Mangifera indica peels: A common waste product with impressive immunostimulant, anticancer and antimicrobial potency

The volatile components of 3 mango cultivars were investigated by means of GC, and GC-MS. Two hundred and forty compounds were identified, of which eighty five compounds were found for the first time in mango fruit. Terpene hydrocarbons were the major volatiles of all cultivars, the dominant terpenes in the 3 mango cultivars were ?-3-carene (2.784-14.904%), ?-terpinolene (4.825-15.879%), ?-copaene (2.281-8.097%), and caryophyIlene (3.390-10.897%). peel essential oils of M. indica cultivar zebdeya and M. indica cultivar cobaneya showed appreciable non specific immunostimulant activity measured by low Macrophage migration index. M. indica cultivar zebdeya and M. indica cultivar cobaneya had higher phagocytic indices up to 1.47and 1.06 respectively. The cytotoxicity of the essential oils were studied invitro against MCF-7, HCT-116 and Hep-G2 cancer cell lines using MTT assay showed significant effect with IC50 = 1.62-1.77, 2.95-5.56 and 2.76-3.14 µl/ml for respectively. Interestingly, M. indica cultivars zebdeya, cobaneya and hindi expressed a valuable cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line as compared to standard antitumor drug. The essential oils M. indica cultivars were tested by Kirby-Bauer method showing a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal activities. Generally, essential oils of the M. indica cultivars showed a moderate to high antibacterial activity with M. indica cultivar hindi being the most active showing broad spectrum activity against Gram-positive (18-21 mm) and Gram-negative bacteria (16-19 mm). It also showed significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans (16 mm); however, data revealed that all tested cultivars were ineffective and have no antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus. The MIC of the three M. indica cultivars essential oils revealed that although essential oils didn’t show antimicrobial activities against Aspergillus flavus the peel essential oils demonstrated variability in the inhibitory concentrations of each essential oil for the given microorganisms. The essential oils of peels showed activities in the range (concentrations) from 116 to 142 ?l/ml for M. indica cultivar zebdeya, 58 to 89 ?l/ml for M. indica cultivar hindi and from 121 to 172 ?l/ml for M. indica cultivar cobaneya. The present investigation proved the possibility of using M. indica peel waste as a source of low-cost natural immunostimulant, anticancer and antimicrobial. Key words: Mangifera indica peels; waste product; immunostimulant, anticancer; antimicrobia

Association of ghrelin and leptin with reproductive hormones in constitutional delay of growth and puberty

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) is a variation of the onset and timing of pubertal development without a defined endocrine abnormality. Recently published studies indicate that leptin and ghrelin play a role in puberty initiation and progress. They have been implicated in regulation of GnRH secretion, with ghrelin having inhibitory and leptin, facilitatory effects. We hypothesized that elevated ghrelin and reduced leptin concentrations could be implicated in altering the tempo of puberty in adolescents with CDGP. So in the current study we evaluate variations in leptin and ghrelin levels in adolescent boys with CDGP, the relationships between both hormones and reproductive hormones including LH, FSH and testosterone were also evaluated.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study enrolled 23 adolescent boys with CDGP and 20 healthy controls matched for age and sex. Weight, height, BMI, testicular volume, bone age, bone age delay, serum FSH, LH, testosterone, leptin and ghrelin were assessed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Adolescent boys with CDGP had significantly lower leptin and higher ghrelin than normal controls. Leptin was positively correlated with BMI, bone age, testicular volume, FSH, LH and testosterone and negatively correlated with delayed bone age and ghrelin. Ghrelin was negatively correlated with BMI, bone age, testicular volume, FSH, LH and testosterone. With multiple regression analysis BMI, FSH, LH, testosterone and ghrelin remained independently correlated with leptin while BMI, LH and testosterone remained independently correlated with ghrelin.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Elevated serum ghrelin and decreased leptin concentrations and their associations with reproductive hormones may explain the sexual immaturity in adolescent boys with CDGP.</p

CHEMICAL PROFILE OF TWO JASMINUM SAMBAC L. (AIT) CULTIVARS CULTIVATED IN EGYPT–THEIR MEDIATED SILVER NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIS AND SELECTIVE CYTOTOXICITY

Objective: Evaluation of two Jasminum sambac L. (Ait) cultivars; Arabian Nights (JSA) and Grand Duke of Tuscany (JSG) ethanolic leaves extracts as reducing agents for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and evaluation of their cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer and 5637 bladder cancer cell lines and chemical profiling of the two cultivars. Methods: The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the two cultivars and characterization of AgNPs by ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared&nbsp;Spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the use of The high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array-mass-mass-spectroscopy (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS) for chemical profiling of both cultivars and evaluation of total leaves extracts and corresponding nanoparticles towards MCF-7 and 5637 cell lines compared to aneuploidy immortal keratinocyte (Ha Cat) normal cells by neutral cell assay. Results: The green synthesized AgNPs (of an average size range of 8.83 and 11.24 nm for JSA and JSG, respectively) exhibited cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and 5637 cell lines. The IC50 was determined for each total extract JSA (15.29±2.16 μg/ml) and JSG (20.28±1.20 μg/ml) and corresponding AgNPs 17.32±2.22 μg/ml and 6.32±1.01μg/ml for JSA and JSG, respectively. The IC50 of JSA and JSG against 5637 bladder cancer cell line were 13.76±1.11 μg/ml and 50.69±3.75 μg/ml, while the corresponding AgNPs showed IC50 of 5.54±0.88 μg/ml and 27.89±2.84 μg/ml, respectively. The HPLC-PDA-MS/MS allowed the identification of 59 compounds; 10 simple phenols, 17 flavonoids; quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, 2 lignans, and 30 secoiridoids; oleuropein, molihauside, and sambacoside. Conclusion: This study proved that JSA is an excellent source for the synthesis of AgNPs with optimum characters and enhanced activities toward MCF-7 and 5637 cell lines in correlation to identified compounds

FORMULATION AND ASSESSMENT OF A HERBAL HAIR CREAM AGAINST CERTAIN DERMATOPHYTES

Objective: Developing an herbal antifungal formulation containing eruca and garlic oils against highly resistant dermatophytes (Malassezia fufur AUMC No. 5173, Microsporum canis bodin AUMC No. 5490 and Trichophyton mentagrophytes AUMC No. 5501. 5501) and assessment of garlic oil thiosulfonates during the ex vivo percutaneous permeation through albino rat skin.Methods: Assay of antifungal activity was performed by filter paper disc method and agar well diffusion method. The components of volatile constituents and fixed oil of eruca seeds were studied using GC/MS. Thiosulfinates in garlic oil were analyzed by HPLC/UV. Both oils were incorporated into hair cream using span 60 and brij 58 at three different concentrations (2, 4 and 6% w/w) and alliin, was ex vivo evaluated using albino rat skin mounted on Franz diffusion cells.Results: The two oils have a synergistic effect on the first and additive effect on the second and the third fungi. The main constituents in eruca are 4-(methyl thio) butyl isothiocyanate (82%) for volatile constituents and erucic acid (40%) for the fixed one. The highest flux for alliin (0.337±0.0015 mg/cm2/hr) was obtained at a 4% surfactant concentration.Conclusion: Combination of oils has a high activity on the selected dermatophytes. Formulation of an herbal hair cream using span 60 and Brij 58 with a concentration 4% gives the highest permeation rate for alliin in garlic oil.Keywords: Eruca, Garlic, Dermatophytes, Quantitative determination and Ex-vivo permeatio

MANUFACTURE OF SWEETENED FULL-FAT YOGHURT WITH DIFFER-ENT CALORIES CONTENT

The present study was carried out as an attempt to manufacture and study the properties of sweetened full-fat yoghurt with different calories content by using 9% sucrose (Sug), 0.015% sucralose (Suc), 5% prepared dates powder (DP) and whole cow's milk . Changes in pH values during fermentation period were followed. The resultant yoghurt was analyzed for chemical composition, some physical and sensory properties as well as the energy content for the fresh and stored yoghurt. The results showed that, treatments had insignificant effect on the activity of yoghurt starter culture. Sug and Suc had insignificant effect on the acidity and pH either in fresh or stored yoghurt, whereas the use of DP increased them significantly. No significant increase in acidity or decrease in pH values were recorded during storage period. TS, ash and carbohydrates contents were greatly affected due to adding 9% Sug and 5% DP, whereas fat and protein were not affected by the used additives, while due to storage period the effects were insignificant. Sug and DP treatments had the highest significant energy values (97.26 and 82.76 kcal/100 g in order), while Suc gave an opportunity to prepare sweetened low-calorie yoghurt with insignificant differences compared to the control. The significant increase in curd tension (CT) in Sug-yoghurt was accompanied by lower curd syneresis (CS) in most cases as compared with those of the control samples. Sensory properties were not significantly affected by treatments, but sucralose caused more smoothness and sweetness when compared with sucrose. DP-yoghurt had slightly brown colour which was colour for set yoghurt. In general, all samples were free from bitterness rejected by some panelists and accepted by others, who found it an accepted no, cooked and foreign flavours

Metabolic profling of cytotoxic metabolites from five Tabebuia species supported by molecular correlation analysis

Tabebuia is the largest genus among the family Bignoniaceae. Tabebuia species are known for their high ornamental and curative value. Here, the cytotoxic potential of extracts from the leaves and stems of fve Tabebuia species was analyzed. The highest activity was observed for T. rosea (Bertol.) DC. stem extract against HepG2 cell line (IC50 4.7 µg/mL), T. pallida L. stem extract against MCF-7 cell line (IC50 6.3 µg/mL), and T. pulcherrima stem extract against CACO2 cell line (IC50 2.6 µg/mL). Metabolic profiling of the ten extracts using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry for dereplication purposes led to annotation of forty compounds belonging to diferent chemical classes. Among the annotated compounds, irridoids represent the major class. Principle component analysis (PCA) was applied to test the similarity and variability among the tested species and the score plot showed similar chemical profling between the leaves and stems of both T. pulcherrima and T. pallida L. and unique chemical profling among T. rosea (Bertol.) DC., T. argentea Britton, and T. guayacan (Seem.) Hemsl. leaf extracts and the stem extract of T. rosea (Bertol.) DC. Additionally, a molecular correlation analysis was used to annotate the bioactive cytotoxic metabolites in the extracts and correlate between their chemical and biological profles

Structural and Functional Abnormalities in the Caudate Nucleus of Schizophrenic Patients with and without Obsessive Symptoms

Background: Obsessive\u2013compulsive symptoms (OCS) have been frequently described in schizophrenic populations. There is a controversy on whether this co-occurrence is more than just comorbidity or represents a distinct subgroup in schizophrenia. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are possible underlying structural and functional differences between schizophrenic patients with and those without OCS. Patients and methods: Participants in this study were divided into three groups: 20 patients having schizophrenia with OCS; 20 patients having schizophrenia without OCS (both were diagnosed according to DSM-IV-TR); and 20 matching controls. All participants underwent an MRI for volumetric measurement of the caudate nucleus and a magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure choline (Cho), creatine, and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) in the caudate nucleus. Results: Caudate volume was found to be reduced in schizophrenic patients with or without OCS (P 640.05). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings showed that schizophrenic patients without OCS had significant increase in Cho concentration (P 640.05), but average NAA concentration. In contrast, schizophrenic patients with OCS had significant reduction in NAA concentration (P 640.05) with average Cho concentration. Conclusion: Schizophrenic patients with OCS may have an atypical set of neuroradiological characteristics that would specifically categorize it within the schizophrenia spectrum

Upgrading Milk Productivity of Primiparous Buffaloes Using Glycogenic Precursors; Implications on Milk Production and Blood Biochemical Parameters

This study was performed to explore the effect of drenching propylene glycol (PG) and calcium propionate (CP) as a source of energy to primiparous Egyptian buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis) on milk production and some blood biochemical parameters. Eighteen primiparous buffalo cows (8 weeks before calving) with an average live body weight (LBW) of 500±25kg and aged 35±5 months were used. Animals were classified to three comparable groups (6, each) based on (LBW), body condition scores and expected calving date. Animals in the 1stgroup served as a control (C), were drenched 3L of saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) without any additives, the animals in the 2nd group (PG) were drenched 300 mL of propylene glycol dissolved in 3L of a saline solution. In the 3rd group (CP), animals were drenched 335g of calcium propionate dissolved in 3L of a saline solution. Milk production and milk composition of primiparous buffalo cows were measured. Blood samples were collected from all buffalos for biochemical analysis. Results showed significant effects on average daily and total milk yield but no significant difference on milk composition. All blood biochemical parameters revealed no significant variation between treated and control groups except for plasma beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) and both T3 and T4 hormones concentrations. The overall mean of BHB in treated (PG) and (CP) was also lower (17.67 and 14.67 vs. 26) than control group. Overall mean of T3 concentration hormone was the lowest in control group represented 3.13 vs. 5.28 and 4.99 ng/ml) for (PG) and (CP) treated group. The highest overall mean of T4 concentration hormone was recorded in (CP) treated group represented 19.55 ng/ml. Concisely, the present results indicate that drenching (PG) and (CP) have a positive effect on the productive traits of primiparous Egyptian buffalo cows while, did not affect the blood biochemical parameters

Cytotoxic Activity and Metabolic Profiling of Fifteen Euphorbia Species

Euphorbia is a large genus of flowering plants with a great diversity in metabolic pattern. Testing the cytotoxic potential of fifteen Euphorbia species revealed highest activity of E. officinarum L. against CACO2 cell line (IC50 7.2 µM) and of E. lactea Haw. against HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines (IC50 5.2 and 5.1 µM, respectively). Additionally, metabolic profiling of the fifteen tested species, using LC-HRMS, for dereplication purposes, led to the annotation of 44 natural compounds. Among the annotated compounds, diterpenoids represent the major class. Dereplication approach and multivariate data analysis are adopted in order to annotate the compounds responsible for the detected cytotoxic activity. Results of PCA come in a great accordance with results of biological testing, which emphasized the cytotoxic properties of E. lactea Haw. A similarity correlation network showed that the two compounds with the molecular formula C16H18O8 and C20H30O10, are responsible for cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines. Similarly, the compound with molecular formula C18H35NO correlates with cytotoxic activity against CACO2

Discovery of two brominated oxindole alkaloids as staphylococcal DNA gyrase and pyruvate kinase inhibitors via inverse virtual screening

In the present study, a small marine-derived natural products library was assessed for antibacterial potential. Among 36 isolated compounds, a number of bis-indole derivatives exhibited growth-inhibitory activity towards Gram-positive strains (Bacillus subtilis and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). 5- and 6-trisindoline (5-Tris and 6-Tris) were the most active derivatives (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC, 4&ndash;8 &micro;M) that were subsequently selected for anti-biofilm activity evaluation. Only 5-Tris was able to inhibit the staphylococcal biofilm formation starting at a 5 &micro;M concentration. In order to investigate their possible molecular targets, both natural products were subjected to in silico inverse virtual screening. Among 20 target proteins, DNA gyrase and pyruvate kinase were the most likely to be involved in the observed antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of both selected natural products. The in vitro validation and in silico binding mode studies revealed that 5-Tris could act as a dual enzyme inhibitor (IC50 11.4 &plusmn; 0.03 and 6.6 &plusmn; 0.05 &micro;M, respectively), while 6-Tris was a low micromolar gyrase-B inhibitor (IC50 2.1 &plusmn; 0.08 &micro;M), indicating that the bromine position plays a crucial role in the determination of the antibacterial lead compound inhibitory activity