Saline Extracts Research Articles

Basophil Activation to Gluten and Non-Gluten Proteins in Wheat-Dependent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis.

Wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) is a cofactor-induced wheat allergy. Gluten proteins, especially ω5-gliadins, are known as major allergens, but partially hydrolyzed wheat proteins (HWPs) also play a role. Our study investigated the link between the molecular composition of gluten or HWP and allergenicity. Saline extracts of gluten (G), gluten with reduced content of ω5-gliadins (G-ω5), slightly treated HWPs (sHWPs), and extensively treated HWPs (eHWPs) were prepared as allergen test solutions and their allergenicity assessed using the skin prick test and basophil activation test (BAT) on twelve patients with WDEIA and ten controls. Complementary sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses revealed that non-gluten proteins, mainly α-amylase/trypsin inhibitors (ATIs), were predominant in the allergen test solutions of G, G-ω5, and sHWPs. Only eHWPs contained gliadins and glutenins as major fraction. All allergen test solutions induced significantly higher %CD63+ basophils/anti-FcεRI ratios in patients compared with controls. BAT using sHWPs yielded 100% sensitivity and 83% specificity at optimal cut-off and may be useful as another tool in WDEIA diagnosis. Our findings indicate that non-gluten proteins carrying yet unidentified allergenic epitopes appear to be relevant in WDEIA. Further research is needed to clarify the role of nutritional ATIs in WDEIA and identify specific mechanisms of immune activation.

Extract from Opuntia ficus-indica cladode delays the Aedes aegypti larval development by inducing an axenic midgut environment.

This study evaluated the effects of acute exposure of Aedes aegypti third instar (L3 ) larvae to the saline extract of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes on the biological cycle and fertility of the emerging adults. For this, larvae were treated for 24 h with the extract at ¼ LC50 (lethal concentration to kill 50% of larvae), ½ LC50 or LC50 ; the development and reproduction of the emerged adults were evaluated after a recovery period of 9 days. The resistance of proteins in the extract to hydrolysis by L3 digestive enzymes and histomorphological alterations in the larval midgut were also investigated. The extract contained lectin, flavonoids, cinnamic derivatives, terpenes, steroids, and reducing sugars. It showed a LC50 of 3.71% for 48 h. The data indicated mean survival times similar in control and extract treatments. It was observed development delay in extract-treated groups, with a lower number of adults than in control. However, the females that emerged laid similar number of eggs in control and treatments. Histological evaluation revealed absence of bacterial and fungal microorganisms in the food content in midguts from larvae treated with cladode extract. Electrophoresis revealed that three polypeptides in the extract resisted to hydrolysis by L3 digestive proteases for 90 min. The lectin activity was not altered even after 24-h incubation with the enzymes. In conclusion, the extract from O. ficus-indica can delay the development of Ae. aegypti larvae, which may be linked to induction of an axenic environment at larval midgut and permanence of lectin activity even after proteolysis.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Phosphate Buffered Saline and Aqueous Extracts of Aloe barbadensis Miller Leaf Latex and Gel from Three Counties of Kenya

Aims: Aloe barbadensis Miller (A. barbadensis) is one of the most treasured species from the Aloe genus that has been used in management of various ailments. However, there are few reports on the secondary metabolites, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activities of its leaf latex and gel. This study aimed at comparing the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and distilled water extracts of latex and gel of A. barbadensis leaves from Kisumu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo Counties of Kenya, East Africa.
 Study Design: The study employed quantitative and qualitative research designs.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Sciences and Aerospace Studies, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya between May 2021 and August 2021.
 Methodology: Leaf samples were extracted by maceration using distilled water and PBS. Phytochemical screening was performed following standard screening procures while TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity were determined using Folin-Ciocalteau method, Aluminum Chloride colorimetric assay and DPPH radical scavenging assay, respectively. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed with Tukey post hoc test at P = .05. Correlations among TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity of the extracts were assessed using Pearson’s bivariate correlation. The analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism for windows (v9.0, GraphPad Software, California, USA).
 Results: Phytochemical screening results indicated the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, steroids, terpenes and quinones as the main secondary metabolites in the extracts. TPC and TFC were found to be highest for the aqueous extracts, with the highest contents (102.393 ± 0.121 mg GAE/ g DW and 47.228 ± 0.248 mg QE / g DW) being for dry latex of leaves from Baringo. The highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 21.900 ± 0.0594 mg/mL) was for aqueous extract of fresh latex of leaves from Baringo, followed by those from Elgeyo Marakwet and then Kisumu.
 Conclusion: This study established that dry and fresh latex and gel extracts of A. barbadensis leaves possess therapeutic phytochemicals with antioxidant activities, which support their use in traditional phytomedicine in Kenya.

Toxic, cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of saline extract and fraction of Parkia pendula seeds in the developmental stages of Biomphalaria glabrata (Say 1818 – intermediate host) and cercaricide activity against the infectious agent of schistosomiasis

This study describes for the first time the effect of saline extract and Parkia pendula seed fraction on Biomphalaria glabrata adult embryos and molluscs well as the reproductive parameters (fecundity and fertility) and survival, in addition to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity through the profile of blood cells after exposure to sublethal concentrations. Furthermore, we analyzed the action of both preparations against the cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni and their environmental safety using the bioindicator Artemia salina. The saline extract and fraction showed toxic effects for embryos (CL90 of 464.25, 479.62, 731.28, 643.28, 408.43 and 250.94, 318.03, 406.12, 635.64, 1.145 mg/mL, for blastula, gastrula, trocophore, veliger and hippo stage respectively), adult snails after 24 h of exposure (CL90 of 9.50 and 10.92 mg/mL, respectively) with increased mortality after 7 days of observation and significant decrease (p <0.05; p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) in egg mass deposition. At sublethal concentrations, an increase in quantitative and morphological changes in hemocytes was observed, and in the genotoxicity/comet assay analysis, varying degrees of nuclear damage were detected. In addition, the saline extract showed changes in the motility of the cercariae, while the fraction howed toxicity from a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. The saline extract showed toxicity to A. salina at the highest concentrations (3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 mg/mL), while the fraction did not show ecotoxicity. Thus, the saline extract and fraction was promising in combating schistosomiasis by eliminating the intermediate host and causing alterations and/or mortality to the infectious agent.

Purification, characterization, and immunomodulatory activity of a lectin from the seeds of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.)

This work aimed to purify, characterize, and evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of a lectin from Aesculus hippocastanum seeds (AhSL). The lectin was isolated from saline extract through chromatography on a DEAE-Sephadex column. Protein homogeneity and subunit composition were evaluated with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) under native and denaturing (SDS-PAGE) conditions, respectively. AhSL was evaluated for trypsin inhibitor activity, carbohydrate-binding specificity, and the effects of cations (Ca2+, Mn2+, and Mg2+), temperature, and pH on its hemagglutinating activity. Lectin stability under heating and pH variation was evaluated through fluorometric analysis. The activity of this lectin (12.5 µg/mL) in modulating cytokine release and nitric oxide production by mouse splenocytes was assessed. Isolated AhSL (purification fold: 68.8) showed a single polypeptide band in PAGE for acidic proteins and two polypeptide bands of approximately 68 and 124 kDa in SDS-PAGE. Its hemagglutinating activity was inhibited by monosaccharides, disaccharides, and glycoproteins, but was not affected by cations, and remained stable after heating (30–100 °C) and under pH 4.0–8.0. Fluorometric analysis revealed that the overall lectin conformation was not altered after heating to 100 °C and remained stable under various pH values. AhSL also showed trypsin inhibitor activity (specific activity: 1,280.31 U/mg) and induced the release of interleukins 10 and 6, tumor necrosis factor α, and nitric oxide by splenocytes. In conclusion, AhSL is a bioactive protein with promising biotechnological potential, which may find applications as immunological targeting or antitumor agents.

Cerebrospinal Fluid from Healthy Pregnant Women Does Not Harbor a Detectable Microbial Community.

ABSTRACTCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulating in the human central nervous system has long been considered aseptic in healthy individuals, because normally, the blood-brain barrier can protect against microbial invasions. However, this dogma has been called into question by several reports that microbes were identified in human brains, raising the question of whether there is a microbial community in the CSF of healthy individuals without neurological diseases. Here, we collected CSF samples and other samples, including one-to-one matched oral and skin swab samples (positive controls), from 23 pregnant women aged between 23 and 40 years. Normal saline samples (negative controls), sterile swabs, and extraction buffer samples (contamination controls) were also collected. Twelve of the CSF specimens were also used to evaluate the physiological activities of detected microbes. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing was performed in these 116 specimens. A total of 620 nonredundant microbes were detected, which were dominated by bacteria (74.6%) and viruses (24.2%), while in CSF samples, metagenomic sequencing found only 26 nonredundant microbes, including one eukaryote, four bacteria, and 21 viruses (mostly bacteriophages). The beta diversity of microbes compared between CSF metagenomic samples and other types of samples (except negative controls) was significantly different from that of the CSF self-comparison. In addition, there was no active or viable microbe in the matched metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing of CSF specimens after subtracting those also found in normal saline, DNA extraction buffer, and skin swab specimens. In conclusion, our results showed no strong evidence of a colonized microbial community present in the CSF of healthy individuals.IMPORTANCE The microbiome is prevalent throughout human bodies, with profound health implications. However, it remains unclear whether it is present and active in human CSF, which has been long considered aseptic due to the blood-brain barrier. Here, we applied unbiased metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing to detect the presence of a microbiome in CSF collected from 23 pregnant women with matched controls. Analysis of 116 specimens found no strong evidence to support the presence of a colonized microbiome in CSF. Our findings will strengthen our understanding of the internal environment of the CSF in healthy people, which has strong implications for human health, especially for neurological infections and disorders, and will help further disease diagnostics, prevention, and therapeutics in clinical settings.

Comparative study of technologies for extraction of biologically active substances from the raw material of animal origin

Technologies of isolation and concentration of biologically active substances, developed in the middle of the 20th century, need adjustment and adaptation to modern conditions both to increase the activity of substances and for greater economic efficiency. The aim of the research is the comparison of dynamics of biologically active compounds extraction from porcines pancreas in two methods: the saline method based on 0.9% sodium chloride solution, and the acidic method based on 2.4% trichloroacetic acid solution. Also the purpose of research is to assess the possibilities for further optimization of technologies. The total protein concentration based on the biuret reaction in the samples taken during the extraction, as well as the calculation and analysis of the point degrees and rates of extraction are chosen as the controlled parameters. Local maxima of the protein yields into the extractant media at the 60th, 135th and 255th minute were recorded during saline extraction; and at the 75th and 135th minute during acid extraction. Also the proteomic profile of the extracts was studied. Wide range of compounds with molecular weight of less than 52 kDa was found in extracts based on physiological saline solution, and protein substances of whole presented range of molecular weights in trichloroacetic acid based extracts were considered. The predominance of low molecular weight protein fraction of interest was noted also in this method of extraction in comparison with the other methods of extraction. According to the UniProt database, we assume availability of probable compounds with a molecular weight of less than 30 kDa in the purified acidic extract. The presence of some proteins absent in the final saline extract was noted. The acidic erythrograms showed a weak degrading effect of both types of extracts on the membranes of rat erythrocytes, as well as the cytoprotective effect of acidic ultrafiltrates (less than 3 kDa). The obtained results prove a better efficiency of trichloroacetic acid extraction method used for obtaining a mixture of a wide range of compounds, including biologically active substances of low molecular weight.

Yogurt production added ultrafiltered seed extract of Moringa oleifera Lam.

Currently, costumers seek foods that contain natural ingredients in their composition. Moringa oleifera is seen with potential for food use, making it an attractive alternative for healthy consumption. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potentiality of the Moringa additive obtained from its ultrafiltered saline extract as a thickening agent in the production of yogurt. Physico-chemical analyses, syneresis, rheology , texture analyses, and scanning electron microscopy were performed on yogurts. The moisture content of yogurts ranged from 77.14 to 77.89%, and total solids from 22.86 to 22.11%. The other physicochemical characteristics showed no significant differences (p < 0.05) between the analyzed samples. For all concentrations of Moringa additives evaluated, G′ values were higher than G″ indicating that they presented a behavior viscoelastic. The concentrated additive (2 mg L −1 ) produced a yogurt with reduced susceptibility to syneresis as well as increased firmness, and confirmed with the microstructure that was more homogeneous and compact (C2). On the other hand, the increase in permeate additive concentration of Moringa seed increased the syneresis and decreased the firmness of yogurt. The results obtained show that the use of Moringa extract as an additive in the formulation of yogurt has the potential to be exploited in commercial use, improving the yogurt texture and with less syneresis. • Moringa additive obtained from its ultrafiltred saline extract. • The additives used did not change the fermentation time concerning the control. • Technological properties improvement yogurt with the moringa additive.

In vitro nematocidal activity of Punica granatum L. against gastrointestinal helminths in goats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro ovicidal activity, phytochemistry, and toxicity of a saline extract obtained from peel of Punica granatum L fruits. The ovicidal activity was evaluated by the hatching inhibition of eggs recovered from fecal samples of naturally infected goats; the phytochemical analysis was carried out using the fruit peel; and the toxicity was tested on Artemia salina, using saline extract. The results showed that the ovicidal effect of the tested extract was 99% (25mgmL-1), 99% (12.5mgmL-1), 98% (6.25mgmL-1), and 95% (3.12mgmL-1), higher than that of the control drug, thiabendazole (83%). The phytochemical analysis showed presence of phenols, anthraquinones, and condensed and hydrolysable tannins in the fruit extract. The toxicity test of the extract of P. granatum showed an LC50 of 6.19mgmL-1, which indicates a safe use for a concentration of 3.12mgmL-1, since it was the tested concentration that was below the reliable LC50. The saline extract from peels of P. granatum has ovicidal activity, important secondary metabolites, and absence of toxicity at the lowest concentration tested. However, in vivo tests in experimental models are recommended before performing experiments in ruminants.

Saline extraction as a method of obtaining a mixture of biologically active compounds of protein nature from a porcine pancreas

A relevant solution to the problem of processing meat industry waste in Russia is to obtain useful biologically active compounds from abundant organs. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the saline extraction as a method for extracting a mixture of promising biologically active compounds from the porcine pancreas, as well as to determine the optimal time for the process. The study consisted of extraction of the porcine pancreas with 0,9% sodium chloride solution for 5 h 30 min with further determination of the total protein concentration and proteomic profile of the samples taken throughout the process. Based on the analysis of the dependence of the total protein content in the extractant on time, the optimal extraction time was determined to be 135–150 minutes. When studying the results of electrophoresis and the data of their processing, the optimal extraction time for the targeted isolation of the low-molecular fraction of compounds was also determined to be 90 min. At the same time, 13 protein bands with a molecular weight of 52 kDa and below were found on the electropherograms. Saline should be considered applicable for obtaining extracts rich in biologically active substances, incl. hormones, enzymes and other physiologically active compounds.

Biological and pharmacological evaluation of crude venom extracted from Tetraodon fahaka strigosus and Potamotrygon garouensis obtained from River Niger, Niger State, Nigeria

The present study investigates some biological and pharmacological effects of Tetraodon fahaka strigosus (Puffer fish) and Potamotrygon garouensis (Stingray) venom extracts. The saline extracts from skin and innards of T. fahaka strigosus and P. garouensis were used to evaluate haemolytic, enzymatic and in vitro antioxidants activities. In vivo determination of median lethal dose, some blood biochemical parameters and analgesics activities of the extracts in mice were also carried out. The result of this study showed that all extracts from both the puffer fish and stingray showed significantly haemolytic, proteolytic and phospholipase activities. The DPPH scavenging activity of different parts (innard and skin extracts) of puffer fish and stingray demonstrated significantly antioxidant activity at IC50 values 0.16 mg/ml and 0.15 mg/ml and 0.20 mg/ml and 0.01 mg/ml respectively; when compared to the negative control. Median lethal dose range between 31-90 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, there was significant increase (p

Effects of Plectranthus barbatus leaf extract on survival, digestive proteases, midgut morphophysiology and gut microbiota homeostasis of Aedes aegypti larvae

Aedes aegypti can transmit dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever. Its control represents the main strategy for reducing the spreading of these diseases. In the present work, Plectranthus barbatus leaf saline extract (SE), decoction and infusion were studied for their effects on the survival of A. aegypti third instar larvae (L3), as well as for the presence of secondary metabolites, lectins, and trypsin inhibitors. The effects of SE (non-heated or heated) on digestive proteases, permeability of peritrophic membrane, morphophysiology, microbiota growth and melanogenesis of L3 are reported. SE killed L3 (LC50 of 0.48%, w/v), while decoction and infusion were not larvicides. HPLC analysis identified caffeic acid and flavonoids in SE, decoction, and infusion. SE also contained a ribose/galactose-binding lectin, trypsin inhibitor activities and polypeptides (34, 63 and 66 kDa) resistant to hydrolysis by L3 gut proteases. The incubation of SE with larval proteases did not alter lectin and trypsin inhibitor activities. Treatment of L3 with SE (at LC50) increased the permeability of peritrophic membrane and prevented the larvae from passing into the fourth instar. The morphology of larval midgut was not affected by SE, but the content of neutral polysaccharides in epithelial cells was reduced. SE stimulated in vitro the proliferation of L3 midgut microbiota and increased in vivo the production of melanin by larvae. The heating (100°C, 5 h) of SE increased lectin, trypsin inhibitor and larvicidal activities. In conclusion, SE larvicidal activity may be linked to the presence of lectin and trypsin inhibitor and involves the inhibition of digestive proteases, damage to larval midgut morphophysiology and induction of dysbiosis.

Beneficial impact of cathelicidin on hypersensitivity pneumonitis treatment-In vivo studies.

Cathelicidin (CRAMP) is a defence peptide with a wide range of biological responses including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and wound healing. Due to its original properties the usefulness of CRAMP in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis was assessed in a murine model of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). The studies were conducted on mouse strain C57BL/6J exposed to a saline extract of Pantoea agglomerans cells (HP inducer). Cathelicidin was administered in the form of an aerosol during and after HP development. Changes in the composition of immune cell populations (NK cells, macrophages, lymphocytes: Tc, Th, Treg, B), were monitored in lung tissue by flow cytometry. Extracellular matrix deposition (collagens, hydroxyproline), the concentration of cytokines involved in inflammatory and the fibrosis process (IFNγ, TNFα, TGFβ1, IL1β, IL4, IL5, IL10, IL12α, IL13) were examined in lung homogenates by the ELISA method. Alterations in lung tissue morphology were examined in mouse lung sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin as well as Masson trichrome dyes. The performed studies revealed that cathelicidin did not cause any negative changes in lung morphology/structure, immune cell composition or cytokines production. At the same time, CRAMP attenuated the immune reaction induced by mice chronic exposure to P. agglomerans and inhibited hydroxyproline and collagen deposition in the lung tissue of mice treated with bacteria extract. The beneficial effect of CRAMP on HP treatment was associated with restoring the balance in quantity of immune cells, cytokines production and synthesis of extracellular matrix components. The presented study suggests the usefulness of cathelicidin in preventing lung fibrosis; however, cathelicidin was not able to reverse pathological changes completely.

Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Saline Extract and Lectin-Rich Fraction from Microgramma vacciniifolia Rhizome in Mice.

Previous studies have characterized a saline extract from Microgramma vacciniifolia rhizome and its lectin (MvRL)-rich fraction with low acute toxicity. In the present study, we evaluated these preparations for acute toxicity (1,000 mg/kg) and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities (100-400 mg/kg for the extract and 25-50 mg/kg for the fraction). No signs of toxicity were observed. Both the extract and fraction increased the latency period for nociception in the hot plate assay, decreased writhing induced by acetic acid, and promoted analgesic effects in phases 1 and 2 of the formalin test. The antinociceptive mechanism was attributed to interactions with opioid receptors and K+ ATPase channels. The extract and fraction decreased carrageenan-induced paw edema in 46.15 % and 77.22 %, respectively, at the highest doses evaluated. Furthermore, the fraction was shown to act on the bradykinin pathway. The ability to decrease leukocyte migration after treatment was also verified in the peritonitis and air pouch models. In exudates collected from air pouches, decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and increased interleukin (IL)-10 levels were noted. Both the extract and fraction also effectively inhibited the development of granulomatous tissue. In conclusion, the substances investigated in this study can be used for the development of novel therapeutic options for pain and inflammatory processes.

In-vitro Evaluation of Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Antlion Larvae Extracts

Antlion is used in traditional medicine by natives of the southern part of Nigeria particularly the Yorubas for memory enhancement. The progress made so far in the use of this organism as a memory booster lead to investigating the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) (the key enzymes in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease) inhibitory activities of methanolic and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) extracts. The activities of these enzymes were investigated using Ellman’s method. The kinetics of the inhibition patterns was also studied using eserine as the standard inhibitor. The concentration of the extract required for 50% inhibition (IC50) of the AChE was 49.00 ± 1.20 and 271.40 ± 0.10 µg/mL, for the PBS and methanolic extracts respectively, compared to Eserine with IC50 of 2.25 x 10-2 ± 0.15 x 10-2 µg/mL. Similarly, the IC50 for the BuChE was 66.30 ± 0.40 and 216.70 ± 1.10 µg/mL respectively, for the methanol and PBS extracts, compared to Eserine with IC50 of 1.10 ± 0.30 µg/mL. The pattern of inhibition of the BuChE in the presence of the extracts was non-competitive, while AChE exhibited non-competitive and competitive inhibitions for the methanolic and PBS extracts respectively. It is therefore evident that extracts of the antlion larvae contained cholinesterase inhibitors which might be binding to AChE and BuChE; with the PBS extract inhibitory activity towards AChE being more potent than the methanolic extract. Suggesting a beneficial effect in cognitive deficit and related dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF LECTIN ISOLATED FROM LEAVES OF BRYOPHYLLUM PINNATUM

The Bryophyllum pinnatum refers to the family Crassulaceae. The glycoprotein from the 0.9% of normal saline extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves was refined by dialysis with 50% of ammonium sulfate. Protein concentration was invented by Lowry’s method. The dialyzed sample allowed for SDS-PAGE to determine the molecular weight (Mr ). The antioxidant activity of crude lectin extract has been assessed by the DPPH (1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS methods. The present study aims to verify the antioxidant activity of lectins detached from the leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum.

Evaluation of Moringa oleifera Extract as a Biocoagulant to Remove Microcystis aeruginosa Cells and Dissolved Metabolites

Cyanobacteria are microorganisms capable of releasing toxic metabolites in freshwater, deleterious to humans and other living organisms even in very low concentrations. Removing both cyanobacteria cells and their metabolites in conventional water treatment systems is still a challenge that needs to be addressed. This paper evaluated the use of Moringa oleifera saline extract and polyaluminum chloride (PACl) as coagulants in order to remove cells and metabolites of M. aeruginosa from water. Samples consisted of synthetic water spiked with humic acid and M. aeruginosa cells, with a final turbidity of 25 NTU. Coagulation/flocculation/dissolved air flotation (C/D/DAF) tests were performed with 50 mg/L of M. oleifera coagulant, combined with different proportions of PACl (10–50%). For removal of metabolites, 25 μg/L of microcystin and 50 ng/L of 2-MIB and geosmin were spiked in water samples. The best results were obtained with 70:30 M. oleifera:PACl, achieving removal efficiencies of 81.37%, 74.69%, and 71.06% for turbidity, color, and cell density, respectively. For microcystin, 2-MIB, and geosmin, after filtration (30 min), global removal efficiencies (clarification + filtration) of 99.45%, 62.37%, and 100%, respectively, were obtained, using Sand+GAC filter. The results suggest that the substitution of PACl by M. oleifera extract can be a good option to remove cyanobacteria cells from water, and high removal efficiencies of metabolites can be achieved after the complete proposed treatment.

Impact of Thymus vulgaris extract on sodium nitrite-induced alteration of renal redox and oxidative stress: Biochemical, molecular, and immunohistochemical study.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herbal plant with pleiotropic medicinal properties. In this study, we examined the possible protective effect of an ethanolic extract of thyme leaves against the renal oxidative stress induced by sodium nitrite (NaNO2 ). Male Swiss mice received either saline or thyme extract for 15days (0.5g/kg body weight, orally). NaNO2 (60mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at Day 14. The protective group received the thyme extract for 15days and NaNO2 on Day 14. Blood and kidney samples were taken from all groups to measure serum urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, serum, tissue antioxidant activity, and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of kidney injury marker-1 (Kim-1), TNF-α, nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1), all of which are associated with kidney redox and oxidative stress. Pretreatment with thyme extract reduced the effects of NaNO2 on urea, BUN, and creatinine, and reversed its effect on tissue and serum antioxidants. NaNO2 -induced nephritis as demonstrated by the upregulation in mRNA expression of Kim-1 and TNF-α, which was, however, recovered and protected by pretreatment with thyme extract. Expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was upregulated by treatment with thyme extract and downregulated by NaNO2 intoxication. NaNO2 -induced congestion in glomeruli and dilatation of the renal tubules, conditions that were restored in the group pretreated with thyme extract. NaNO2 upregulated Bax immunoreactivity and caused apoptosis in renal structures. Thus, thyme extract is effective in managing the renal toxicity associated with oxidative stress and renal redox. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results from this study have shown that use of thyme extract may promote better health due to its high antioxidant activity. For instance, it could be ingested to alleviate the symptoms of renal inflammation and oxidative stress associated with nitrite toxicity. Thyme extract regulated renal redox, oxidative stress, antioxidant levels, and inflammation-associated genes at the molecular, biochemical, and cellular immunohistochemical levels.

Treatment with Uncaria tomentosa Promotes Apoptosis in B16-BL6 Mouse Melanoma Cells and Inhibits the Growth of B16-BL6 Tumours.

Uncaria tomentosa is a medicinal plant native to Peru that has been traditionally used in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. In this study, the effectiveness of U. tomentosa as an anti-cancer agent was assessed using the growth and survival of B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells. B16-BL6 cell cultures treated with both ethanol and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) extracts of U. tomentosa displayed up to 80% lower levels of growth and increased apoptosis compared to vehicle controls. Treatment with ethanolic extracts of Uncaria tomentosa were much more effective than treatment with aqueous extracts. U. tomentosa was also shown to inhibit B16-BL6 cell growth in C57/bl mice in vivo. Mice injected with both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of U. tomentosa showed a 59 ± 13% decrease in B16-BL6 tumour weight and a 40 ± 9% decrease in tumour size. Histochemical analysis of the B16-BL6 tumours showed a strong reduction in the Ki-67 cell proliferation marker in U. tomentosa-treated mice and a small, but insignificant increase in terminal transferase dUTP nick labelling (TUNEL) staining. Furthermore, U. tomentosa extracts reduced angiogenic markers and reduced the infiltration of T cells into the tumours. Collectively, the results in this study concluded that U. tomentosa has potent anti-cancer activity that significantly inhibited cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Discolouration of contaminated water with textile dye through a combined coagulation/flocculation and membrane separation process with different natural coagulants extracted from Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds

AbstractThe removal of reactive black 5 (RB5) dye present in aqueous solution was studied by applying individual coagulation/flocculation (CF) and microfiltration (MF) processes as well as the combination of both processes (CF‐MF). In the CF process, three natural coagulants produced from Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds (MOS) were used: saline extract (ES) and the purified protein fractions of albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLO). In the MF process, a commercial polyethersulfone (PES) membrane was used. It was noticed that without the combination of both processes, the obtained RB5 removal was only 20.38% for ALB, 52.38% for GLO, and 12.50% for ES. However, when the CF process was combined with a microfiltration process, it was possible to achieve a higher textile dye removal, due to the formation of aggregates in the CF process larger than the pores of the microfiltration membrane. Especially with the ALB coagulant, the combined CF‐MF process achieved a removal greater than 95%. The results demonstrate the potential use of the purified proteins fractions of Moringa oleifera Lam. coagulant in combination with microfiltration process for water treatment.