Partial Thromboplastin Time Test Research Articles

The clinical significance of a shortened activated partial thromboplastin time in patients with connective tissue disease.

Connective tissue disease (CTD) patients have been reported to have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Deep venous thrombosis represents a potential emergency that may have a fatal outcome. The D-dimer test is the most widely accepted screening marker for VTE; however, elevation of the plasma D-dimer level without demonstrable thrombosis sometimes accompanies CTD activity itself, infection, and other conditions. Thus, the accuracy of a diagnosis of VTE based on a D-dimer test result is lower in CTD patients. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test is a very common and simple test. The medical records of 535 CTD patients were retrospectively investigated. The following data were extracted: APTT, D-dimer, thrombotic events, laboratory data, and systemic corticosteroid therapy. The rates of thrombotic events and VTE were significantly increased in patients with a shortened APTT (< 26s) (PSAPTT) in comparison to those without a shortened APTT (p = 0.004, 0.0009, respectively). The number of PSAPTTs was significantly increased in patients with VTE in comparison to those without VTE (p = 0.0009). In the diagnosis of VTE in CTD patients, the specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of the D-dimer test were 71.6% and 83.8% and 12.7% and 19.4%, respectively. The combination of a shortened APTT and elevated plasma D-dimer level improved the specificity and PPV to 94.7% and 97.3% and to 25.0% and 36.4%, respectively. For the evaluation of possibility of accompanying VTE in CTD patients, APTT shortened was useful and should be evaluated with careful attention. • Regarding the specificity for diagnosing VTE in CTD patients, a shortened APTT showed a value (84.3%) comparable or superior to that of the D-dimer test. • The combination of a shortened APTT and elevated D-dimer level improved the specificity of the diagnosis of VTE in CTD patients to (94.7% or 97.3%) in comparison to the D-dimer test alone (71.6% or 83.8%). • The positive predictive value of the combination of a shortened APTT and plasma D-dimer elevation for the diagnosis of VTE in CTD patients increased to 25.0% or 36.4%. • In the management of CTD patients, physicians should pay attention when they encounter patients with a shortened APTT, as it may indicate VTE.

Licania rigida Benth leaf extracts: Assessment of toxicity and potential anticoagulant effect

The present study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo potential toxicological effects, and the in vitro anticoagulant action of Licania rigida Benth crude leaf extract (CELR) and ethyl acetate fraction (AFLR). The in vitro toxicity was assessed by means of the MTT assay using mouse fibroblasts (3T3) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293), while the acute oral toxicity test employed Wistar rats. No apparent toxicity was observed after exposure to the extracts. Regarding the anticoagulant capacity, the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) tests demonstrated the extracts’ anticoagulant potential at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. However, only AFLR inhibited 100% of the thrombin IIa factor at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, which corresponds to the extrinsic coagulation pathway in comparison to heparin (control). Although both CELR and AFLR exhibited anticoagulant and non-toxic effects, further studies are required to validate their phytotherapeutic applications.

Phytochemical analysis and bioactivity evaluation of Moroccan Thymus atlanticus (Ball) fractions

This study aims to evaluate the effect of polar and less polar fractions of Thymus atlanticus (T. atlanticus) on inflammation and hyperlipidemia in animal models, and on coagulation and lipid peroxidation in vitro. Polar and less polar fractions of T. atlanticus were analyzed by HPLC and their antioxidant activities were evaluated using different in vitro methods. The anti-inflammatory effect was tested using arachidonic acid and xylene-induced inflammation tests in animal models. Acute hyperlipidemia was induced in mice by an intraperitoneal injection of Triton WR-1339. After 24h, plasma was collected to analyze lipid profile. The effect of the fractions and heparin on coagulation of the rabbit blood was explored in vitro by partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and thrombin time tests. The results indicated that rosmarinic acid was the main phenolic acid. All fractions significantly protected plasma lipids against oxidation. The ethyl acetate fraction significantly inhibited inflammation induced by arachidonic and xylene in mice and rat, respectively. The administration of fractions at a dose of 2 g/kg body weight markedly decreased plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C but only the aqueous fraction increased the level of HDL-C in hyperlipidemic mice. The blood coagulation was completely inhibited even at very low concentration of fractions (280 µg/mL of plasma). T. atlanticus could be a source of potential lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Routine haemoglobin assay after uncomplicated caesarean sections.

IntroductionThis study designed to detect whether the routine haemoglobin (Hb) assay after uncomplicated caesarean section (CS) is necessary.Material and methodsOne hundred and twenty-two (122) women who delivered by uncomplicated elective CS were included in this observational study. Pre-operative investigations were performed according to the hospital protocol, including complete blood count, haemoglobin, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and liver and kidney function tests. After the uncomplicated elective CS, blood samples taken from participants immediately, 12, 24, 48 hours, and 1-week post-operative (PO) for haemoglobin assay. Student’s t-test was used to compare the pre-operative, and PO haemoglobins to detect whether or not the Hb assay after uncomplicated CSs is necessary.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the pre-operative haemoglobin (11.6 ± 6.4 gms%), and the immediate PO haemoglobin (11.1 ± 5.9; p = 0.1 [95% CI: –1.05, 0.5, 2.05]) or 12-hour PO haemoglobin (10.9 ± 7.3; p = 0.9 [95% CI: –1.03, 0.7, 2.43]) or 24-hour PO haemoglobin (10.7 ± 8.2; p = 0.9 [95% CI: –0.95, 0.9, 2.75]). In addition, there was no significant difference between the pre-operative haemoglobin (11.6 ± 6.4 gms%), and 48-hour PO haemoglobin (11.2 ± 6.9; p = 0.7 [95% CI: –1.28, 0.4, 2.08]), or 1-week PO haemoglobin (11.4 ± 7.5; p = 0.9 [95% CI: –1.55, 0.2, 1.95]).ConclusionsRoutine PO haemoglobin assay after uncomplicated elective CSs is not necessary, especially when the pre-operative haemoglobin before the ECS ≥ 11 gms%, CS duration < 45 min, and estimated intra-operative blood loss ≤ 500 mL.

Von Willebrand factor activity and activated partial thromboplastin time as proxy biomarkers for coagulopathies in women with menorrhagia in Zambia: a case-control study.

Introductionvon Willebrand Disease (vWD) is the most prevalent bleeding disorder. Women are more likely to manifest abnormal bleeding symptoms due to physiologic events and menorrhagia is the most common presenting symptom.Methodsthis case-control study included 168 women aged between 18 and 45. The cases had menorrhagia whilst the controls did not. Blood grouping, activated partial thromboplastin time and von Willebrand factor activity tests were performed on samples collected from consenting study participants.Resultsthe mean age was 29.96 ± 7.37. Mean vWF activity of cases was 66.6% and of controls 97.8%. The mean activated Partial ThromboplastinTime (aPTT) of cases was 31.09s and of controls was 30.40s. There was no difference in the vWF activity between blood group O (86.3%) and non-blood group O (88.0%) participants. Eight women were diagnosed with von Willebrand disease, 6 cases and 2 controls. Higher odds of von Willebrand disease were seen in the cases (OR = 6.6). Epistaxis, von Willebrand and factor activity levels and family history of menorrhagia were associated with an increased risk for menorrhagia.Conclusionvon Willebrand factor activity levels were associated with menorrhagia while activated partial thromboplastin time was not. vWF activity levels did not depend on any specific blood group. The prevalence of von Willebrand disease was significantly higher in participants with menorrhagia and repeated epistaxis and family history of menorrhagia pointed to a higher risk of menorrhagia.

Coagulation Index and Pregnancy Outcome in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the coagulation status of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients in combination with glucose levels and screen out indicators closely related to the severity of GDM and adverse pregnancy outcome. The subjects of 110 GDM patients and 100 normal pregnant women were randomly selected. The results of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer (D-D), and plaque level test (PLT) in GDM patients and normal pregnant women (comparison group) were analyzed. The study screened out the coagulation indexes of GDM closely related to FPG and then analyzed the correlation between indexes and adverse prognosis. The results of PT were significantly lower in the GDM group. The PT was related to the severity of GDM and adverse pregnancy outcome. The PT levels of GDM patients in the third trimester can be used as a reliable index for disease and prognosis evaluation.

Correlation between Hemostasis Profile and Sepsis Outcome

Sepsis is an organ dysfunction caused by infection. Excessive cytokine activation, which causes hemostasis disorder israted by Prothrombin Time (PT), activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), fibrinogen, and D-dimer tests. Hemostasisdisorder can affect several sepsis outcomes (mortality and duration of treatment period). This study aimed to determine thecorrelation between hemostasis profile and sepsis outcome. This research was an analytical-observational withretrospective cohort study design with subjects consisting of 76 sepsis patients at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital,Palembang. The data were obtained by medical record observation and analyzed by Chi-Square and Spearman tests. From76 sepsis patients, 76.7% of subjects had normal PT; 88.2% had normal aPTT; 71.1% had elevated fibrinogen, and 100% hadelevated D-dimer. The patients' sepsis outcomes showed that 67.1% survived, and 32.9% has died, and the duration of thetreatment period without much differences is as long as ≤ 12 days and &gt; 12 days. The statistical analysis showed that therewas no significant relationship between PT, mortality, duration of the treatment period (p=1.000; p=0.418), between aPTT,mortality, duration of the treatment period (p=0.709; p=0.480), between fibrinogen, mortality, duration of the treatmentperiod (p=0.350; p=1.000), and there was a weak negative correlation between D-dimer mortality and duration of thetreatment period (p=0.459; p=0.939). It could be concluded that there was no significant correlation between hemostasisprofile and sepsis outcome.

In vitro Anticoagulant Effect of Grape Seed Extract (Vitis vinifera) on Human Normal Blood Sample

Background: Scientists have used herbs nowadays for curing many diseases because they are safer and to overcome the side effect of the chemical drugs. Grape is one of the ancient herbs that used for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, skin care and many other conditions. Grape seeds have significantly higher concentrations of polyphenols which has anticoagulant and antithrombotic effect.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this study 20 normal blood samples from healthy individuals with age range (19-38) years were enrolled in this study]. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) tests were performed before adding grape seed extraction (GSE) (as control) and after adding GSE with different concentrations (25%, 50% and 75%).&#x0D; Results: The results revealed that grape seed extract has an anticoagulant effect as proven by the increase of Prothrombin time and Activated partial thromboplastin time results of the blood samples in different concentrations of the extract. The GSE showed a high statistical significant (P= 0.000) in all concentrations of both PT and APTT tests.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study suggests that GSE has a strong anticoagulant effect; so it can potentially be used as a supplementary anticoagulant agent to prevent thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene/silk fibroin/salicin vascular graft fabrication for improved endothelialization and anticoagulation

Clinical application of small-diameter artificial vascular grafts has been hampered by intimal blockages owing to the lack of an endothelial layer and the formation of thrombosis. In this study, an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular graft was fabricated using a biofriendly ethanol/water mixture as a lubricant and drug carrier. Natural silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel and white willow extract salicin were embedded into ePTFE graft successfully via the ethanol/water lubricant and drug carrier as verified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The ePTFE graft functionalized by SF hydrogel improved the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) due to SF’s hydrophilia and cytocompatibility as measured by the live/dead and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. The rapid endothelialization of ePTFE graft helped reduced intimal blockages in vitro. Furthermore, the salicin-modified ePTFE graft exhibited an anticoagulation property as demonstrated by platelet adhesion and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) tests. These results suggest that ePTFE graft fabricated with silk fibroin and salicin can be an attractive candidate for vascular grafts.

Distinct and overlapping effects of β2-glycoprotein I conformational variants in ligand interactions and functional assays

One of the most abundant coagulation proteins is β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) that is present in humans at a concentration of around 200 mg/L. Its physiological role is only partially understood, but it adopts several different structural forms the majority of which are the open and closed forms. We isolated native (circular) β2GPI and converted it into an open conformation. The effectiveness of these procedures was assessed by Western blot and negative-staining electron microscopy. We found that in coagulation assays the open form of β2GPI had a significant prolonging effect on fibrin formation in a dilute prothrombin time test (p < 0.001). In the dilute activated partial thromboplastin time test, both conformations had a significant prolonging effect (p < 0.001) but the open conformation was more effective. In a fluorescent thrombin generation assay both conformations slightly delayed thrombin generation with no significant effect on the quantity of formed thrombin. By using surface plasmon resonance assays, the equilibrium dissociation constants of both the open and closed conformations of β2GPI showed a similar and strong affinity to isolated anti-β2GPI autoantibodies (Kd closed β2GPI = 5.17 × 10−8 M, Kd open β2GPI = 5.56 × 10−8 M) and the open form had one order of magnitude stronger affinity to heparin (Kd = 0.30 × 10−6 M) compared to the closed conformation (Kd = 3.50 × 10−6 M). The two different forms of β2GPI have distinct effects in functional tests and in ligand binding, which may considerably affect the intravascular events related to this abundant plasma protein in health and disease.

Ca-Ga Double Doping Strategy to Fabricate Hemostatic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSN) with Antibacterial Activity

Hemostatic materials with antibacterial properties become increasingly significant in military and civilian trauma care. In recent years, some advanced inorganic hemostatic materials (e.g. QuikClot, Combat Gauze, and WoundStat) have been reported to have their own drawbacks and side effects. In the study, the mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) doped with calcium and gallium (Ga0.5CaMSS) was explored for hemorrhage control together with good antibacterial properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), Nitrogen gas adsorption-desorption measurements, X-Ray diffraction measurements (XRD) and the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were used to characterize the coagulation-promoting surface chemistry, morphology and porous structure of the samples. The clotting blood tests (CBT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) tests, prothrombin time (PT) tests, and thromboelastograph (TEG) analysis showed the much better hemostatic properties of the Ga0.5CaMSN compared with the control and blank MSN. Besides, Ga0.5CaMSN was found to have obvious antibacterial effect against both S. aureus and E. coli. Furthermore, the perfect biocompatibility of all samples was proved by hemolysis assay study and cytotoxicity test. Associated with the blood coagulation tests and antibacterial tests, it could be inferred that the stimulation of the blood coagulation and antibacterial activity of Ga0.5CaMSN were attributed to the incorporation of calcium ions and gallium ions. The Ga0.5CaMSN developed here can be a potent candidate for emergency treatment to control hemorrhage and wound infection pre-hospital.

Sensitivity and specificity of 20-minute whole blood clotting test, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time tests in diagnosis of defibrination following Malayan pit viper envenoming

Malayan pit vipers (Calloselasma rhodostoma) are major health hazard in Southern Thailand causing systemic bleeding by defibrination and thrombocytopenia. Twenty minute whole blood clotting test (20WBCT) is a useful and informative bedside test recommended by WHO for diagnosis of significant coagulopathy following snakebite envenoming since it to some extent predicts the need for anti-venom therapy. Prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) are standard clotting assays that are widely used for diagnosis of coagulopathy. The purpose of this study is to compare 20WBCT with the standard clotting assays (PT, INR, APTT, fibrinogen) in management of Malayan pit viper bitten-patients. We studied 296 victims prospectively during a 3-year period. In total, 115 (38.9%) cases showed a positive 20WBCT (un-clot) suggesting systemic envenomation. Thrombocytopenia (platelet count less than 100,000/μL), prolonged PT, prolonged APTT, INR ≥ 1.2, and fibrinogen level <100 mg/dl were found in 12.2%, 47.6%, 18.9%, 34.8% and 40.9%, respectively. Significant predictors for thrombocytopenia by multivariate analysis included systemic bleeding (p < 0.001), higher INR (p < 0.001), 20WBCT showing unclotted blood (p = 0.049), and longer bite-to-hospital time (p = 0.031). When a fibrinogen level below 100 mg/dl was determined as hypofibrinogenemic condition, INR had the highest area under ROC curve followed by 20WBCT and APTT, respectively, to identify such as hypofibrinogenemic condition. The diagnostic accuracy of 20WBCT and INR at or more than 1.155 were better than APTT at any cut-off points. INR >1.155 had a sensitivity of 78.5% and specificity of 90.3% while 20WBCT had sensitivity of 81.0% and specificity of 90.3%. ConclusionsBoth 20WBCT and INR are useful to assess coagulation abnormality in Malayan pit viper-bitten patients.

The Modern Pneumatic Tube System Transports with Reduced Speed Does Not Affect Special Coagulation Tests.

Pneumatic tube transport systems (PTS) for delivery of patient samples to a hemostasis laboratory are often used to reduce turnaround time for vital analyses. PTS in our hospital has the ability to regulate the transport speed in the range of 3-6m/s with acceleration control technology. We evaluated the effects of PTS transport for routine coagulation tests, platelet function tests and special global coagulation tests. Duplicate samples were collected from 29 patients and 40 healthy individuals. One sample was sent using PTS and the other was carried by personnel to the lab for determination of protrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, trombin time, fibrinogen, antitrombin and thrombin generation test. Platelet function was measured by means of a Apact 4004® analyzer using the inductors (ADP, Arachidonic acid and Epinephrine). Samples transported using PTS with normal transport speed 6m/s does not affect basic coagulation tests (PT, aPTT, FIB, TT and AT), but TGT has significantly altered. The use of PTS with controlled acceleration regulated the increase in thrombin generation from 10% to 3%, which is not statistically signifiant. The use of PTS with controlled acceleration did not show a significant difference even with the highly sensitive method of platelet aggregation. We conclude that PTS with acceleration control with transport speed from 3 to 6m/s does not affect to platelet activity as measured by LTA and also global coagulation test - TGT. The advantage of PTS transport is very rapid assessment laboratory testing. From the above validation study, it is clear that PTS should always be validated for specialized laboratory methods and appropriately adapted to specific transport conditions.

Chondroitin/dermatan sulfate purified from corb (Sciaena umbra) skin and bone: In vivo assessment of anticoagulant activity

The present work deals with the extraction and purification of chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate from skin (CSG) and bone (CBG) of corb (Sciaena umbra). Electrophoresis of these polymers in barium acetate buffer on cellulose acetate revealed two fractions similar to dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. The in vivo anticoagulant activity of both chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) were evaluated, at 25 and 75 mg kg−1 of body weight (b.w), using activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombine time (TT) and thrombin time (PT) tests. Results showed that aPTT of CSG and CBG at 75 mg kg−1 of b.w were prolonged by 1.59 and 1.48-fold respectively, compared with the control. Further, toxicity studies on liver performed by the catalytic activity of transaminases in plasma, oxidative stress markers and hepatic morphological changes demonstrated that CSG and CBG at both doses are not toxics. In summary, the higher activity and lower toxicity of both CS/DS, especially at 25 mg kg−1 of b.w, recommended these compounds as a better drug candidate.

Purification and characterization of Protein C activator from Agkistrodon acutus Venom

Protein C (PC) plays an important role in the balance of coagulation and anticoagulation. Thus, the detection of PC activity is diagnostically significant for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Presently, the key methods to detect PC activity are the chromogenic assay and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test. PROTAC used in the chromogenic assay is isolated from Agkistrodon contortrix venom as protein C activator (PCA). However, the use of the chromogenic assay is limited because of the high price of PROTAC. In this study, PCA was successfully purified from Agkistrodon acutus venom (AAV) by ion-exchange and gel chromatography. PCA from AAV has a relative molecular mass of 24 kD, calculated from the measurement of 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The components of PCA were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS and mascot searches revealed that the coverage rate between PCA and zinc metalloproteinase AaPA from AAV was 21%. The chromogenic assay and APTT test were used to measure the enzymatic activity of PCA, and the results showed that PCA from AAV could specifically activate PC. In summary, the chromogenic assay described herein is highly sensitive and easy to perform.

Laboratory Methodologic Approach in Prolonged Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Test

Laboratory Methodologic Approach in Prolonged Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Test

Stem Bromelain Proteolytic Machinery: Study of the Effects of its Components on Fibrin (ogen) and Blood Coagulation.

Antiplatelet, anticoagulant and fibrinolytic activities of stem bromelain (EC 3.4.22.4) are well described, but more studies are still required to clearly define its usefulness as an antithrombotic agent. Besides, although some effects of bromelain are linked to its proteolytic activity, few studies were performed taking into account this relationship. We aimed at comparing the effects of stem bromelain total extract (ET) and of its major proteolytic compounds on fibrinogen, fibrin, and blood coagulation considering the proteolytic activity. Proteolytic fractions chromatographically separated from ET (acidic bromelains, basic bromelains, and ananains) and their irreversibly inhibited counterparts were assayed. Effects on fibrinogen were electrophoretically and spectrophotometrically evaluated. Fibrinolytic activity was measured by the fibrin plate assay. The effect on blood coagulation was evaluated by the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) tests. Effects were compared with those of thrombin and plasmin. Acidic bromelains and ananains showed thrombin-type activity and low fibrinolytic activity, with acidic bromelains being the least effective as anticoagulants and fibrinolytics; while basic bromelains, without thrombin-like activity, were the best anticoagulant and fibrinolytic proteases present in ET. Procoagulant action was detected for ET and its proteolytic compounds by the APTT test at low concentrations. The measured effects were dependent on proteolytic activity. Two sub-populations of cysteine proteases exhibiting different effects on fibrin (ogen) and blood coagulation are present in ET. Using well characterized stem bromelain regarding its proteolytic system is a prerequisite for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the bromelain action.

Influence of sample centrifugation on plasma platelet count and activated partial thromboplastin time using patient samples

BackgroundDiagnostic coagulation testing is vulnerable to factors of the pre-analytical phase such as sample centrifugation. Despite this, centrifugation conditions differ widely among European laboratories. Here we use samples from patients referred for Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) testing to investigate if different centrifugation conditions result in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) (plasma platelet count < 10 × 109/L) and how the variation in centrifugation conditions affect APTT measurements. MethodsCentrifugation of 2000g (10 min) were compared with 3000g (10 min) using samples from patients referred for APTT testing (n = 70). Plasma platelet count and APTT were measured to investigate the influence of the centrifugation conditions. Differences were evaluated using Bland Altman Plots and Student’s t-test. ResultsCentrifugation at 3000g for 10 min produced PPP for more of the samples (64%) than centrifugation at 2000g (6%) (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference for APTT (p = 0.265) was found for samples with APTT < 37 s while samples with prolonged APTT (>37 s) showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.025). The Bland Altman plot did not reveal a clinically significant difference (mean difference 0.30 s/0.68%) when compared to a maximum acceptable bias of 10%. ConclusionNone of the centrifugation conditions used in this study adequately secured PPP for all samples. Despite a statistically significant difference between samples with prolonged APTT, no clinically significant difference was observed when comparing all APTT measurements.

Ruscus hypophyllum L. extracts: chemical composition, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and antimicrobial activity against a wide range of sensitive and multi-resistant bacteria.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the polyphenolic and flavonoid contents in the leaves extracts of Ruscus hypophyllum. Antioxidant activity was estimated by α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays. The anticoagulant activity of Ruscus extracts was evaluated in vitro, using the prothrombin time (PT) and a PTT-activated partial thromboplastin time tests. The antibacterial activity was tested against large number of important medically and resistant bacteria by the broth dilution method. In this study, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts displayed the highest total phenols contents (74.76mg EAG/g and 73.89mg EAG/g, respectively) and flavonoid content 40 and 32.43mg EC/g, respectively. The GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate extract confirmed the presence of oxygenated sesquiterpenes and hydrocarbon diterpenes with percentages of 16.41% and 10.72%, respectively, but chloroform extract was rich with, oxygenated monoterpenes, and oxygenated diterpenes, with percentages of 6.19 and 3.27%, respectively. Among tested extracts, ethyl acetate exhibited the best antioxidant and anticoagulant activities. Furthermore, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts showed important antibacterial activity against resistant bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (SARM), Acinetobacter imipenem-resistant (IMP/R), P. aeruginosa imipenem-resistant (IMP/R) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. cloacae (BLSE) with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values varying between 0.125 and 0.5mg/mL.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant, anticoagulant and in vitro toxic and genotoxic properties of aerial parts extracts of Fumaria officinalis L. growing in Tunisia

Fumaria is an important plant species with many applications in herbal medicine. In this paper we report on the investigation of the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, anticoagulant and in vitro genotoxic properties of Fumaria officinalis L. which is amongst others widely used in Tunisia. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol extracts were made and investigated with respect to their total phenolics and flavonoids contents using standard methods. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods. The anticoagulant activity was evaluated by prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) tests. In vitro toxic and genotoxic properties with respectively the Neutral red uptake method and the bacterial Vitotox test and comet assay in human C3A cells. This study showed that methanolic extract had the highest total phenolic and flavonoids contents. The same extract showed surprising anticoagulant and antioxidant activities. The Vitotox test revealed absence of genotoxicity for all extracts in the bacterial Vitotox test. This was confirmed in the comet assay which was conducted on human C3A cells, except for the methanolic extract where DNA damage appeared to be significantly increased at nontoxic concentrations. Thus, showing the potential of the plant as a new source of bioactive molecules for therapeutic purposes, with particular emphasis on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.