sativum. P. guajava root contained a high concentration of glycosides, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids. Z. officinale possessed a high concentration of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids. Statistically, 0.02 g/mL of Z. officinale (12.0 mm) showed a significant result to 0.04g/mL of A. sativum (14mm) at p = 0.0049 and a higher inhibition index to 0.08g/mL of P. guajava. Inhibition by 0.02g/mL of P. guajava (8.8mm) was advanced than 0.04g/mL of A. sativum (6.3 mm) on S. aureus. Recommendable inhibition of 29.3 mm and 24.0 mm on E. coli 0157:H7 and S. aureus, respectively, were expressed by 0.08 g/mL Z. officinale, which was significant to the standard 0.04 g/mL of Neomycin (Positive control) at p = 0.0067. This study indicated a reliable antibacterial activity by Z. officinale than A. sativum and P. guajava, which might have been due to the high concentration of alkaloids and flavonoids. Nevertheless, A. sativum, P. guajava, and Z. officinale are normally used as fruit and food additives in the human diet, thus can be combined to prevent food poisoning by E. coli 0157:H7 and S. aureus and their exotoxins.
 Keywords: Allium sativum, Antibacterial activity, Escherichia coli 0157:H7, Psidium guajava, Staphylococcus aureus, Zingiber officinale

AN EXPEDIENT APPROACH TO TREAT ASTHMA THROUGH NON-STEROIDAL, NATURAL TRANSFEROSOMES AEROSOL SYSTEM

Asthma is the most common respiratory disease, affecting an estimated 262 million people and resulting in 461,000 fatalities in 2019. The treatment is available on the market, but it is quite expensive, and it also has serious adverse effects due to the high concentration of steroids in the medicine. If given effectively, curcumin, formononetin, and matrine’s anti-inflammatory properties can play a significant role in treatment. To improve the chemical stability and therapeutic potential of these active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the respiratory tract, a transferosomes system was designed, which encapsulates the APIs inside its vesicular structure and delivers them selectively to the inflamed cells. The DPPC layer will allow for efficient penetration, whereas Tween-80 will aid in deformability and lower interfacial tension, resulting in a small Z-average diameter, allowing for efficient penetration between layers of cells. The APIs’ stability at alkaline pH (7.6) is ensured by the nano-vesicular structure, which significantly increases cellular antioxidant activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power values. On the RAW264.7 cell line, the formulation will be tested for anti-inflammatory activity. Nuclear factor kappa B, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, nitric oxide, and cyclooxygenase-2 are all reduced by curcumin, formononetin, and matrine. They also have an inhibitory effect on the MAPK signaling pathway, preventing extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 from causing inflammation. This formulation can effectively treat asthma without the use of steroids, has no adverse effects, and is inexpensive.

Nephroprotective Effect of Ethanol Extract of Carica Papaya Seed on Rats Induced Rifampicin and Isoniazid

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne, completely curable infection. The most common type is referred to as pulmonary TB. Rifampicin (RIF) is the first-line therapy for tuberculosis along with isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (ETB), and pyrazinamide (PZA). Papaya seeds are known to contain high concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, reducing sugars, steroids, proteins, lipids, anthraquinones, and anthocyanosides. The RIF is the most commonly prescribed anti-TB drug and most studies associate it with acute kidney injury. In this study, papaya seed ethanol extract was treated with different doses. For the test, eight groups of rats were used: normal, negative 1, negative 2, negative 3, positive, treatment I (100 mg/kg BW), treatment II (100 mg/kg BW), 300 mg/kg BW), and treatment III (500 mg/kg BW). After dissection of the mice, serum whey protein concentrations were measured. The results showed that compared to the negative control group, papaya seed ethanol extract significantly reduced urea, creatinine, uric acid, and creatinine clearance (<P0.05).

Low-dose antenatal betamethasone treatment achieves preterm lung maturation equivalent to that of the World Health Organization dexamethasone regimen but with reduced endocrine disruption in a sheep model of pregnancy

The intramuscular administration of antenatal steroids to women at risk of preterm delivery achieves high maternal and fetal plasma steroid concentrations, which are associated with adverse effects and may reduce treatment efficacy. We have demonstrated that antenatal steroid efficacy is independent of peak maternofetal steroid levels once exposure is maintained above a low threshold. This study aimed to test, using a sheep model of pregnancy, whether the low-dose antenatal steroid regimen proposed as part of the Antenatal Corticosteroids for Improving Outcomes in Preterm Newborns trial would achieve preterm lung maturation equivalent to that of the existing World Health Organization dexamethasone treatment regimen, but with reduced risk of adverse outcomes. Following ethical review and approval, date-mated ewes with single fetuses received intramuscular injections of either (1) four 6-mg maternal intramuscular injections of dexamethasone phosphate every 12 hours (n=22), (2) 4 2-mg maternal intramuscular injections of betamethasone phosphate every 12 hours (n=21), or (3) 4 2-mL maternal intramuscular injections of saline every 12 hours (n=16). Of note, 48 hours after first injection, (124±1 day), lambs were delivered, ventilated for 30 minutes, and euthanized for sampling. Arterial blood gas, respiratory, hematological, and biochemical data were analyzed for between-group differences with analysis of variance according to distribution and variance, with P<.05 taken as significant. After 30 minutes of ventilation, lambs from both steroid-treated groups had significant and equivalent improvements in lung function relative to saline control (P<.05). There was no significant difference in arterial blood pH, pO2, pCO2, lung compliance, ventilator efficiency index, or lung volume at necropsy with a static pressure of 40 cmH2O. The messenger RNA expression of surfactant protein (Sp)a, Spb, Spc, Spd, aquaporin (Aqp)1, Aqp5, and sodium channel epithelial 1 subunit beta (Scnn1b) was equivalent between both steroid groups. Maternal and fetal plasma neutrophil, glucose, and fetal plasma C-peptide levels were significantly elevated in the dexamethasone group, relative to the betamethasone group. Fetal plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 was significantly reduced in the dexamethasone group compared with the betamethasone group (P<0.05). Fetal adrenocorticotropic hormone (r=0.53), maternal glucose value (r=-0.52), and fetal glucose values (r=-0.42) were correlated with maternal weight in the betamethasone group (P<.05), whereas fetal pCO2 and pO2 were not correlated. There was no significant difference between male and female lamb outcomes in any groups for any of the items evaluated. This study reported that in preterm lambs, a low-dose treatment regimen of 8 mg betamethasone achieves lung maturation equivalent to that of a 24-mg dexamethasone-based regimen, but with smaller perturbations to the maternofetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. These data suggested that given steroid pharmacokinetic differences between sheep and humans, a betamethasone dose of 2 mg may remain above the minimum dose necessary for robust maturation of the preterm lung. Maternal weight-adjusted betamethasone doses might also be a key to reducing perturbations to the maternofetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Extractive composition and bioactivity of Uncaria acida and Uncaria glabrata wood

Uncaria acida (red bajakah) and Uncaria glabrata (white bajakah) belong to the liana woody species. Both are naturally cultivated in Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan (Borneo) island. This study, aims to investigate the extractive composition of U. acida and U. glabrata wood considering that extracts from different lianas usually are used as anticancer drugs (breast cancer). The phenolic, alkaloid, and saponin contents were measured by colorimetric and GC-MS methods, while the antioxidant, antifungal, and cytotoxicity were investigated using DPPH, Phanerochaete chrysosporium (white-rot), and brine shrimp lethality tests, respectively. The results showed that the total tannins, phenols, and saponins in U. acida were higher compared to U. glabrata, while the total flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and antioxidant activity was lower. The GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of aromatic compounds, fatty acids, and triterpenoids in both species. High concentration of phenols, alkaloids, saponins, fatty acids, and steroids are known to provide support in terms of antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and antifungal activities.

Prescribing intranasal steroids in HIV-positive patients: systematic review of the literature.

There are significant drug-drug interactions between human immunodeficiency virus antiretroviral therapy and intranasal steroids, leading to high serum concentrations of iatrogenic steroids and subsequently Cushing's syndrome. All articles in the literature on cases of intranasal steroid and antiretroviral therapy interactions were reviewed. Full-length manuscripts were analysed and the relevant data were extracted. A literature search and further cross-referencing yielded a total of seven reports on drug-drug interactions of intranasal corticosteroids and human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors, published between 1999 and 2019. The use of potent steroids metabolised via CYP3A4, such as fluticasone and budesonide, are not recommended for patients taking ritonavir or cobicistat. Mometasone should be used cautiously with ritonavir because of pharmacokinetic similarities to fluticasone. There was a delayed onset of symptoms in many cases, most likely due to the relatively lower systemic bioavailability of intranasal fluticasone.

Appraisal of Antiophidian Properties of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Leaf and Callus Extracts against Naja Naja Venom

Considering the limitations of antivenom therapy towards toxicity following envenomation, investigators are probing for effective phytochemicals with promising antivenom effects. In the current study, Cardiospermum halicacabum leaf and callus methanol extracts were investigated for their ability to neutralize Indian cobra (Najanaja) venom. Soxhlet extraction using methanol was performed since leaf and callus extracts demonstrated significant neutralization of N. najavemon in preliminary studies. In vitro neutralizing potential of both extracts were evaluated against phospholipase A2, preoteases and hyaluronidases. In addition, alleviation of N. naja-induced characteristic edema inducing activity, myotoxicity and coagulation, hemolytic activity were performed in mouse models and human blood samples. Leaf and callus methanol extract contained high concentrations of phenols, alkaloids, steroids and saponins and demonstrated significant in vitro inhibition of N. naja PLA2, proteases and hyaluronidase activities at 30-40 µg concentrations. Significant neutralization of N. naja-induced indirect hemolysis, edema, anticoagulant effect and myotoxicity was attained using both extracts. Overall leaf and callus extracts (1mg/kg) postponed animal survival by 33 ± 9.3 and 50 ± 12.4 mins, respectively. C. halicacabum leaf and callus methanol extracts demonstrated significant neutralization of N. naja enzymes that contribute to grievous effects on various tissues/organs. The study scientifically supports the anecdotal use of C. halicacabum in complementary medicine and demonstrates that callus extract is more potent antidote than leaf. Further, callus extract is a potent candidate for isolation of phytochemicals towards management of snakebite.

Elevated atmospheric concentrations of CO2 increase endogenous immune function in a specialist herbivore.

Animals rely on a balance of endogenous and exogenous sources of immunity to mitigate parasite attack. Understanding how environmental context affects that balance is increasingly urgent under rapid environmental change. In herbivores, immunity is determined, in part, by phytochemistry which is plastic in response to environmental conditions. Monarch butterflies Danaus plexippus, consistently experience infection by a virulent parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, and some medicinal milkweed (Asclepias) species, with high concentrations of toxic steroids (cardenolides), provide a potent source of exogenous immunity. We investigated plant-mediated influences of elevated CO2 (eCO2 ) on endogenous immune responses of monarch larvae to infection by O. elektroscirrha. Recently, transcriptomics have revealed that infection by O. elektroscirrha does not alter monarch immune gene regulation in larvae, corroborating that monarchs rely more on exogenous than endogenous immunity. However, monarchs feeding on medicinal milkweed grown under eCO2 lose tolerance to the parasite, associated with changes in phytochemistry. Whether changes in milkweed phytochemistry induced by eCO2 alter the balance between exogenous and endogenous sources of immunity remains unknown. We fed monarchs two species of milkweed; A. curassavica (medicinal) and A. incarnata (non-medicinal) grown under ambient CO2 (aCO2 ) or eCO2 . We then measured endogenous immune responses (phenoloxidase activity, haemocyte concentration and melanization strength), along with foliar chemistry, to assess mechanisms of monarch immunity under future atmospheric conditions. The melanization response of late-instar larvae was reduced on medicinal milkweed in comparison to non-medicinal milkweed. Moreover, the endogenous immune responses of early-instar larvae to infection by O. elektroscirrha were generally lower in larvae reared on foliage from aCO2 plants and higher in larvae reared on foliage from eCO2 plants. When grown under eCO2 , milkweed plants exhibited lower cardenolide concentrations, lower phytochemical diversity and lower nutritional quality (higher C:N ratios). Together, these results suggest that the loss of exogenous immunity from foliage under eCO2 results in increased endogenous immune function. Animal populations face multiple threats induced by anthropogenic environmental change. Our results suggest that shifts in the balance between exogenous and endogenous sources of immunity to parasite attack may represent an underappreciated consequence of environmental change.

Phytochemical Screening and Elemental Analysis of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Datura innoxia Seeds and Leaves

The present study is aimed to screen the phytochemicals analysis and elements content of Datura innoxia seeds and leaves. The aqueous and methanol extracts were carried out by using the maceration method and soxhlet apparatus, respectively. Results of the study of Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of a high concentration of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and triterpines, and low concentration of saponin and coummarins. The elements in the leaves and seeds (K, Ca, S, Si, Cl, Fe, Al, P, Mg, Ti, Mn, Zn, Sr, Cu, V, Br, and Zr) were determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy. K content was the highest in seeds (5.469 ± 0.021%), Ca and S the highest in leaves (2.461 ± 0.019 %, 1.254 ± 0.022 %, respectively). The elements Ti, Mn, Sr, V, Br, and Zr were detected in the leaves with range concentration 0.062-0.002 %. The elements Si, Cl, Fe, Al, P, Mg, and Zn concentration in seeds varied from 0.002 to 0.942% and in leaves varied from 0.014 to 0.346%. The concentration of these elements did not exceed the standard of dangerous toxic levels.

Feather steroid hormone concentrations in relation to age, sex, and molting time in a long-distance migratory passerine.

In birds, concentrations of testosterone (T) and corticosterone (Cort) are closely connected with many morphological, behavioral, and other physiological traits, including reproduction, metabolism, immunity, and fitness. The direction of the effect of these hormones on above‐mentioned traits, and the potential feedback between hormones are in general unclear; in addition, knowledge on how age and sex can affect T and Cort concentrations is still inconsistent. Our study used a novel method to analyze testosterone and corticosterone in feathers (Tf, Cortf) based on the precolumn chemical derivatization of hormones before liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) analysis. Unlike previously used methods (RIA, EIA), our analytical procedure allows simultaneous analysis of both hormones from small amounts of feathers (4–25 mg) and, thus, overcomes the problem of insufficient detection limits. We applied this method to reveal associations between Tf and Cortf hormone concentrations and feather growth, age, and sex in feathers grown during the postbreeding (flanks) and prebreeding (tails) periods in barn swallows (Hirundo rustica). There was neither a correlation between prebreeding and postbreeding Tf, nor between prebreeding and postbreeding Cortf. Tail Cortf concentrations were negatively associated with tail feather growth rates. Feather hormone concentrations were correlated in the prebreeding period, negatively in males but positively in females. Both Cortf and Tf were higher in young birds compared to older ones, indicating either an age‐related decrease in hormone concentrations within individuals, or the selective disappearance of individuals with high steroid concentrations. Males and females did not differ in Cortf, but Tf concentrations were higher in males than females, particularly during the prebreeding period. In this study, we provide an effective method for analyzing hormones in feathers in an ecological context, especially in situations when the total amount of feathers available for the analysis is limited.

Endogenous steroid profiling in hair and nails with a newly developed LC-MS/MS method

Steroid hormones are key regulators in many physiological processes such as physical or mental stress and fatigue. The analysis of endogenous steroid hormones in hair is used for the long-term assessment of those biomarkers. If hair is not available, nails can be used as an alternative matrix for the retrospective evaluation of substances. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of steroid hormones in human hair and nails. An LC-MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous identification and quantification of 12 steroid hormones (aldosterone, cortisone, cortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, 11-deoxycorticosterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone) in hair and nails. Analysis was conducted on a QTRAP ® 6500+ mass spectrometer (Sciex, Darmstadt, Germany) in electrospray ionization positive mode, after LC separation (Phenomenex ® Kinetex ® XB-C 18 ) using a Prominence UFLC system (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). The method was validated using 13 C 3 -steroid analytes as surrogate analytes. Thirty-nine authentic hair and nail samples were analyzed to investigate a possible correlation between steroid levels in hair and nails. Furthermore, nail samples from 31 right and left hands from mothers ( n = 12) (before and after birth) and 8 samples from their newborn infants were analyzed. Finally, hair samples ( n = 18) were measured to see if there is an influence of pigmentation on the steroid level. Paired samples were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test and correlation coefficients were calculated using Spearman correlation. Methods for both matrices were successfully validated. The mean concentrations determined in the hair samples ( n = 39) were 19.8 pg/mg for cortisone, 4.4 pg/mg for cortisol, 2.7 pg/mg for androstenedione, 0.7 pg/mg for testosterone and 3.0 pg/mg for progesterone. In nails, the mean values were 3.7 pg/mg for cortisone, 1.7 pg/mg for cortisol, 2.6 pg/mg for androstenedione, 1.1 pg/mg for testosterone and 6.2 pg/mg for progesterone. Testosterone and progesterone levels were significantly and positively correlated between hair and nails ( r = 0.49 and r = 0.38, respectively), whereas cortisol ( r = −0.03), cortisone ( r = −0.07) and androstenedione ( r = −0.05) showed no significant correlation. Higher concentrations of cortisol and cortisone in hair were found compared to nails ( P -value < 0.05). Investigations in nails of mothers and their newborn infants showed no significant difference in left and right hand concentrations of cortisol, cortisone, androstenedione, testosterone and progesterone ( P -value > 0.05). Regarding the hair pigmentation, there were no significant differences in pigmented and non-pigmented hair for cortisol, cortisone, androstenedione, testosterone and progesterone ( P -value > 0.05). The results showed that steroid profiling in hair and nails is a promising tool for various research and clinical applications. Higher steroid concentrations in hair might be attributed to affinity of cortisol and cortisone to bind to melanin. However, there were no significant differences in pigmented and non-pigmented hair, suggesting that the binding to melanin is not very strong and weaker interactions can play a role in the incorporation of steroid hormones into the hair matrix. Right and left hand values showed no significant differences, which indicated that the sample collection can be done on either hand on the same fingernail. We developed a highly sensitive and selective LC-MS/MS method for steroid profiling in hair and nails. With help of surrogate analytes, low endogenous amounts of steroid hormones were quantified. Nails and hair are both suitable matrices for steroid profiling with different baseline values.

Effects of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone on rocuroniuminduced neuromuscular blockade and reversal by sugammadex in phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm rat model.

BackgroundThe facilitator effects of steroids on neuromuscular transmission may cause resistance to neuromuscular blocking agents. Additionally, steroids may hinder sugammadex reversal of neuromuscular blockade, but these findings remain controversial. Therefore, we explored the effect of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone on rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade and their inhibitory effect on sugammadex.MethodsWe explored the effects of steroids, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone, in vitro using a phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm rat model. In the first phase, an effective dose of rocuronium was calculated, and in the second phase, following sugammadex administration, the recovery of the train-of-four (TOF) ratio and T1 was evaluated for 30 minutes, and the recovery index was calculated in dexamethasone 0, 0.5, 5, and 50 μg/ml, or hydrocortisone 0, 1, 10, or 100 μg/ml.ResultsNo significant effect of steroids on the effective dose of rocuronium was observed. The TOF ratios at 30 minutes after sugammadex administration were decreased significantly only at high experimental concentrations of steroids: dexamethasone 50 μg/ml and hydrocortisone 100 μg/ml (P < 0.001 and P = 0.042, respectively). There were no statistical significances in other concentrations. No differences were observed in T1. Recovery index was significantly different only in 100 μg/ml of hydrocortisone (P = 0.03).ConclusionsAcute exposure to steroids did not resist the neuromuscular blockade caused by rocuronium. And inhibition of sugammadex reversal on rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade is unlikely at typical clinical doses of dexamethasone and also hydrocortisone. Conclusively, we can expect proper effects of rocuronium and sugammadex when dexamethasone or hydrocortisone is used during general anesthesia.

Adrenocortical Challenge Response and Genomic Analyses in Scottish Terriers With Increased Alkaline Phosphate Activity.

Scottish terriers (ST) frequently have increased serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of the steroid isoform. Many of these also have high serum concentrations of adrenal sex steroids. The study's objective was to determine the cause of increased sex steroids in ST with increased ALP. Adrenal gland suppression and stimulation were compared by low dose dexamethasone (LDDS), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) response tests. Resting plasma pituitary hormones were measured. Steroidogenesis-related mRNA expression was evaluated in six ST with increased ALP, eight dogs of other breeds with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), and seven normal dogs. The genome-wide association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with ALP activity was evaluated in 168 ST. ALP (reference interval 8–70 U/L) was high in all ST (1,054 U/L) and HAC (985 U/L) dogs. All HAC dogs and 2/8 ST had increased cortisol post-ACTH administration. All ST and 2/7 Normal dogs had increased sex steroids post-ACTH. ST and Normal dogs had similar post-challenge adrenal steroid profiles following LDDS and HCG. Surprisingly, mRNA of hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 2 (HSD17B2) was lower in ST and Normal dogs than HAC. HSD17B2 facilities metabolism of sex steroids. A SNP region was identified on chromosome 5 in proximity to HSD17B2 that correlated with increased serum ALP. ST in this study with increased ALP had a normal pituitary-adrenal axis in relationship to glucocorticoids and luteinizing hormone. We speculate the identified SNP and HSD17B2 gene may have a role in the pathogenesis of elevated sex steroids and ALP in ST.

Steroid fingerprints: Efficient biomarkers of human decomposition fluids in soil

The decomposition of animal and human cadavers can lead to comprehensive chemical and biochemical changes in soil, which can provide helpful information for the analysis of archaeological and crime scenes. The current study focused specifically on the concentration and distribution patterns of steroids in soil with the aim of assessing their suitability for demonstrating the presence of human decomposition products. Soil samples were collected from a forensic site where a human corpse had been lying on the soil surface for 18 days. Total organic carbon (TOC) and steroid concentrations were analysed in soil samples taken from beneath the body at the time the corpse was removed and also one year later. High concentrations of TOC and steroids were detected close to the soil surface at the time the body was removed, and the concentration of cadaver-derived cholesterol was considerably higher than that of the plant-derived sitosterol. The soil beneath the cadaver contained higher concentrations of faeces-derived 5β-stanol coprostanol than the control soil. Different concentrations and distribution patterns of steroid compounds in the soil upon removal of the corpse and one year later indicate that significant transformation, degradation and translocation processes had taken place during this period of time. The depth distribution of steroids beneath a decomposing body along with changes in the human steroidal fingerprints in soil over time were found to provide information that could help resolve forensic and archaeological issues. The combined analysis of tissue steroids (cholesterol), the reduction product of cholesterol in soil (5α-cholestanol) as well as faecal steroids (coprostanol, 5β-stigmastanol and their conversion products epicoprostanol and epi-5β-stigmastanol) represent excellent additions to the forensic toolbox for determining whether a soil of interest has ever been affected by a human cadaver or not.

English

A study was carried out on the insecticidal effects of the powdered stem bark extract of Uvaria chamae and its ethanolic extract on three most devastating stored products pests (Coleopterous) in Nigeria, namely: Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Bruchidae), Rhizopertha dominica F. (Bostrichidae) and Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Curculionidae). Graded concentrations of each formulation of the powdered bark and ethanolic extracts were in exposure chambers of each insect in laboratory bio-assays under ambient conditions (25±2°C). S. zeamais, R. dominica and C. maculatus were exposed to the following concentrations 0.00, 0.10, 0.20, 0.40, 0.80, and 1.60 mg/L grains in three replicates per treatment and control. The mortality of the insects was used to compute mean lethal concentration (LC50) values by probit analysis. All the concentrations tested showed appreciable toxicity against each test insect species. The computed LC50 values for powder formulation gave significantly (P≤0.05) higher toxicity against C. maculatus (1.281 g/kg) than either S. zeamais (2.145 g/kg) or R. dominica (5.189 g/kg). However, the ethanolic extract was more toxic on C. maculatus (0.134 mL/L), S. zeamais (0.173 mL/L) or R. dominica (0.359 mL/L). It was found that the higher the concentration of the ethanolic extract, the higher the mortality. The result implies that, U. chamae powdered and ethanolic stem bark extracts have potentials for use during storage of grains, ensuring food security, profit maximization and availability of seeds for the next planting season without being damaged by these test insect species. The presence of high concentration of steroids and terpenes may be responsible for the observed high insecticidal activity of the test extracts. Key words: Bioassay, Callosobrochus maculatus, storage insect, Uvaria chamae.

Phytochemical And Proximate Compositions of Tetracarpidium Conophorum [African Walnut] Seeds.

A sample of boiled Tetracarpidiumconophorum (African walnut) seeds was analyzed for the phytochemical and proximate compositions. The result of the phytochemical [qualitative] screeningrevealed the presence of high concentrations of Alkaloids and Steroids, and moderate concentration of Tannins. There were no traces of Saponins, Phlobotannins, Flavonoids, Phenols and Glycosides. The proximate analysis showed that the boiled seeds contained 5.5% moisture, 19.3% carbohydrate, 17.9% protein, 53.4% crude fat, 1.24% crude fiberand 2.67% ash. Data from thisstudy showedthat theboiled Tetracarpidiumconophorum seeds contain some bioactive compounds and have good nutritional composition. They could be useful in pharmaceutical formulations and as food.

Inhaled versus systemic corticosteroids for preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia in ventilated very low birth weight preterm neonates.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants and inflammation plays a significant role in its pathogenesis. The use of inhaled corticosteroids may modulate the inflammatory process without concomitant high systemic steroid concentrations and less risk of adverse effects. This is an update of a review published in 2012 (Shah 2012). We recently updated the related review on "Inhaled versus systemic corticosteroids for treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia in ventilated very low birth weight preterm neonates". To determine the effect of inhaled versus systemic corticosteroids started within the first 7 days of life on preventing death or BPD in ventilated very low birth weight infants. We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2017, Issue 1), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 23 February 2017), Embase (1980 to 23 February 2017), and CINAHL (1982 to 23 February 2017). We searched clinical trials registers, conference proceedings and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials. Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing inhaled versus systemic corticosteroid therapy (irrespective of dose and duration) starting in the first seven days of life in very low birth weight preterm infants receiving assisted ventilation. Clinical outcomes data were extracted and analysed using Review Manager. When appropriate, meta-analysis was performed using typical relative risk (RR), typical risk difference (RD) and weighted mean difference (WMD). Meta-analyses were performed using typical relative risk, typical risk difference (RD), and weighted mean difference with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). If RD was statistically significant, the number needed to benefit or the number needed to harm was calculated. We assessed the quality of evidence was evaluated using GRADE principles. We included two trials that involved 294 infants. No new studies were included for the 2017 update. The incidence of death or BPD at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age was not statistically significantly different between infants who received inhaled or systemic steroids (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.35; RD 0.05, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.16; 1 trial, N = 278). The incidence of BPD at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age among survivors was not statistically significant between groups (RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.90; RD 0.11, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.24; 1 trial, N = 206). There was no statistically significant difference in the outcomes of BPD at 28 days, death at 28 days or 36 weeks' postmenstrual age and the combined outcome of death or BPD by 28 days between groups (2 trials, N = 294). The duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly longer in the inhaled steroid group compared with the systemic steroid group (typical MD 4 days, 95% CI 0.2 to 8; 2 trials, N = 294; I² = 0%) as was the duration of supplemental oxygen (typical MD 11 days, 95% CI 2 to 20; 2 trials, N = 294; I² = 33%).The incidence of hyperglycaemia was significantly lower with inhaled steroids (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.71; RD -0.25, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.14; 1 trial, N = 278; NNTB 4, 95% CI 3 to 7 to avoid 1 infant experiencing hyperglycaemia). The rate of patent ductus arteriosus increased in the group receiving inhaled steroids (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.17; RD 0.21, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.33; 1 trial, N = 278; NNTH 5, 95% CI 3 to 10). In a subset of surviving infants in the United Kingdom and Ireland there were no significant differences in developmental outcomes at 7 years of age. However, there was a reduced risk of having ever been diagnosed as asthmatic by 7 years of age in the inhaled steroid group compared with the systemic steroid group (N = 48) (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.94; RD -0.31, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.05; NNTB 3, 95% CI 2 to 20).According to GRADE the quality of the evidence was moderate to low. Evidence was downgraded on the basis of design (risk of bias), consistency (heterogeneity) and precision of the estimates.Both studies received grant support and the industry provided aero chambers and metered dose inhalers of budesonide and placebo for the larger study. No conflict of interest was identified. We found no evidence that early inhaled steroids confer important advantages over systemic steroids in the management of ventilator-dependent preterm infants. Based on this review inhaled steroids cannot be recommended over systemic steroids as a part of standard practice for ventilated preterm infants. Because they might have fewer adverse effects than systemic steroids, further randomised controlled trials of inhaled steroids are needed that address risk/benefit ratio of different delivery techniques, dosing schedules and long-term effects, with particular attention to neurodevelopmental outcome.

Hepatic response in &lt;i&gt;Trypanosomia brucei brucei&lt;/i&gt; infected-rats treated with ethanol leaf extract of &lt;i&gt;Tithonia diversifolia&lt;/i&gt;

Ethanol leaf extract of Tithonia diversifolia was investigated for its hepato-curative activity in Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected-rats. The phytochemical compositions of the plant extract were also evaluated. The leaf extract was administered 14 days post-infection at dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg orally once daily. Quantitative phytochemical analysis reveals high concentration of terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and tannins. Lethal dose (LD 50 ) of the extract to be equal to or greated than 5000 mg/kg. The in-vivo parasitaemia showed significant ( p <0.05) reduction on day 3, 7 and 14 of treatment compared with day 0 of treatment. All the T. brucei brucei infected-rats treated with diminazen aceturate and varing doses of the extract showed significant ( p <0.05) reduction in parasitaemia count compared with with the infected- rats control. The infected rats treated with 400 mg/kg b.w of the extract showed higher percentage parasitaemia suppresion rate (60%) compared with those treated with 200 mg/kg b.w of the extract (44.74%). Serum enzyme level showed significant ( p <0.05) decrease in plasma AST, ALT and ALP activity of infected and treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the leaf extract compared with the normal control rats. The histological study showed normal lobules with normal hepatocytes arranged regulating interconnecting cords around the central veins in the infected-rats treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of theextract compared with the liver histo-architecture ofinfected rat administered distilled water which showed moderate to severe hepatitis and random widespread multi-focal areas of coagulative necrosis. The findings suggests ethno-pharmacological usefulness of the plant and necessitate futher study toisolate the active anti-trypanosomal compounds in the plant. Keywords: hepato curative, phytochemical, LD50, histological, ethno pharmacology