Human Red Cell Membrane Research Articles

Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis: In-Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Anti-arthritic and Anti-inflammatory Potential of Some Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants.

Background: Colchicum autumnale, Strychnous nux-vomica and Aloe barbadensis are the medicinal plants clinically utilized for the management of rhuematic disorders. Purpose: The present work was focused to evaluate the in-vitro anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities of Colchicum (Colchicum autumnale), Nux-vomica (Strychnous nux-vomica), and Aloe-vera (Aloe barbadensis). Research Design: Primarily, the aqueous-ethanolic extracts of these medicinal plants were phytochemically screened followed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis. Anti-arthritic activity by protein denaturation method and anti-inflammatory activity by human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method at the concentration of 125, 250, and 500 µg/mL along with standard were performed. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed that alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, phenols, and anthraquinones were found in all the extracts, and organic acids, amine group, aromatic or aliphatic compounds, esters and halogens, and phenolics were identified by FTIR. Protein denaturation method revealed that colchicum, nux-vomica, and aloe-vera showed maximum 98.5%, 99.6%, and 72.3% of inhibition at 500 µg/mL compared with that of standard drug, that is, Diclofenac sodium. Membrane stabilization method showed that colchicum, nux-vomica, and aloe-vera showed maximum 40.20%, 35.67%, and 40.1% protection at 500 µg/mL when compared with standard drug. Conclusion: It is concluded from the current study that extracts of colchicum, nux-vomica, and aloe-vera showed more potent effect and thus can be used as alternative options for the management of inflammatory and arthritic ailments.

An In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Newly Synthesized 1,3,4 Oxadiazole Derivatives

In the area of heterocyclic chemistry, oxadiazole has made major contributions. An enormous number of oxadiazoles have been synthesized and exposed to biological screening; the screening results improved their status due to its potential activities and their efficacy in diverse fields of daily life. Due to its wide range of pharmacological and therapeutic effects, the 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety is the most important oxadiazole. In this study, we discuss a new family of 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole compounds' anti-inflammatory characteristics (4a-4h).The antiinflammatory efficacy of the oxadiazole derivative was studied by utilizing Human Red Blood Cell membrane stabilization (HRBCs) method. Many synthesized compounds displayed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity in HRBCs test. In the novel synthesized derivatives, compounds 2-(5-bromo-2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-5-p-tolyl1,3,4-oxadiazole (4h) and 2-(5-bromo-2-(trifluoromethoxy) phenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (4a) exhibited the maximum activity of 90.76 % and 88.35 % protection, respectively at concentration 500 µg/ml, compared with DFS that showed 91.86 % inhibition of RBC haemolysis at the same concentration.

Appraisal of Anti-Arthritic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Folkloric Medicinal Plant Peganum harmala.

Peganum harmala has been traditionally used to manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory conditions. However, its use against RA has not been scientifically evaluated. The current study was designed to assess the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of P. harmala leaves by in vitro and in vivo methods. The in vitro assays were carried out to determine the effect of plant extract on inhibition of egg albumin denaturation and human red blood cell membrane (HRBC) stabilization. Moreover, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity was performed to determine the antioxidant potential. In vivo anti-arthritic activity was performed by determining the curative effect against Complete Freund's adjuvant (0.1 ml). The plant extract was administered to rats orally at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/day for 21 days. The values of IC50 of plant extract in protein denaturation, stabilization of HRBC and DPPH assays were 77.54 mg/ml, 23.90 mg/ml and 58.09 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the plant extract significantly attenuated the poly-arthritis and weight loss, anemia and paw edema. The plant extract restored the level of C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in poly-arthritic rats. Moreover, the plant extract restored the immune organs' weight in treated rats. Treatment with P. harmala also significantly subdued the oxidative stress by reinstating superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, catalase and malondialdehyde in poly-arthritic rats. The plant extract notably restored the prostaglandin-E2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the serum of poly-arthritic rats. It was concluded that P. harmala extract had potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activities, which primarily might be attributed to alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols.

The permeability of human red blood cell membranes to hydrogen peroxide is independent of aquaporins

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) not only is an oxidant but also is an important signaling molecule in vascular biology, mediating several physiological functions. Red blood cells (RBCs) have been proposed to be the primary sink of H2O2 in the vasculature because they are the main cellular component of blood with a robust antioxidant defense and a high membrane permeability. However, the exact permeability of human RBC to H2O2 is neither known nor is it known if the mechanism of permeation involves the lipid fraction or protein channels. To gain insight into the permeability process, we measured the partition constant of H2O2 between water and octanol or hexadecane using a novel double-partition method. Our results indicated that there is a large thermodynamic barrier to H2O2 permeation. The permeability coefficient of H2O2 through phospholipid membranes containing cholesterol with saturated or unsaturated acyl chains was determined to be 4 × 10−4 and 5 × 10−3 cm s−1, respectively, at 37 °C. The permeability coefficient of human RBC membranes to H2O2 at 37 °C, on the other hand, was 1.6 × 10−3 cm s−1. Different aquaporin-1 and aquaporin-3 inhibitors proved to have no effect on the permeation of H2O2. Moreover, human RBCs devoid of either aquaporin-1 or aquaporin-3 were equally permeable to H2O2 as normal human RBCs. Therefore, these results indicate that H2O2 does not diffuse into RBCs through aquaporins but rather through the lipid fraction or a still unidentified membrane protein.

In vitro studies on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities of potential probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici NCDC 252

Probiotics are live microbes which positively influence the health when consumed in adequate amount. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly used probiotics and are generally found in yogurt and fermented foods. They provide barrier for pathogens by secreting peptides and other metabolites. Pediococcus acidilactici NCDC 252 is a LAB of dairy origin with probiotic attributes. NCDC 252 was studied for in vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities. Anti-inflammatory activity was studied by human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method, protein (albumin) denaturation inhibitory activity and heat induced haemolysis. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by α, α-diphenyl-β- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging assays. Alpha amylase inhibition assay was performed to examine antihyperglycemic effect. NCDC 252 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory but moderate antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities as compared to control. NCDC 252 exhibited 65%, 70% and 49% membrane stabilization, protein denaturation and heat induced activity respectively. Scavenging effect was 45 % and 60% in H2O2 and DPPH assays respectively. Alpha amylase inhibition was 48 %. These results suggest therapeutic potential of NCDC 252 and open new avenues to treat disorders related to free radical generation such as inflammation and diabetes mellitus after in vivo evaluation of NCDC 252 to confirm its efficacy in animals.

Green synthesis, characterization and biological activity of Solanum trilobatum-mediated silver nanoparticles

Biologically inspired synthesis of nanoparticles was found to be more attractive in metal nanoparticle synthesis. The present study reported an in-situ biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Solanum trilobatum aqueous leaf extract. On this basis, the aqueous leaf extract of S. trilobatum acted as a reducing agent and stabilizing agent to synthesize highly stable AgNPs at ambient temperature. Eventually, the synthesized and stabilized AgNPs surface plasmon resonance was near 430 nm through a UV–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometer. Here, the stability of the silver colloids monitored through zeta potential and mean particle size was evaluated through diffraction light scattering (DLF). Further, the average particle size was found to be 27.6 nm and spherical, confirmed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also, colloidal AgNPs and aqueous extract are found to be rich sources of antioxidants and exhibit higher free radical scavenging ability. Thus, efficient inhibition with COX1 and COX2 enzymes and the protective effect with human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stability showed significant results. These features are promising, suggesting the possibility of the AgNPs to be useful to disease-modifying for treating inflammatory disorders and associated complications.

Insight into the Different Channel Proteins of Human Red Blood Cell Membranes Revealed by Combined dSTORM and AFM Techniques.

Membrane proteins tend to interact with each other in the cell membranes to form protein clusters and perform the corresponding physiological functions. However, because channel proteins are involved in many biological functions, their distribution and nano-organization in these protein clusters are unclear. To study the distribution patterns and relationships between the different channel proteins, we identified the locations of glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) and Band3 (anion transporter 1) precisely in the topography of the cytoplasmic side of the human red blood cell (hRBC) membranes using combined atomic force microscopy (AFM) and single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). The AFM results revealed that membrane proteins interacted with each other and aggregated into protein islands. The SMLM results showed that Glut1 and Band3 tended to form protein clusters in the hRBC membranes, and there was a strong colocalization between the two proteins. The results of the combined AFM and SMLM method indicated that the protein clusters of Glut1 and Band3 were mainly located in the protein islands of topography, and the protein islands in topography also interacted with each other to assemble into larger protein clusters or functional microdomains.

Screening for anti-inflammatory activity of extract and fractions of Morinda lucida stem bark and detection of bioactive secondary metabolite

Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) is a versatile plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of ailments and the claims of its efficacy are particularly remarkable in the treatment of infections and immuno-inflammatory disorders. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory properties of methanolic stem bark extract and fractions of M. lucida and also identifies the phytochemicals responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity. The crude extract was subjected to liquid- liquid partitioning successively with n- hexane, ethylacetate, butanol and water. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the four fractions and Vacuum Liquid Chromatography fraction (VLC) of the promising fraction was evaluated. The effect of the fractions on egg albumen induced rat paw oedema were also evaluated. Anti-inflammatory activity of the fractions was further screened using xylene induce ear oedema models and human red blood cell membrane stabilization test. Ulcerogenic test on the normal stomach mucosa was also evaluated. The result of the egg albumen induced rat paw oedema showed that the butanol fractions maximally inhibited egg albumen induced effect at 400 mg/kg (70%) and 200mg/kg (67.5%) after 180 minutes compared to the positive control, ibuprofen (20mg/kg) with 100% inhibition after 180 minutes. The result of the xylene induced ear oedema showed that the inhibition produced by 100 µg/ear of the Butanol fraction (BF) was 56.67 % and was greater than inhibition produced by 200 µg/ear of ibuprofen (38.89 %). HPLC analysis of the fractions revealed the following phytocompounds; Cytreo- a-pyrone, Cytosporin- J and Waol A. Ulcerogenic test was negative at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the fractions when compare with the indomethacin (positive control) at dose of 50 mg/kg. Human red blood cell membrane stabilization assay showed that BF-VLC 2 (Dichloromethane: methanol (8:2) VLC of Butanol fraction) exhibited concentration dependent inhibition of heat-induced haemolysis while other extract showed a non- concentration dependent inhibition of haemolysis when compared to the standard, ibuprofen. These findings suggest that the stem bark of M. lucida possess promising anti-inflammatory phytocompounds which justify its use in ethno-medicine.

Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. Leaves Ameliorates Inflammation and Pain in Experimental Mice and Computer-Aided Model

Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. is traditionally used to treat several diseases, including leprosy, wound healing, gonorrhea, rheumatism, anemia, diarrhea and ulcer. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of methanolic extract of Xylia xylocarpa leaves (MEXX) via in vitro, in vivo as well as in silico models. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was determined by human red blood cell membrane stabilization study and protein denaturation while in vivo anti-nociceptive activity was examined by the acetic acid-induced writhing test (AAWT) and formalin-induced paw licking test (FIPLT). Additionally, trans-5-hydroxypipecolic acid was an identified compound of MEXX which was subjected to molecular docking analysis followed by ADME/T and toxicity analysis. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed that MEXX was enriched with carbohydrates, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, tannins and showed significant total phenolic (1222.66 ± 0.66 mg GAE/g dried extract) and flavonoids contents (325.33 ± 1.76 mg QE/g dried extract) in quantitative phytochemical screening. Inflammatory studies unveiled that; MEXX significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the hemolysis of membrane and protein at different concentrations (31.25 - 1000 μg/mL). The extract also displayed statistically significant analgesic responses in the acetic acid and formalin-induced test at several doses (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w). In AAWT, the extract exhibited 13.67 and 51.37 % inhibition of writhing at the doses 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively. In formalin-induced paw licking test, the early phase pain inhibition was 54.64 % at the concentration of 400 mg/kg while during the latter phase at 400 mg/kg, the inhibition of pain was 43.82 %. According to molecular docking analysis, trans-5-hydroxypipecolic acid demonstrated a promising docking score against PDE4, COX-1, and COX-2 along with satisfied pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties. Finally, from the results it could be concluded that MEXX has potential anti-inflammatory and an-nociceptive effects that should require further investigation.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 Xylia xylocarpa minimizes the inflamation and pain
 Xylia xylocarpa showed significant analgesic activity
 Xylia xylocarpa revealed polyphenolic compounds including phenol, and flavonoid
 In in silico, trans-5-hydroxypipecolic acid possessed significant analgesic activity against COX-1 and COX-2
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Venlafaxine demonstrated anti-arthritic activity possibly through down regulation of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and COX-2.

Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression. Previous studies demonstrated its anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities through the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Present research aimed to explore its anti-arthritic potential. Different in-vitro assays including egg albumin, bovine serum albumin denaturation and human red blood cell (RBC) membrane stabilization assays along with in-vivo models of formaldehyde and complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis were used to study its anti-arthritic effect. Venlafaxine inhibited egg albumin and bovine serum albumin denaturation and preserve the integrity of red blood cells membrane in concentration-dependent manner. In formaldehyde-induced arthritis venlafaxine significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the paw edema on treatment for 10 days. Chronic administration of venlafaxine for 28days in Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model decreased the paw volume (p < 0.001), arthritic index (p < 0.01), flexion pain score (p < 0.05), mobility score (p < 0.05), and improved the stance score (p < 0.05). Venlafaxine also significantly declined the rheumatoid factor (p < 0.01) and C-reactive protein (p < 0.05) levels and increased the RBC count (p < 0.01) and Hb value (p < 0.001). Upon PCR analysis venlafaxine remarkably turndown the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and COX-2. Taken together it is inferred from current findings that venlafaxine possesses the significant anti-arthritic activity and could be a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Effects of Various Phytochemical Fractions of Mundulea sericea on Free Radical Scavenging and Inhibition of Inflammatory Agents

Antioxident and antiinflammatory activities of Mundulea sericea (Willd.) A. Chev. is a medicinally important species belong to the family Fabaceae. This species contains various phytocompounds of entire parts which act as antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anticancer activity, antidiabetic activity, etc. Hence, the present study was aimed to analysis of phytochemical constitutes through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis by six various solvent extracts of hexane (MSBH), petroleum ether (MSBPE), chloroform (MSBC), ethyl acetate (MSBEA), ethanol (MSBE), and methanol (MSBM). The result of phytochemical analysis reported that the MSBE and MSBM extracts are contain more phytochemical constitutes than other extracts. In FTIR and GCMS study, MSBE and MSBM extracts are reported various phytochemical constitutes and out that many bioactive compounds are present of these extracts. Further, MSBE extract was subjected antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In antioxidant activity, four different type assays such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate radical scavenging, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate), hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide (NO) were used. Among this antioxidant study, NO was reported 74.63 inhibition percentage of free radical than other assays. In anti-inflammatory activity, albumin denaturation and human red blood cell membrane stabilization assay were performed by MSBE extract which result reported that the MSBE extract has good anti-inflammatory activity with more than 60% inhibition capacity on both assays. From this study, M. sericea bark extracts contain highly therapeutic phytocompounds which compounds possess good antioxidant and inflammatory activities.

Characterization of Citrusnobilis Peel Methanolic Extract for Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Currently, the potential utilization of fruits and vegetable waste as a source of micronutrients and antioxidants has increased. The present study, therefore, aimed to determine the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of Citrus nobilis peel extract. A modified solvent evaporation technique was employed for peel extract preparation. For effective utilization of the natural product, quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds was carried out using liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy technique. Phenolic and flavonoids were present in high amounts, while β-carotene and lycopene were present in vestigial amounts. The antimicrobial efficiency of peel extract was evaluated against four bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 3160), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC 3384), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 2295), and Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC 1254), and one fungal strain Candida albicans (MTCC 183), and zone of inhibition was comparable to the positive control streptomycin and amphotericin B, respectively. The extract of Citrus nobilis peels showed effective anti-inflammatory activity during human red blood cell membrane stabilization (HRBC) and albumin denaturation assay. The extracts also exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity ranging from 53.46 to 81.13%. Therefore, the obtained results suggest that Citrus nobilis peel could be used as an excellent source of polyphenols and transformed into value-added products.

Pharmacological support to anti-arthritic prospective of physostigmine: a new approach.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a slowly progressing inflammatory autoimmune disease. Several features are involved in the RA pathogenesis in addition to environmental and genetic factors. Previously it has been reported that acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity is enhanced in old age and may contribute in the progression of RA. The current experimental work was projected to assess the activity of physostigmine (a cholinesterase inhibitor) for treatment of RA. In vitro and in vivo approaches were used for such evaluation. However, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) was performed to determine the concentrations of Prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-α in arthritic rats after treatment with physostigmine. Moreover, anti-oxidant assays were employed to calculate the level of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase peroxidase (CAT) in tissue of treated animals. The results claimed the dose dependent protective and stabilizing effect of physostigmine on denaturation of albumin (egg and bovine serum) protein and human red blood cell membrane, respectively, through in vitro studies. Furthermore, the physostigmine (10 and 20mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the swelling of paw after induction of arthritis with formaldehyde or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) as compared to arthritic control animals. Moreover, significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the levels of inflammatory markers (PGE2 and TNF-α) at doses of 10 and 20mg/kg of physostigmine has been observed in ELISA test. Likewise, there was a prominent rise in levels of SOD and CAT in animals treated with physostigmine. These findings pharmacologically conclude the anti-arthritic effect of physostigmine.

In vitro antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the ethanol extract of Uromastyx hardwickii skin

Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the ethanol extract of Uromastyx hardwickii Skin (UHSEE).&#x0D; Methods: The in vitro effects of UHSEE at various concentrations (10 - 250 µg/mL) on the activities of ߙ-amylase, ߙ-glucosidase and glucose uptake by yeast cells were used to evaluate its antidiabetic potential. Nitric oxide (NO), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide inhibitory assay were employed to determine its antioxidant effects, while the anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay.&#x0D; Results: UHSEE inhibited ߙ-amylase and ߙ-glucosidase enzymes but increased glucose uptake by yeast cells in a concentration-dependent manner (p &lt; 0.05). It also inhibited NO, DPPH, hydrogen peroxide and HRBC hemolysis in a concentration-dependent manner (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Uromastyx hardwickii skin exhibits promising good antidiabetic, antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties in vitro. However, its true potentials in this regard needs to be evaluted in vivo.

Essential Oil of Cymbopogon Citratus Grown in Umuahia: A Viable Candidate for Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Therapy

Abstract The essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus (EOCC) has found use in medicine, food and chemical industry. This study attempts to provide evidence of its suitability for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy. Total phenol and total flavonoid of EOCC was 49.83±0.39mg GAE/g of extract and 352.82±3.45 µg QEC/g of extract respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of its essential oil (EOCC) showed 25 peaks with myrcenyl acetate (9.703%), caryophyllene (8.997%), citronella (6.383%) been the most abundant. The in vitro anti-inflammatory assay using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization shows that at 200µg/mL, the percentage inhibition of EOCC was significantly higher compared to diclofenac both for heat-induced and hypotonic induced haemolysis. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays showed a comparable and dose-dependent increase from 50 to 400 μg/mL in relation to vitamin C. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of EOCC (73.16±12.89 μg/mL and 656.01±0.01 μmol Fe (II)/L) was remarkably higher compared to that of vitamin C (69.09±4.52 μg/mL and 246.79±0.01 μmol Fe (II)/L) both for DPPH and FRAP assays respectively. In conclusion, results from this study establish preliminary evidence on the therapeutic potential of EOCC in managing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Phytofabrication of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) with Pharmaceutical Capabilities Using Otostegia persica (Burm.) Boiss. Leaf Extract.

In the last years, the plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles has been extensively researched as an affordable and eco-friendly method. The current study confirms for the first time the capability of the Otostegia persica (Burm.) Boiss. leaf extract for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The phytofabricated AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential analysis. Moreover, the total phenolic and flavonoids contents, and the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of the phytofabricated AgNPs and the O. persica leaf extract were assessed. The results showed that the produced AgNPs were crystalline in nature and spherical in shape with an average size of 36.5 ± 2.0 nm, and indicated a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak at around 420 nm. The zeta potential value of −25.2 mV pointed that the AgNPs were stable. The phytofabricated AgNPs had lower total phenolic and flavonoids contents than those for the O. persica leaf extract. The abovementioned AgNPs showed a higher antioxidant activity as compared with the O. persica leaf extract. They also exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi) bacteria. In addition, appropriate antifungal effects with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 18.75, 37.5, and 75 µg mL−1 against Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, and Candida albicans, respectively, were noted for this new bionanomaterial. Finally, the phytofabricated AgNPs showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in the human red blood cell (RBC) membrane stabilization test, being higher than that for the O. persica leaf extract. The resulting phytofabricated AgNPs could be used as a promising antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agent in the treatments of many medical complications.

Comprehensive Glycomic Approach Reveals Novel Low-Molecular-Weight Blood Group-Specific Glycans in Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid.

ABO blood antigens on the human red blood cell membrane as well as different cells in various human tissues have been thoroughly studied. Anti-A and -B antibodies of IgM are present in serum/plasma, but blood group-specific glyco-antigens have not been extensively described. In this study, we performed comprehensive and quantitative serum glycomic analyses of various glycoconjugates and free oligosaccharides in all blood groups. Our comprehensive glycomic approach revealed that blood group-specific antigens in serum/plasma are predominantly present on glycosphingolipids on lipoproteins rather than glycoproteins. Expression of the ABO antigens on glycosphingolipids depends not only on blood type but also on secretor status. Blood group-specific glycans in serum/plasma were classified as type I, whereas those on RBCs had different structures including hexose and hexosamine residues. Analysis of free oligosaccharides revealed that low-molecular-weight blood group-specific glycans, commonly containing lacto-N-difucotetraose, were expressed in serum/plasma according to blood group. Furthermore, comprehensive glycomic analysis in human cerebrospinal fluid showed that many kinds of free oligosaccharides were highly expressed, and low-molecular-weight blood group-specific glycans, which existed in plasma from the same individuals, were present. Our findings provide the first evidence for low-molecular-weight blood group-specific glycans in both serum/plasma and cerebrospinal fluid.

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Root of Thottea siliquosa (Lam.) Rottb., a Medicinal Undershrub in Western Ghats, India

Inflammation can be considered as an essential immune response that helps the body to survive during the conditions of infection and injury. Drugs for curing inflammation had their origin in the accidental discovery of certain plants and their extracts being used for relief of pain, fever and anti-inflammation. Since the plants are considered as the first source of remedies for ailments in human history, a large number of plants were used as drugs against all kinds of ailments through all ages. Thottea siliquosa, commonly known as ‘Alpam’ belongs to the family Aristolochiaceae is a medicinal undershrub, the crude root extracts of which are widely used in traditional tribal healthcare systems in the slopes of the Western Ghats, India, for treating inflammatory responses. The present study is an attempt to scientifically validate this ethnic practice. Root extracts of T. siliquosa were prepared using solvents like chloroform, ethyl acetate, 70% ethanol, methanol, and distilled water by soxhlet mode of extraction. Anti-inflammatory responses in different solvent extracts were analyzed by albumin denaturation assay, anti-protease assay, Human red blood cell membrane stabilization assay (HRBC method), Cyclooxygenase (COX), and Lipoxygenase (LOX) assays. RAW 264.7 cell lines were used for the COX and LOX study. The results illustrate the antiinflammatory potential of the root extracts. The studies on cell lines clearly indicated that the higher anti-inflammatory potential of chloroform extract over other solvent extracts. In tune with the ethno-botanic information, the aqueous extract offered a dose-dependent anti-inflammation property. Since most of the bio activity of plant extracts are contributed by the phytochemicals present in it, further efforts shall be made for the isolation and purification of bioactive phyto components responsible for the anti-inflammation property of the T. siliquosa root.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Stem Bark Methanol Extract of Picralima nitida

Aims: To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Picralima nitida stem bark methanol extract (PNSBE).&#x0D; Study Design: The study was carried out using in vivo (carrageenan-induced paw oedema and egg albumin-induced paw oedema) and in vitro (Human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay) models in rat.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria from March to July, 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: The extract was used at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg while diclofenac (20 mg/kg) was used as the standard reference drug for the in vivo study (carrageenan-induced paw oedema and egg albumin). For the in vitro study (red blood cell haemolysis), the extract was used at the concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 µg/ml while diclofenac 250 µg/ml was used.&#x0D; Results: In the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model, the extract at the doses used and the reference drug significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reduced the paw edema in the rats at 1 hour in a dose dependent manner. Also, in the egg albumin model, the paw oedema of treated rats was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced by PNSBE dose dependently reducing the mean rat paw oedema from 0.99 ± 0.12 to 0.61 ± 0.06 at the first hour. There was also a concentration dependent inhibition of red blood cell haemolysis by the extract in the HRBC membrane stabilization assay.&#x0D; Conclusion: Picralma nitida demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory activity in this study.

In vitro inhibitory potential of avocado fruits, Persea americana (Lauraceae) against oxidation, inflammation and key enzymes linked to skin diseases

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a member of Lauraceae with one-seeded berry fruit and cultivated in all tropical, subtropical regions in the world and in the Southern coast region of Turkey. Oxidative damage caused by UV can trigger inflammation, resulting in serious inflammatory skin diseases including eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, hyperpigmentation and ageing. Enzyme inhibitors involved in melanogenesis, such as tyrosinase, have been used recently for hyperpigmentation and skin diseases in cosmetic products. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tyrosinase activities and total polyphenolic contents of the different parts of P. americana fruit. Methods: The fruit was divided into exocarp, mesocarp, seed, and then methanol and n-hexane extracts were prepared. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging capacities and inhibitory potentials on lipid peroxidation were determined to investigate the antioxidant potentials of the extracts. Anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were evaluated by measuring the stabilization level of the human red blood cell membrane. The tyrosinase inhibitory activities of the samples were determined using mushroom tyrosinase. Results: In general methanol extracts possessed remarkable higher DPPH free radical scavenging activities than n-hexane extracts. The highest activity was determined in methanol extracts of seed (4.17 ± 0.04 mg/mL) followed by exocarp (5.25 ± 0.05 mg/mL). Overall methanol extracts possessed higher ABTS free radical scavenging activities than n-hexane extracts. The greatest ABTS free radical scavenging activity was obtained in methanol extracts of seed (0.03 ± 0.01 mg/mL). In the anti-lipid peroxidation assay, the greatest activity was noticed in methanol extracts of seed (7.71 ± 0.36 µg/mL) followed by exocarp (12.12 ± 0.34 µg/mL), while all n-hexane extracts were inactive. Overall methanol extracts exhibited higher anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties than n-hexane extracts. However, the maximum anti-tyrosinase activity was determined in n-hexane extracts of exocarp (0.40 ± 0.01 mg/mL) followed by seed (0.46 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Conclusions: These extracts are promising candidates for use as natural products-based antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in inflammation-related disease, and also anti-tyrosinase properties in dermatological applications.