Lowering Properties Research Articles

English

Experimental studies that aimed to determine the effects of crude aqueous resin extracts of the Commiphora swynnertonii on plasma cholesterol levels and weight changes were carried out in rats (Rattus rattus). A total of 24 experimental rats divided into four groups with equal sample size (n=6) were used. Group one (G1) served as negative control that received 0.5ml of distilled water (0 mg/kg) orally. Groups 2 (G2), 3 (G3) and 4 (G4) received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight orally on daily basis for 21 days respectively. Results revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the body weight and on cholestrol levels between the treated and the control groups in a dose dependent manner (R2 = 0.89). Commiphora swynnertonii resin lowered cholesterol level by 54, 76 and 79% and weight changes by 18, 31 and 23% for the exposed rats at concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg BW respectively. The rats were able to tolerate resin at concentrations lower than 100 mg/kg BW. At higher (>100 mg/kg) doses, few rats showed signs of illness including diarrhoea and finally death. Based on these results, C. swynnertonii has a potential to serve as an anti-cholesterol agent with body weight lowering properties.   Key words: Oltemwai, Cardiovascular diseases, rats, Tanzania, blood chemistry.

Screening of Indigenous Lactic Acid Bacteria for Cholesterol Lowering and Additional Probiotic Attributes

The study was aimed to evaluate the cholesterol lowering property and probiotic attributes of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from indigenous fermented milk products of Yak from the eastern region of Sikkim Himalayas. A total of 7 indigenous LAB were screened for putative probiotic features namely hypocholesterolaemic effect, bile salt hydrolase activity, acid tolerance and cell surface hydrophobocity. The possible mechanisms of cholesterol lowering like bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzyme activity, bile acid deconjugation, cholesterol co-precipitation and cholesterol incorporation were studied. Isolates were subjected to direct plate assay in MRS agar plates supplemented with 0.5% (w/v) taurodeoxycholic acid sodium salt for the presence of bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzyme. Screening revealed Lactobacillus paraplantarum YD11S and Lactobacillus plantarum YD5S showing bile acid deconjugation while co-precipitation was observed in YY1 Enterococcus lactis and Lactobacillus pentosus YD8S as the cholesterol lowering mechanism. Lactobacillus plantarum YD9S showed good bile acid deconjugation and co-precipation. Enterococcus faecium YHC12 was BSH-ve and showed cellular incorporation to be its mechanism of cholesterol lowering.

Nutritional Evaluation of Oleogel Made from Micronutrient Rich Edible Oils.

The present study examined the nutritional properties of trans-free edible oleogels made from oil blends of rice bran and flaxseed in animal model. Oleogels were prepared by using mixture of palm stearin (PS) with cetyl laurate (CL) and palm stearin (PS) with cetyl caprylate (CC) as oleogelators. The oleogel samples were prepared with 15 weight % oleogelators (2:1 molar ratio of PS:CC or PS:CL) at 60°C with 1 hr constant stirring in blended oil. The prepared oleogel samples were subjected to DSC and XRD studies in order to evaluate their melting and crystal characteristics. Oleogel formed by using PS and CC showed the desired thermal characteristics. The peak melting temperature of the said sample was almost 44.5°C as determined by the DSC technique. The X-ray diffraction study clearly signified that the crystals were well developed. For nutritional evaluation, Male Wister rats were fed with prepared oleogel samples along with control diet for 4 weeks. Animals were divided into four groups. The control group was fed with normal stock diet containing blend of rice bran oil and flaxseed oil (4:1); one was fed with TFA rich vanaspati (TFA content is about 11.20%); experimental groups were fed with oleogel prepared by using PS:CC and oleogel prepared by using PS:CL respectively. Analysis of the blood lipid profile of the four groups was done. In vivo study established the cholesterol lowering properties of prepared oleogel samples which further enhanced the novelty of oleogel as healthy alternative of trans fat. The positive changes were more pronounced in case of rats fed with oleogel prepared with PS:CC as oleogelators. This study provides an elegant approach of producing trans-free edible quality oleogel with recognized cholesterol lowering property.

Enzymatic synthesis of steryl hydroxycinnamates and their antioxidant activity

Steryl hydroxycinnamates are of increasing interest as they are antioxidant esters of phytosterols with potential cholesterol lowering properties. Apart from ferulates, also other plant steryl hydroxycinnamates have been identified in natural products. In this study hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were ethylated enzymatically using Rhizomucor miehei lipase (yields from 16 to 97%), and transesterified by lipase from Candida rugosa to yield steryl hydroxycinnamates (yields from <LOQ to 55%). The influence of the structural differences between the hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives on the esterification yields was very different for the two lipases applied. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of steryl and stearyl hydroxycinnamates was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging activity and in two methyl linoleate systems. In bulk methyl linoleate, free sinapic acid showed the highest antioxidant activity over other sinapates, whereas in emulsified methyl linoleate, stearyl sinapate was highest. In conclusion, the enzymatic synthesis and antioxidant activity of steryl hydroxycinnamates is highly dependent on the acid structure.Practical applications: The enzymatic esterification of hydroxycinnamic acids is an environmentally friendly procedure to generate nonpolar hydroxycinnamates. These compounds have a broadened field of application due to their adapted polarity, and therefore potentially have an improved antioxidant activity in a wider range of food applications including multiphase systems. In the case of steryl hydroxycinnamates, the nonpolar part of the molecule brings additional health benefits, such as the cholesterol lowering properties, which makes them even more interesting as possible food additives with multiple technological and nutritional advantages.Hydroxycinnamic acids were ethylated enzymatically using R. miehei lipase, and transesterified by lipase from C. rugosa to yield steryl hydroxycinnamates. The influence of the structural differences between the hydroxycinnamic acids on the esterification yields was very different for the two lipases applied. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of steryl and octadecyl hydroxycinnamates was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging activity and in bulk and emulsified methyl linoleate system.

Nutritional Supplements for the Treatment of Hypertension: A Practical Guide for Clinicians.

Nutraceuticals are dietary components with pharmacologic properties that can be used to treat various disease states. There is growing interest among patients in the use of nutraceuticals for the management of hypertension; as such, it is important that clinicians are prepared to engage in meaningful discussions with their patients about these substances. Flavonoids, beetroot, garlic, and unsaturated fats have garnered significant attention for their blood pressure lowering properties. We review the clinical evidence and reported mechanisms of action for these substances in an attempt to offer a practical guide for clinicians to engage with patients who are highly motivated to seek out nutraceutical therapies to manage their hypertension.

군용 도포직물의 내후성시험 대체에 대한 연구

Purpose We would like to find the alternative method for the weathering test on rubber coated fabrics and adhesive-coated fabrics for the military products, KS M 0706 (Sunshine carbon arc) to KS M ISO 4892-2 (Xenon arc). Methods We measured the tensile strength of adhesive-coated fabrics and adhesive products treated with sunshine carbon arc and xenon arc during 100, 150 and 200 hours, respectively. All of the results were treated with statistical test, ANOVA method. We also validate the surface modifications caused by treatment method and time by using FT-IR ATR and, SEM. Results In case of the thick adhesive-coated fabrics (app. 1 mm), there was no distinctive difference on tensile strength by treatment method and time. In case of the thin mask hood (app. 0.22 mm) and TENT (app. 0.5 mm), there was distinctive difference on tensile strength. Especially, carbon arc showed a huge lowering properties. We could validate the curing from light and moisture, and the functional group change from cross-linking and oxidation using FT-IR ATR. In case of IBS, there was a surface cracks on SEM images. In case of mask hood, there was no distinctive differences, except for a particle falling from decreased affinity between rubber and particles caused by carbon arc. Conclusion We concluded that there was no problems for changing xenon arc weathering test with same treatment time on IBS, KM7, K21 and adhesive products. In case of TENT and mask hood, there was a difference in tensile strength in accordance with the change of the treated time and method. Key words: Weathering Test, Coated Fiber, Carbon Arc, Xenon Arc

High-Fructose Intake Impairs the Hepatic Hypolipidemic Effects of a High-Fat Fish-Oil Diet in C57BL/6 Mice

Overnutrition of saturated fats and fructose is one of the major factors for the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Because omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3fa) have established lipid lowering properties, we tested the hypothesis that n-3fa prevents high-fat and fructose-induced fatty liver disease in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to one of the following diet groups for 14 weeks: normal diet (ND), high-fat lard-based diet (HFD), HFD with fructose (HFD+Fru), high-fat fish-oil diet (FOD), or FOD+Fru. Despite for the development of obesity and insulin resistance, FOD had 65.3% lower (P<0.001) hepatic triglyceride levels than HFD+Fru, which was blunted to a 38.5% difference (P=0.173) in FOD+Fru. The lower hepatic triglyceride levels were associated with a lower expression of lipogenic genes LXRα and FASN, as well as the expression of genes associated with fatty acid uptake and triglyceride synthesis, CD36 and SCD1, respectively. Conversely, the blunted hypotriglyceride effect of FOD+Fru was associated with a higher expression of CD36 and SCD1. During overnutrition, a diet rich in n-3fa may prevent the severity of hepatic steatosis; however, when juxtaposed with a diet high in fructose, the deleterious effects of overnutrition blunted the hypolipidemic effects of n-3fa.

Gene polymorphisms of desaturase enzymes of polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and adiponutrin and the increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered to be the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Adiponutrin gene polymorphisms have been associated with NAFLD worldwide. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been studied to have anti-inflammatory effects and plasma lipid lowering properties. PUFAs are endogenously synthesized with the help of delta-6-desaturase and delta-5-desaturase enzymes. They are encoded by FADS2 and FADS1 genes respectively. Polymorphisms in FADS genes have been implicated in diseases associated with the MetS like acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery disease. This is the first study aimed at investigating the association of FADS gene polymorphisms with NAFLD. Additionally, we confirm the association of adiponutrin gene polymorphism with NAFLD in Asian Indians. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of FADS2 rs3834458 and rs66698963, FADS1 rs174547 and adiponutrin gene rs738409 were analyzed. Two hundred and thirty patients were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Logistic regression was carried out to determine the association of genotypes with disease status after adjusting for confounding variables. It was observed that T/del, del/del genotypes of rs383445; I/D, D/D genotypes of rs66698963 and C/C, C/G genotypes of rs738409 were significantly associated with NAFLD. After adjusting for confounders, rs3834458 T/del and G/G minor allele carriers of rs738409 were found to increase the risk of NAFLD significantly. In conclusion, this study showed a novel association of FADS2 gene polymorphisms with NAFLD. It also verified the previously established association of rs738409 polymorphism with NAFLD.

Angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitory activity of mushroom Lentinus polychrous Lév. and its development of healthy drink recipes

Abstract Hypertension is a major health problem affecting all populations around the world. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE-I), an important enzyme in renin angiotensin system (RAS) catalysis, yields a product that increases blood pressure in our bodies. Many mushrooms have been reported to have blood pressure lowering properties. However, such activities have not been investigated in Lentinus polychrous Lev., one of the most consumed mushrooms in Thailand. In this study, an ACE-I inhibitory activity of crude protein extract of L. polychrous was examined. The crude protein was separated by a dialysis membrane of 10 kDa MWCO and an anion exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose XL column, consecutively. The fraction with MW

Blood pressure-lowering effects of long chain n-3 fatty acids from meals enriched with liquid fish oil and from microencapsulated powder

Background: Diet plays an important role in the etiology of hypertension. Blood pressure (BP)-lowering properties of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) are promising. The aim was to investigate whether different formulations of fish oil differently affect blood pressure in community-dwelling adults. The hypothesis was that fish oil formulations would improve BP in comparison with a placebo.Methods: In this 4-week randomized, placebo-controlled, doubly-blinded dietary intervention study, participants (N = 99, >50 years) from the capital area of Iceland were randomized into three groups. Group 1 (n = 38) received 6 meals/week fortified with a liquid fish oil and placebo powder. Group 2 (n = 30) received conventional (unfortified) meals and microencapsulated powder. Group 3 (n = 31) was the control group which received conventional meals and placebo powder. Calculated on a weekly basis, the amount of EPA + DHA provided was 1.5 g/d. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured before and after the intervention period.Results: Seventy-seven subjects finished the study (77.8%). Drop-out rates were not different between groups. According to multivariate statistics, endpoint SBP was lower in Group 1 (−7.0 mmHg, p = 0.037) and in Group 2 (−7.2 mmHg, p = 0.037) as compared with Group 3. There was no significant difference in DBP between the groups.Conclusion: Our study shows that LC n-3 PUFA from microencapsulated powder are equally effective to meaningfully reduce SBP as LC n-3 PUFA from meals enriched with liquid fish oil in comparison with a control group.

Response surface methodology applied to the generation of casein hydrolysates with antioxidant and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory properties.

Hydrolysis parameters affecting the release of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory and antioxidant peptides from milk proteins have not been extensively studied. Therefore, a multifactorial (i.e. pH, temperature and hydrolysis time) composite design was used to optimise the release of bioactive peptides (BAPs) with DPP-IV inhibitory and antioxidant [oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)] properties from sodium caseinate. Fifteen sodium caseinate hydrolysates (H1-H15) were generated with ProtamexTM , a bacillus proteinase activity. Hydrolysis time (1 to 5 h) had the highest influence on both DPP-IV inhibitory properties and ORAC activity (P < 0.05). Alteration of incubation temperature (40 to 60 °C) and pH (6.5 to 8.0) had an effect on the DPP-IV inhibitory properties but not the ORAC activity of the Protamex sodium caseinate hydrolysates. A multi-functional hydrolysate, H12, was identified having DPP-IV inhibitory (actual: 0.82 ± 0.24 vs. predicted optimum: 0.68 mg mL-1 ) and ORAC (actual: 639 ± 66 vs. predicted optimum: 639 µmol TE g-1 ) activity of the same order (P > 0.05) as the response surface methodology (RSM) predicted optimum bioactivities. Generation of milk protein hydrolysates through multifactorial design approaches may aid in the optimal enzymatic release of BAPs with serum glucose lowering and antioxidant properties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

REGULATION OF AB PRODUCTION AND TAU PHOSPHORYLATION VIA SYK-DEPENDENT MECHANISMS

We have shown previously that the antihypertensive nilvadipine reduces Aβ accumulation, neuroinflammation and improves cognition in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have identified that the spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is the molecular target responsible for the Aβ lowering and anti-inflammatory properties of nilvadipine which is currently in a phase III clinical trial for AD. Syk plays essential functions for immunoreceptor signaling. Interestingly, Aβ oligomers have been shown to activate Syk in microglia resulting in microglial activation and in the promotion of Aβ induced neurotoxicity. We have therefore explored the possible impact of Syk inhibition on the pathological hallmarks (neuroinflammation, Aβ deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation) of AD using transgenic mice and cellular models of the disorder. Our data show that Syk inhibition antagonizes STAT3 and NFκB signaling resulting in decreased neuroinflammation and generation of Aβ peptides. In addition, we show that Syk inhibition affects tau phosphorylation not only at the expected Y18 epitope but also at GSK3β dependant epitopes in vitro in differentiated human neuronal like cells and in vivo in transgenic Tau P301S mice. Mechanistic data explaining the reduction of tau phosphorylation observed following Syk inhibition will be presented. In particular, we will show the impact of Syk inhibition on tau phosphorylation using differentiated human neuronal like cells. In addition, we will present some data regarding the impact of microglial conditioned medium from resting, activated and Syk inhibited human microglia on tau phosphorylation in human neuronal like cells. Finally, we will show some confocal microscopy data revealing an increased activation of Syk in the CNS of transgenic mice overexpressing Aβ peptides compared to wild-type littermates. Altogether, our data support a role of Syk in the development of Aβ deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation supporting Syk as a possible target for regulating the pathological events associated with AD.

The Antidiabetic Effects of The Bioactive Flavonoid (Kaempferol-3-O-β-D-6{P- Coumaroyl} Glucopyranoside) Isolated From Allium cepa.

Allium cepa has been in use in traditional medicine in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts have been found effective in lowering blood glucose levels in experimental diabetic rats and guinea pigs. The study was carried out to isolate the active principle responsible for the observed hypoglycaemic effect in experimental animals. Freeze-dried aqueous extract of Allium cepa was separated into various fractions using column chromatography with silica gel as a stationary phase. The column was eluted with various ratios of mixtures of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. These column fractions obtained were tested for hypoglycaemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic male rats. The identified active fraction was further separated by means of preparative thin layer chromatography (P-TLC) using silica gel as stationary phase and mixture of solvents chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol in the ratio of 10: 4: 1 respectively as the mobile phase. Pre-coated P-TLC plates were used and the fraction bands were identified under u.v. lamp and by spraying with concentrated sulphuric acidvanillin reagent. The isolated bands (Rf 0.438) were scrapped off from the P-TLC plates, redissolved in absolute methanol, filtered and concentrated to dryness. The isolated compound's structure was determined be means of one and two dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as comparison with literature data. The isolated compound given at 25 mg/kg dose reduced blood glucose in diabetic rats in manner which was comparable to the effect obtained with 2 mg/kg of glibenclamide (p < 0.05). The structure of the compound was found to be that of kaempferol- 3-O-β - D 6{P-coumaroyl} glucopyranoside. The research findings have supported the claims that extracts of Allium cepa possess glucose lowering properties in experimental diabetic animals.

Abstract 215: Fenugreek Seeds Inhibit Hepatic VLDL Overproduction by Attenuating Metabolic Inflammatory Stress

Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-gracecum L ), an annual legume, has been well known for its medicinal properties in treating metabolic diseases. It is a new crop in Nebraska. Its seed contains a number of health-enhancing bioactive compounds, including diosgenin, galactomannan, and 4-hydroxyisoleucine. These compounds synergistically exert multiple health effects on anti-obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we characterized the underlying molecular mechanisms of fenugreek seeds in anti-hyperlipidemia and anti-hyperglycemia. Using a genetic induced hyperlipidemia and a high fat diet (HFD) induced insulin resistance mouse models, we found that a diet rich in fenugreek seeds (2%) was able to lower hypertriglyceridemia induced by depletion of the cyclic AMP responsive element H (CREBH). This phenotype was accompanied by reduced levels of plasma apolipoprotein B100 (apoB) and inflammatory cytokine TNFα. Fenugreek seed feeding inhibited biosynthesis of apoB, and the assembly and secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the liver of CREBH-null mice. Fenugreek seed feeding also induced expression of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation genes, such as PPARα and CPT-1α. Treatment with fenugreek seeds also attenuated ER stress and metabolic inflammation in CREBH-null hepatocytes, indicated by less expression of GRP78 protein, reduced phosphorylation of eIF2α and JNK. Furthermore, fenugreek seed feeding improved insulin sensitivity in a HFD induced insulin resistance mouse model as evidenced by the lower blood glucose levels in a glucose tolerance test and an insulin tolerance test compared to the paired fed-untreated control mice. Fenugreek seeds exerted anti-diabetic effect by enhancing glucose uptake in adipose tissue and liver. Taken together, our study provided new mechanistic insight into the triacylglycerol lowering properties and anti-diabetic nature of fenugreek seeds. This suggests therapeutic potential of fenugreek seed against metabolic disorders and may increase value of Nebraska-grown fenugreek.

Screening of isolated potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria for cholesterol lowering property and bile salt hydrolase activity

A total of 142 isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from dairy and non-dairy sources. The LAB isolates were screened for antimicrobial activity. Out of 142 isolates only 68 isolates exhibited antimicrobial activity. Among these isolates, nine showed wide spectrum antimicrobial activity as well as good bile salt, acid and phenol tolerance. Seven isolates of the latter ones showed more than 20% cholesterol reduction and an observed bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. The promising isolates were identified using phenotypic, biochemical and genetic methods.

The Effect of Oat Beta‐Glucan on Clinical Lipid Markers for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction: A Systematic Review &amp; Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BackgroundOats are a rich source of β‐glucan, a viscous soluble fibre recognized for its cholesterol lowering properties, and are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs investigating the cholesterol lowering potential of oat β‐glucan on LDL‐C, non‐HDL‐C, and apoB, for the risk reduction of cardiovascular disease.DesignMEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. We included Only RCTs of ≥ 3 weeks duration assessing the effect of diets enriched with oat β‐glucan compared with controlled diets on LDL‐C, non‐HDL‐C, or apoB. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed study quality and risk of bias. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method with random effects models and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran Q statistic and quantified by the I2 statistic.Results58 trials (N = 3952) were included in the final analysis. A median dose of 3.5 g/day of oat β‐glucan significantly lowered LDL‐C (MD = −0.19 mmol/L [95% CI: −0.23, −0.14] P &lt; 0.00001) non‐HDL‐C (MD = −0.20 mmol/L [95% CI: −0.26, −0.15] P &lt; 0.00001) and apoB (MD = −0.03 g/L [95% CI: −0.05, −0.02] P &lt; 0.0001) compared to control interventions. There was evidence of considerable unexplained heterogeneity in the analysis of LDL‐C (I2 = 79%) and non‐HDL‐C (I2 = 99%).ConclusionPooled analyses show that oat β‐glucan have a lowering effect on LDL‐C, non‐HDL‐C, and apoB. Inclusion of oat containing foods may be a strategy for achieving targets in cardiovascular disease reduction.

Suppression of Type-II Diabetes with Dyslipidemia and Nephropathy by Peels of Musa cavendish Fruit.

Musa cavendish, peels has local and traditional use to promote wound healing, hyperglycemia, ulceration etc. The present work investigated the lipid lowering; nephroprotective and glucose lowering properties of ethanolic extract of peels of Musa cavendish (EMC) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The EMC 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg/day and the vehicle were administered orally to alloxan-induced diabetic rats (n=6) for 3weeks. Changes in plasma glucose, lipid profile along with kidney function before and after treatment with EMC were recorded. The ethanolic extract of peels of Musa cavendish reduced blood glucose, serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and creatinine levels and improvement in body weight, liver glycogen, serum HDL cholesterol, serum albumin and total protein level when compared with untreated rats. Musa cavendish has lipid lowering, nephroprotective and antidiabetic property by regulating glucose uptake in the liver and muscles by restoring the intracellular energy balance.

Atorvastatin acutely reduces the reactivity to spasmogens in rat aorta: implication of the inhibition of geranylgeranylation and MYPT-1 phosphorylation.

Statins are known to display benefits in various diseases independently from their cholesterol lowering properties. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of atorvastatin on vascular reactivity to various spasmogens in isolated rat aorta. The responses to noradrenaline (NA, 10(-8) -10(-4) m), endothelin-1 (ET-1, 10(-10) -10(-7) m), and potassium chloride (KCl, 10-100 mm) were evaluated in aortic rings pretreated with atorvastatin (10(-7) -10(-4) m, 30 min). To verify the mechanism of action, the effects of atorvastatin were studied in the presence of cholesterol precursor, mevalonate (10(-2) m, 45 min), mevalonate-derived isoprenoids, namely geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP, 5 × 10(-6) m, 30 min) and farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP, 5 × 10(-6) m, 30 min), and in the absence of endothelium. In parallel, aortic rings were pretreated with the specific inhibitor of Rho kinase, Y-27632 (10(-7) -10(-6) m). Atorvastatin significantly and concentration-dependently reduced the contractions to spasmogens in rat aorta. This acute inhibitory effect was also evident in endothelium-denuded rings. Pretreatment with mevalonate and GGPP, but not with FPP, reversed the inhibitory effect of atorvastatin (10(-4) m) on NA and ET-1 induced contractions. Similar to atorvastatin, pretreatment with Y-27632 inhibited the contractions to NA and KCl in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that both atorvastatin (10(-4) m) and Y-27632 (10(-6) m) pretreatment inhibited the phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit-1 (MYPT-1) triggered by NA, indicating an inhibitory influence on myosin phosphatase. In conclusion, atorvastatin displayed an acute inhibitory effect on vascular contractility evoked by various spasmogens and the inhibitory effect was possibly mediated by the inhibition of mevalonate and GGPP synthesis as well as the prevention of MYPT-1 phosphorylation induced by Rho/Rho kinase.

Approach to Phytochemistry and Mechaniasm of Action of Plants having Antidiabetic Activity

Diabetes mellitus is a global metabolic epidemic affecting essential biochemical activities in almost every age group. Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood glucose level. When the body failed to produce sufficient insulin or is not able to insulin effectively or both leading to diabetes. Presently herbal drugs are widely used for the treatment of diabetes in worldwide. India has a long list of native medicinal plants with confirmed blood sugar lowering property. Some of these have proved remarkable for cure of diabetes and its complications. In this paper an attempt has been made to give an overview of certain Indian plants with their phytoconstituents and mechanism of action which have been studied for their antidiabetic activity.

A Therapeutic Effects of Atorvastatin on Genetic Damage in Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) a multifactorial chronic heart disease and the most frequent cause of death and disabling symptoms worldwide, occurs due to the formation of atheromatous lipid rich plaques in the arteries. Statins, which inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis, have both pleiotropic and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering properties. Atorvastatin is one of the choices for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and management of hypercholesterolaemia. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the changes in the DNA damage in patients with coronary atherosclerosis after statin use. The aim of the present study was to evaluate atorvastatin treatment efficacy on lipid profiles and DNA damage in CAD patients. The current observational study was conducted on 180 CAD patients between November 2011 to December 2013 at Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital and Research Centre, Vidya Nagar, Hyderabad, India. Atorvastatin administered and blood samples were collected at index hospitalization and after 6 months statin therapy and lipid profiles and DNA damage was compared with 200 healthy control. Lipid profiles and DNA damage were found to be significantly high (p < 0.01) in CAD patients before atorvastatin therapy compared to after 6 months statin therapy and healthy controls. The study suggests that atorvastatin might help in regression of lipid profile as well as DNA damage of CAD patients.