Total Soluble Protein Levels Research Articles

Effects of Salicylic Acid and Calcium Chloride on Heat Tolerance in Rhododendron ‘Fen Zhen Zhu’

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron) are ornamental plants that exhibit poor thermotolerance. Salicylic acid (SA) and Ca2+ regulate the physiological and biochemical mechanisms in plants adapted to adverse environmental conditions. This study investigated the role of SA and CaCl2 in managing heat tolerance of Rhododendron ‘Fen Zhen Zhu’. Plants of the triennial Rhododendron ‘Fen Zhen Zhu’ were pretreated with SA and CaCl2, alone and combined. Following this pretreatment, the plants were subjected to 38/30 °C (day/night) incubation for 6 days, and then allowed to recover for 20 days under 25/17 °C (day/night) in a chamber. Changes in morphology were observed and recorded. Data were collected on plant chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, H2O2 level, antioxidant enzyme activity, and total soluble protein content. The results revealed that the plant growth was considerably affected by heat stress, the leaves became brown and withered, and the plant defoliated. Under heat stress, chlorophyll content and total soluble protein levels decreased. Peroxidase (POD) activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) also decreased, whereas the H2O2 and MDA content increased. Individual or combined application of SA and CaCl2 had a positive effect on plant growth, chlorophyll content, total soluble protein levels, and enzymatic antioxidant activity under heat stress. In general, the effect of the combined application of SA and CaCl2 was superior to individual application. In addition, treatment with high CaCl2 concentrations effectively alleviated the decrease in chlorophyll content. However, at low SA and CaCl2 concentrations, SOD and POD activity and total soluble protein accumulation increased whereas MDA and H2O2 levels decreased. These results suggest that SA and CaCl2 may interact to alleviate heat stress.

Alterations of physiology and gene expression due to long-term magnesium-deficiency differ between leaves and roots of Citrus reticulata

Seedlings of Ponkan (Citrus reticulata) were irrigated with nutrient solution containing 0 (Mg-deficiency) or 1mM MgSO4 (control) every two day for 16 weeks. Thereafter, we examined magnesium (Mg)-deficiency-induced changes in leaf and root gas exchange, total soluble proteins and gene expression. Mg-deficiency lowered leaf CO2 assimilation, and increased leaf dark respiration. However, Mg-deficient roots had lower respiration. Total soluble protein level was not significantly altered by Mg-deficiency in roots, but was lower in Mg-deficient leaves than in controls. Using cDNA-AFLP, we obtained 70 and 71 differentially expressed genes from leaves and roots. These genes mainly functioned in signal transduction, stress response, carbohydrate and energy metabolism, cell transport, cell wall and cytoskeleton metabolism, nucleic acid, and protein metabolisms. Lipid metabolism (Ca2+ signals)-related Mg-deficiency-responsive genes were isolated only from roots (leaves). Although little difference existed in the number of Mg-deficiency-responsive genes between them both, most of these genes only presented in Mg-deficient leaves or roots, and only four genes were shared by them both. Our data clearly demonstrated that Mg-deficiency-induced alterations of physiology and gene expression greatly differed between leaves and roots. In addition, we focused our discussion on the causes for photosynthetic decline in Mg-deficient leaves and the responses of roots to Mg-deficiency.

Pretreatment with polyamines alleviate the deleterious effects of diuron in maize leaves.

The effects of diuron, a photosystem II inhibiting herbicide, on lipid peroxidation, photosynthetic pigments, soluble protein, proline contents and some antioxidant enzymes in maize leaves were studied and protective effects of polyamines against diuron toxicity were investigated. Diuron significantly increased lipid peroxidation, suggesting oxidative damage in the plants and proline content, while it decreased total chlorophyll, carotenoid and soluble protein levels in the leaves during the experiments. Pretreatment with polyamines statistically decreased lipid peroxidation induced by diuron and spermine (SPM) proved to be the most effective polyamine. Also, pretreatment with polyamines significantly prevented the losses of total chlorophyll, carotenoid and soluble protein induced by diuron. On the other hand, pretreatment with polyamines significantly increased proline contents of the leaves in comparison with the leaves treated with diuron. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities increased in the leaves treated with diuron while catalase (CAT ) activity decreased. Pretreatment with spermidine (SPD) did not change significantly SOD activity at 24 and 72 hrs of diuron treatment but prevented the increase in SOD activity induced by diuron at 48 h. However, pretreatment with SPD increased GPX activity at 24 h and GR activity at 48 and 72 hrs. CAT activity in the leaves pretreated with SPD was similar to that of the leaves treated with diuron. Pretreatment with SPM prevented the increase in SOD activity induced by diuron at 48 h but significantly increased it at 72 h of diuron treatment. However, pretreatment with SPM did not significantly change GPX and GR activities during the experiments but reversed the decrease in CAT activity induced by diuron at 72 h. Pretreatment with putrescine (PUT) prevented the increase in SOD activity induced by diuron at 48 and 72 hrs while it increased GPX and GR activities at 48 h of diuron treatment. Also, the decrease in CAT activity induced by diuron at 72 h was completely prevented by PUT. It can be concluded that pretreatment of maize leaves with polyamines reduced the damage produced by diuron and the protective effects of polyamines against diuron toxicity were closely associated with antioxidant system.

Comparison of total soluble protein in various horticultural crops and evaluation of its quantification methods

Various horticultural crops have been considered as potential heterologous expression systems for plant-made recombinant pharmaceutical proteins. However, there is little information concerning the total soluble protein (TSP) levels of major horticultural crops. Ten major horticultural crops-Chinese cabbage, broccoli, garlic, onion, cabbage, bunching onion, cucumber, zucchini, radish, and carrot, along with tobacco and Arabidopsis, were selected to investigate the TSP levels in their individual tissues. In tobacco, SDS-PAGE assay showed that leaf tissues had stronger protein bands than stem tissues, and freshly harvested samples had slightly stronger band density than the −70°C frozen samples, suggesting that fresh leaf should be used to measure the total soluble proteins without any protein loss or degradation. Bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein assay revealed that among various horticultural crops, garlic (41.4 mg·g−1 FW), broccoli (21.9 mg·g−1 FW), and Chinese cabbage (11.9 mg·g−1 FW) had the highest TSP levels suggesting that these horticultural crops could be good candidates for plant molecular biofarming to produce highly valuable recombinant proteins. The inner clove tissue in garlic, the flower tissue in broccoli, and the green leaf tissue in Chinese cabbage showed the strongest protein band density as compared to other tissues. The TSP of Arabidopsis tissues was quantified by SDS-PAGE, BCA, and Nano-drop methods. In general, the middle leaf tissue showed the highest TSP levels. To evaluate TSP levels of various horticultural crops, these three different methods were compared. The correlation and regression analyses between SDS-PAGE and BCA, and SDS-PAGE and Nano-drop suggested that there were significant correlations between SDS-PAGE and BCA protein assays as compared to SDS-PAGE and Nano-drop assays, indicating that BCA assay is reliable to quantify TSP levels. In conclusion, the TSP levels varied depending on the horticultural crops and their tissue types, and BCA assay could be applied to quantify the TSP.

English

The effects of auxin and the endogenous levels of reserve compounds of Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Blume (Orchidaceae) were analyzed in vitro. Rootless plants were inoculated in modified MS media supplemented with IBA or NAA (0.0, 0.2, 1.0 and 5.0 mg L-1) and with 2,4-D (0.000, 0.032, 0.160 and 0.800 mg L-1). The biochemical parameters of endogenous levels of soluble carbohydrates and starch and of total soluble protein in roots, leaves and shoots were analyzed after 30 and 120 days. Carbohydrate levels in leaves showed similar patterns for all treatments. At 30 days, there was an increase in the endogenous carbohydrate level along with an increase in the concentration of auxins. At 120 days, the endogenous carbohydrate level in leaves had decreased, while the auxin concentration had continued to increase, demonstrating the mobilization of the carbohydrates. The leaf carbohydrate levels decreased from day 30 to 120; for both IBA and 2,4-D treatments, there was starch accumulation in roots as a function of the collection date. The 2,4-D concentration of 0.0032 mg L-1 decreased the level of total soluble protein in roots. The in vitro plants exhibit different growth patterns depending on the classes and concentrations of growth regulators. Biochemical analyses exhibited that metabolic activity and the degradation and accumulation of substances occurs in leaves, roots and shoots, demonstrating that roots contribute to the maintenance of plant metabolism and also act as reserve organs, even in epiphytic plants.   Key words: Storage compounds, soluble carbohydrates, starch, soluble proteins.

The regulatory effect of melatonin on physiological, biochemical and molecular parameters in cold-stressed wheat seedlings

We investigated the possible mediatory role of melatonin in protecting wheat plants from cold stress. Ten-day-old wheat seedlings were pretreated with 1 mmol l−1 melatonin for 12 h and subsequently exposed to stress conditions at 5/2 °C (day/night) for 3 days. Cold stress caused serious reductions in leaf surface area, water content, and photosynthetic pigment content, whereas melatonin application attenuated these reductions. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, was very high in cold-stressed plants and caused lipid peroxidation in membranes. Concomitantly, ROS damaged the DNA profile and negatively influenced expression and/or activity of many enzymes, including RuBisCo. When compared to controls, cold-stressed plants had higher activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, guaicol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase and higher levels of the antioxidant compounds total ascorbate, reduced ascorbate, total glutathione, reduced glutathione, and phenolic substances; however, this elevation could not cope with the destructive effects of cold stress. Melatonin-pretreated plants exhibited greater increases in these parameters comparison with untreated cold-stressed plants. Isozyme bands monitored in native gel and RuBisCo expression supported these changes. Also, due to the cold-induced increase in dehydroascorbate and oxidized glutathione, the corrupted redox status in the cell was ameliorated by melatonin application. Similarly, levels of the osmoprotectants total soluble protein, carbohydrate, and proline were also increased by cold stress; however, melatonin-applied seedlings had a higher content of these solutes in comparison to untreated cold-stressed plants. We suggest that melatonin can improve plant resistance to cold stress in wheat seedlings by directly scavenging ROS and by modulating redox balance and other defence mechanisms.

Evaluating nuclear transgene expression systems in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Chlamydomonas offers several potential advantages as a single-celled autotrophic recombinant protein production system including: facile transformation systems for all three genomes, low production costs, and the ability to secrete proteins. However, transgene expression levels from the nuclear genome of Chlamydomonas are often inadequate for industrial applications. With the objective of optimizing nuclear transgene expression, we surveyed transgene (luciferase) expression driven by seven different nuclear gene promoters and three different transcription terminators. The results demonstrate that in addition to the choice of nuclear gene promoters used, transcriptional terminators can have strong influence on transgene expression. We show that the psaD terminator improved transgene expression when paired with a variety of different gene promoters. Among those tested, the psaD–psaD promoter–terminator expression cassette gave the highest expression levels. This expression cassette was then used to express a human protein of pharmaceutical value, human butyrylcholinesterase (huBuChE). Chlamydomonas cells were able to accumulate the luciferase–huBuChE fusion protein to 0.4% of total soluble protein levels, which is comparable to the expression levels of the same protein obtained in plants. In addition, this study found that the form (linear or supercoiled) of the transforming DNA used for Chlamydomonas transformation had significant impact on the transformation efficiency and the level of transgene expression and stability. These results demonstrate that transgene expression in Chlamydomonas can potentially be scaled for commercial production of recombinant proteins.

Determination of genotoxic effects of boron and zinc on Zea mays using protein and random amplification of polymorphic DNA analyses.

In this research, we aimed to determine genotoxic effects of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on Zea mays by using total soluble protein content and random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses. For the RAPD analysis, 16 RAPD primers were found to produce unique polymorphic band profiles on treated maize seedlings. With increased Zn and B concentrations, increased polymorphism rate was observed, while genomic template stability and total soluble protein content decreased. The treatment with Zn was more effective than that of B groups on the levels of total proteins. The obtained results from this study revealed that the total soluble protein levels and RAPD profiles were performed as endpoints of genotoxicity and these analyses can offer useful biomarker assays for the evaluation of genotoxic effects on Zn and B polluted plants.

Assessment of genotoxic effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on maize by using RAPD analysis

The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is principally used in agriculture and may pose toxic risks to some crops. Thus, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the genotoxic properties of 2,4-D by using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay in the root of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings. For this purpose maize seedlings were treated with aqueous solutions of 2,4-D at concentrations ranging from 0.5ppm to 2ppm for 7 days. After the growth, root length, total soluble protein levels and RAPD profiles of the seedlings were analyzed to determine genotoxicity. The results showed that increasing concentrations of 2,4-D caused a decrease in the root length and an increase in the total soluble protein levels of the seedlings. The changes occurred in the RAPD profiles of the root tips following 2,4-D treatment included loss of normal bands and appearance of new bands in comparison to that of the control seedlings. Genomic template stability (GTS), carried out for the qualitative assessment of alterations in RAPD profiles, was also significantly affected by increasing concentrations of 2,4-D.

Molecular determination of genotoxic effects of cobalt and nickel on maize (Zea mays L.) by RAPD and protein analyses

Assessment of DNA damages stemming from toxic chemicals is an important issue in terms of genotoxicology. In this study, maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings were used for screening the genotoxic effects of cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) treatments at various concentrations (5 mM, 10 mM, 20 mM and 40 mM). For this purpose, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was applied to genomic DNA extracted from metal-exposed and unexposed plant materials. Besides, changes in total protein contents were screened by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis. For RAPD analysis, 16 RAPD primers were found to produce unique polymorphic band profiles on different concentrations of Co-/Ni-treated maize seedlings. Increased polymorphism resulting from the appearance of new bands or disappearance of normal bands was observed with increasing concentration of Co and Ni treatments. Genomic template stability, a qualitative measurement of changes in RAPD patterns of genomic DNA, decreased with increasing metal concentration. In SDS-PAGE analysis, it was observed that the total soluble protein content decreased by Co treatment, while it increased by Ni treatment. The results obtained from this study revealed that RAPD profiles and total soluble protein levels can be applied to detect genotoxicity, and these analyses can offer useful biomarker assays for the evaluation of genotoxic effects on Co- and Ni-polluted plants.

Characterization of stress induced by copper and zinc on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings by means of molecular and population parameters

Contamination of plants with heavy metals could result in damage in DNA, such as mutations and cross-links with proteins. These altered DNA profiles may become visible in changes such as the appearance of a new band, or loss of an existing band, in the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay. In this study, various concentrations of copper and zinc salts were applied to cucumber seedlings during germination. Results displayed abnormalities in germination and also changes in root elongation, dry weight and total soluble protein level. All treatment concentrations (40, 80, 160, 240, 320, and 640mg/L) used in the study caused a decrease/delay in germination of the cucumbers to different extents. Inhibition or activation of root elongation was considered to be the first effect of metal toxicity in the tested plants. Application of the metal salts and the combined solutions on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings revealed similar consequences for total soluble protein level, dry weight and ultimately in inhibitory rates as well. The data obtained from RAPD band-profiles and genomic template stability (GTS) showed results that were consistent with the population parameters. In this regard, we conclude that molecular marker assays can be applied in combination with population parameters to measure genotoxic effects of heavy metals on plants.

Application of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to detect genotoxic effect of trifluralin on maize (Zea mays)

Trifluralin is a widely used dinitroaniline herbicide throughout the world. However, limited efforts have been made to study its genotoxic effects on different plants. The present study aimed to evaluate the herbicide’s genotoxic potential on maize (Zea mays) by using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. For this purpose, maize seedlings were treated with aqueous solutions of trifluralin at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3 ppm for 7 days. In the RAPD analyses, 15 primers were used and 91 bands were obtained, with an average of 6.06 bands per primer in the control seedlings. After trifluralin treatment, significant changes were observed in RAPD profiles. These changes included loss of normal bands and appearance of new bands, in comparison to the control group, and they were dose dependent. In addition, root growth and total soluble protein level in trifluralin-treated seedlings were analyzed and compared for genomic template stability (GTS), which was performed for the qualitative measurement of changes in randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles. The results showed that GTS, root growth, and total soluble protein content of the seedlings gradually decreased with an increase in trifluralin concentration. These findings suggest that the RAPD technique is a useful biomarker assay to evaluate the genotoxic effects of herbicides on plants.

Salt stress induction of some key antioxidant enzymes and metabolites in eight Iranian wild almond species

The present work describes the changes in the activities of key antioxidant enzymes and the levels of some metabolites in relation to salt tolerance in eight wild almond species. All the species were exposed to four levels of NaCl (control, 40, 80 and 120 mM). Plant fresh biomass, α-, γ- and δ-tocopherol, total soluble proteins, malondialdehyde (MDAeq), H2O2, total phenolics, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed in leaves of salt-stressed and non-stressed plants of the eight almond species. In all the species, salt stress significantly enhanced the activities of SOD and POD, levels of total phenolics and γ- and δ-tocopherols. High levels of salt stress significantly depressed the levels of total soluble proteins, MDA and CAT activity, while salt stress did not significantly affect leaf H2O2 contents. Regression analysis showed that the relationship between salt levels and total soluble proteins, CAT, γ-tocopherol, MDAeq, SOD and POD were statistically significant. Principal component analysis discriminated the almond species based on their degree of tolerance/sensitivity to saline conditions: Prunus reuteri and P. glauca were ranked as salt tolerant, P. lycioides and P. scoparia as moderately tolerant, and P. communis, P. eleagnifolia, P. arabica and P. orientalis as salt sensitive. The results could be used for selecting salt tolerant genotypes to be used as rootstocks for almond cultivation.

Physiology and biochemistry of leaf bleaching in prematurely aging maple (Acer saccharinum L.) trees: I. Hydrogen peroxide level, antioxidative responses and photosynthetic pigments

Physiology and biochemistry of leaf bleaching in prematurely aging maple (Acer saccharinumL.) trees: I. Hydrogen peroxide level, antioxidative responses and photosynthetic pigmentsEssential signaling processes such as changes in calcium mobilization, protein phosphorylation and gene expression are known to be modulated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). A lot of silver maple trees in the city of Osijek (Croatia) were noticed to have bleached leaves by early summer as well as during the whole vegetation season. In this study we aimed to investigate the processes that regulate H2O2levels in healthy (green) and prematurely aged (bleached) leaves. For that purpose, photosynthetic performance and antioxidative response of green and bleached silver maple leaves were studied. Bleached leaves had higher hydrogen peroxide level, a three-fold level of total soluble proteins as well as a lower level of ascorbic acid. Concentrations of chlorophylla, chlorophyllb, total chlorophylls and total carotenoids as well as maximum quantum yield of photosystem II were lower in bleached leaves. This indicated their impaired photosynthetic performance. Further more, bleached leaves were characterized by lower specific activities of the main antioxidative enzymes, which influenced their reactive oxygen species scavenging capability. The higher level of H2O2content in bleached leaves as the consequence of reduced antioxidative enzyme specific activities as well as ascorbic acid level could be the reason for the down-regulation of photosynthetic performance and premature aging of those leaves.

Amount and activity changes of 20S proteasome modified by oxidation in salt-treated wheat root tips

To study the response of 20S proteasome in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) roots to salt stress, the root tips from wheat seedlings treated with 200 mM NaCl for different times were used for studying its carbonyl level, caseinolytic activity, protein abundance and other biochemical characteristics. The contents of carbonylated and ubiquitinated proteins (Ub-P) were also investigated. During this stressed process, both the productive rate of O2− and the content of H2O2 gradually increased, with the concomitant increase in carbonyl level of total soluble proteins and 20S proteasome, together with the gradual increase in the activities of the total and 20S proteasome in salt-treated root tips. However, the amounts of 20S proteasome decreased particularly during this process. Moreover, metal-catalyzed oxidation of proteins from control plants in vitro validated that the oxidative modification also could increase the activity of 20S proteasome, but decrease its abundance. In addition, the amounts of Ub-P with molecular weights above 35 kDa remained similar to the control plants, but that below 35 kDa decreased significantly in treated root tips. The changes in the proteasome activity and amount argue in favor of the active involvement of this proteolytic system in salt-stressed plants.

S161 Reducing exposure to allergens in bakeries

Introduction and ObjectivesBakers have one of the highest incidence rates of occupational asthma. This is related to the levels of dust generated in bakeries from both flour itself and ‘improvers’,...

Recombinant protein production in a variety of Nicotiana hosts: a comparative analysis

Although many different crop species have been used to produce a wide range of vaccines, antibodies, biopharmaceuticals and industrial enzymes, tobacco has the most established history for the production of recombinant proteins. To further improve the heterologous protein yield of tobacco platforms, transient and stable expression of four recombinant proteins (i.e. human erythropoietin and interleukin-10, an antibody against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a hyperthermostable α-amylase) was evaluated in numerous species and cultivars of Nicotiana. Whereas the transient level of recombinant protein accumulation varied significantly amongst the different Nicotiana plant hosts, the variety of Nicotiana had little practical impact on the recombinant protein concentration in stable transgenic plants. In addition, this study examined the growth rate, amount of leaf biomass, total soluble protein levels and the alkaloid content of the various Nicotiana varieties to establish the best plant platform for commercial production of recombinant proteins. Of the 52 Nicotiana varieties evaluated, Nicotiana tabacum (cv. I 64) produced the highest transient concentrations of recombinant proteins, in addition to producing a large amount of biomass and a relatively low quantity of alkaloids, probably making it the most effective plant host for recombinant protein production.

Chilling Resistance of Phaseolus vulgaris and Brassica oleracea under a High-Intensity Electric Field

An electric field may have different effects on plant metabolism depending upon its application style and density, and environmental conditions. The effects of an electric field, low temperature, and their combinations on tissue vitality and some physiological variables regarding antioxidant responses of "bean" (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Gina) and "cole" (Brassica oleracea L. cv. Acephale) leaves were studied. Fifteen-day-old seedlings were exposed to an electric field (100 kV m(-1)) for 10 or 40 min prior to cold treatment. In both plant leaves, cold application caused statistically significant increments in total soluble protein levels and selected antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. However, tissue vitality and H2O2 levels did not change in "cole", while tissue vitality decreased and H2O2 levels increased in "bean". Electric field application itself did not cause any significant changes in "bean" and "cole" leaves. On the other hand, 40 min electric field application increased the deteriorative effect of cold in both plant species, while 10 min electric field augmented the chilling resistance by increasing the tissue vitality and antioxidant enzyme activities resulting in decreased H2O2 levels.

Tissue-Specific Expression Profiling of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products and Its Soluble Forms in Esophageal and Lung Cancer

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) interacts with several ligands and is involved in various human diseases. Several splicing forms of the RAGE gene have been characterized, and two general mechanisms are usually responsible for the generation of soluble receptors. However, variants distribution and respective roles in different tumors are not clear. We analyzed RAGE and hRAGEsec mRNA expression in esophageal and lung cancer by RT-polymerase chain reaction. The Agilent clipper 1000 Bioanalyzer using lab-on-a-chip technology was applied to size and quantify the polymerase chain reaction products. Western blotting was performed to measure total soluble RAGE protein levels. The results showed that RAGE and its splice variants increased in esophageal cancers and decreased in lung cancers. We conclude that RAGE presents as a major isoform; soluble RAGE may also play certain roles in esophageal cancer and lung cancer.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Embelica officinalis on Selenite Induced Cataract in Rats.

Cataract is clouding of the eye lens that reduces the amount of incoming light and results in deteriorating vision. Blindness is thought to reach 75 million by 2020. Of these, unoperated cataract may be expected to account for at least 35 million. Thus, the burden of cataract is increasing remorselessly. Embelica officinalis is reported to have a very good antioxidant property and thus we hypothesized that it could be a good candidate in treatment of cataract. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Embelica officinalis on selenite induced cataract in rats. For the purpose of this study, cataract was induced in young suckling (on the 10(th) day of life) albino wistar rats using sodium selenite (a single dose of sodium selenite; 20μM/kg; subcutaneously). After induction of cataract, the test drug (Embelica Officinalis) and the reference standard (ascorbic acid) were administered orally for 18 days. The progression or disappearance of cataract was observed with the help of an ophthalmoscope (OM-18, Takagi resolution 1.6). At the end of this study the alterations in the levels of total protein, soluble protein, reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde were estimated in the lens homogenate. Results showed that treatment with Embelica officinalis, as well as ascorbic acid, produced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in malondialdehyde and a simultaneous increase in lens glutathione levels (p < 0.05). The malondialdehyde content was decreased by 48% in animals treated with Embelica officinalis. Similarly, lens glutathione was increased by 82.5% in animals treated with Embelica officinalis. There was also a significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein content (total protein = 59.36% and soluble protein = 105.78%) in animals treated with Embelica officinalis, indicating improvement in cataractogenic condition in the selenite induced cataract model. At the end of the treatment, disappearance of cataract was observed in test and standard treated animals. In conclusion, it could be said that aqueous extract of Embelica officinalis delayed the progression of cataract in sodium selenite induced cataractogenic rats.