In vivo pretreatment of Eudrilus eugeniae powder attenuates β-adrenoceptor toxicity mediated by isoproterenol in rat model

Abstract The present study was designed to discover the potential cardioprotective function of earthworm powder (EWP) extracted from Eudrilus eugeniae on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into four groups, with six rats in each group. Certain rats were pretreated with EWP (200 mg/kg bwt) (Group III), and a myocardial infarction was then induced by subcutaneous injection of ISO (85 mg/kg bwt) (Group II). Oral pretreatment of 200 mg/kg bwt of EWP for 28 days significantly (p > 0.05) improved the blood profile levels, including (a) the lipid profile of total cholesterol (TC), free fatty acids (FFA), and triglycerides (TG); (b) low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and protein; and (c) A/G ratio, glucose and uric acid levels. The electrophoretic pattern of elevated lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) levels was recovered by EWP treatment as evidenced by comparison with ISO-induced rats with cardiac damage. The above results indicate that EWP (200 mg/kg bwt) provides a cardioprotective effect by attenuating the blood profile, lipid profile, biochemical levels, and LDH patterns in rats that experienced an ISO-induced myocardial infarction

Towards bio-encapsulation of chitosan-silver nanocomplex? Impact on malaria mosquito vectors, human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) and behavioral traits of non-target fishes

In this study, we synthesized and bio-encapsulated a chitosan-silver nanocomplex (Ch-AgNPs), characterizing it by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, EDX, SEM, XRD and Zeta potential analyses. The bio-encapsulated chitosan-Ag nanocomplex (BNC) was efficient as scavenger of free radicals (DPPH and ABTS), if compared to Ch-AgNPs. In toxicity assays against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) the BNC triggered apoptotic pathways, leading to a decline of MCF-7 cell viability with IC50 of 17.79 μg/mL after 48 h of exposure. LC50 of BNC on Anopheles stephensi ranged from 54.65 (larva I), to 98.172 ppm (pupa) while Ch-AgNPs LC50 ranged from 4.432 (I) to 7.641 ppm (pupa). In the field, the application of Ch-AgNP (10 × LC50) lead to A. stephensi larval reduction to 86.2, 48.4 and 100% after 24, 48, and 72 h, while the BNC nanocomplex exhibited 68.8, 36.4 and 100% larval reduction, respectively. Both Ch-AgNPs and the BNC reduced longevity and fecundity of A. stephensi. As regards to non-target effects on fish behavioral traits, in standard conditions, Poecilia reticulata predation on A. stephensi larvae was 70.25 (II) and 46.75 larvae per day (III), while post-treatment with sub-lethal doses of BNC, predation was boosted to 88.5 (II) and 70.25 (III) larvae per day

Magnetic nanoparticles are highly toxic to chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum, dengue virus (DEN-2), and their mosquito vectors

SURESH KUMAR SUBBIAH (A04156) / / / Kadarkarai Murugan,Jiang Wei,Mohamad Saleh Alsalhi,Marcello Nicoletti,Manickam Paulpandi,Christina Mary Samidoss,Devakumar Dinesh,Balamurugan Chandramohan,Chellasamy Paneerselvam,Jayapal Subramaniam,Chithravel Vadiva

Earthworm-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles: a potent tool against hepatocellular carcinoma, Plasmodium falciparum parasites and malaria mosquitoes

The development of parasites and pathogens resistant to synthetic drugs highlighted the needing of novel, eco-friendly and effective control approaches. Recently, metal nanoparticles have been proposed as highly effective tools towards cancer cells and Plasmodium parasites. In this study, we synthesized silver nanoparticles (EW–AgNP) using Eudrilus eugeniae earthworms as reducing and stabilizing agents. EW–AgNP showed plasmon resonance reduction in UV–vis spectrophotometry, the functional groups involved in the reduction were studied by FTIR spectroscopy, while particle size and shape was analyzed by FESEM. The effect of EW–AgNP on in vitro HepG2 cell proliferation was measured using MTT assays. Apoptosis assessed by flow cytometry showed diminished endurance of HepG2 cells and cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. EW–AgNP were toxic to Anopheles stephensi larvae and pupae, LC50 were 4.8 ppm (I), 5.8 ppm (II), 6.9 ppm (III), 8.5 ppm (IV), and 15.5 ppm (pupae). The antiplasmodial activity of EW–AgNP was evaluated against CQ-resistant (CQ-r) and CQ-sensitive (CQ-s) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. EW–AgNP IC50 were 49.3 μg/ml (CQ-s) and 55.5 μg/ml (CQ-r), while chloroquine IC50 were 81.5 μg/ml (CQ-s) and 86.5 μg/ml (CQ-r). EW–AgNP showed a valuable antibiotic potential against important pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Concerning non-target effects of EW–AgNP against mosquito natural enemies, the predation efficiency of the mosquitofish Gambusia affinis towards the II and II instar larvae of A. stephensi was 68.50% (II) and 47.00% (III), respectively. In EW–AgNP-contaminated environments, predation was boosted to 89.25% (II) and 70.75% (III), respectively. Overall, this research highlighted the EW–AgNP potential against hepatocellular carcinoma, Plasmodium parasites and mosquito vectors, with little detrimental effects on mosquito natural enemies

Fabrication of nano-mosquitocides using chitosan from crab shells: impact on non-target organisms in the aquatic environment

Mosquitoes are arthropods of huge medical and veterinary relevance, since they vector pathogens and parasites of public health importance, including malaria, dengue and Zika virus. Currently, nanotechnology is considered a potential eco-friendly approach in mosquito control research. We proposed a novel method of biofabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using chitosan (Ch) from crab shells. Ch-AgNP nanocomposite was characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD. Ch-AgNP were tested against larvae and pupae of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi obtaining LC50 ranging from 3.18 ppm (I) to 6.54 ppm (pupae). The antibacterial properties of Ch-AgNP were proved against Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhi, while no growth inhibition was reported in assays conducted on Proteus vulgaris. Concerning non-target effects, in standard laboratory considtions the predation efficiency of Danio rerio zebrafishes was 68.8% and 61.6% against I and II instar larvae of A. stephensi, respectively. In a Ch-AgNP-contaminated environment, fish predation was boosted to 89.5% and 77.3%, respectively. Quantitative analysis of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and LPO from hepatopancreas of fresh water crabs Paratelphusa hydrodromous exposed for 16 days to a Ch-AgNP-contaminated aquatic environment were conducted. Notably, deleterious effects of Ch-AgNP contaminating aquatic enviroment on the non-target crab P. hydrodromous were observed, particularly when doses higher than 8–10 ppm are tested. Overall, this research highlights the potential of Ch-AGNP for the development of newer control tools against young instar populations of malaria mosquitoes, also highlighting some risks concerned the employ of nanoparticles in aquatic environments

Biosurfactants produced by Bacillus subtilis A1 and Pseudomonas stutzeri NA3 reduce longevity and fecundity of Anopheles stephensi and show high toxicity against young instars

Anopheles stephensi acts as vector of Plasmodium parasites, which are responsible for malaria in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. Currently, malaria management is a big challenge due to the presence of insecticide-resistant strains as well as to the development of Plasmodium species highly resistant to major antimalarial drugs. Therefore, the present study focused on biosurfactant produced by two bacteria Bacillus subtilis A1 and Pseudomonas stutzeri NA3, evaluating them for insecticidal applications against malaria mosquitoes. The produced biosurfactants were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which confirmed that biosurfactants had a lipopeptidic nature. Both biosurfactants were tested against larvae and pupae of A. stephensi. LC50 values were 3.58 (larva I), 4.92 (II), 5.73 (III), 7.10 (IV), and 7.99 (pupae) and 2.61 (I), 3.68 (II), 4.48 (III), 5.55 (IV), and 6.99 (pupa) for biosurfactants produced by B. subtilis A1 and P. stutzeri NA3, respectively. Treatments with bacterial surfactants led to various physiological changes including longer pupal duration, shorter adult oviposition period, and reduced longevity and fecundity. To the best of our knowledge, there are really limited reports on the mosquitocidal and physiological effects due to biosurfactant produced by bacterial strains. Overall, the toxic activity of these biosurfactant on all young instars of A. stephensi, as well as their major impact on adult longevity and fecundity, allows their further consideration for the development of insecticides in the fight against malaria mosquitoes

Mosquitocidal, Antimalarial and Antidiabetic Potential of Musa paradisiaca-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles: In Vivo and In Vitro Approaches

The development of pathogens and parasites resistant to synthetic drugs has created the need for developing alternative approaches to fight vector-borne diseases. In this research, we fabricated green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using Musa paradisiaca stem extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. AgNP showed plasmon resonance reduction under UV–Vis spectrophotometry, SEM and XRD highlighted that they were crystalline in nature with face centered cubic geometry. The FTIR spectrum of AgNP exhibited main peaks at 464.74, 675.61, 797.07, 1059.42, 1402.58, 1639.69, 2115.61 and 3445.75 cm−1. AgNP showed growth inhibition activity against bacteria and fungi of public health relevance. AgNP were a valuable candidate for treatment of diabetes in STZ-treated rat by normalizing glucose, galactose and insulin. AgNP were toxic against larvae and pupae of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi, with LC50 of 3.642 (I), 5.497 (II), 8.561 (III), 13.477 (IV), and 17.898 ppm (pupae), respectively. Furthermore, the antiplasmodial activity of nanoparticles was evaluated against CQ-resistant (CQ-r) and CQ-sensitive (CQ-s) strains of Plasmodium falciparum, IC50 were 84.22 μg/ml (CQ-s) and 89.24 μg/ml (CQ-r), while chloroquine IC50 were 86 μg/ml (CQ-s) and 91 μg/ml (CQ-r). Overall, we add knowledge on the multipurpose effectiveness of green-fabricated nanoparticles in medicine and parasitology, which can be potentially helpful to develop newer and safer antiplasmodial agents and vector control tools

Nanofabrication of Graphene Quantum Dots with High Toxicity Against Malaria Mosquitoes, Plasmodium falciparum and MCF-7 Cancer Cells: Impact on Predation of Non-target Tadpoles, Odonate Nymphs and Mosquito Fishes

Recently, it has been highlighted an overlooked connection between the biting activity of Anopheles mosquitoes and the spread of cancer. The excellent physico-chemical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) make them a suitable candidate for biomedical applications. We focused on the toxicity of GQDs against Plasmodium falciparum and its vector Anopheles stephensi, and their impact on predation of non-target mosquito predators. Biophysical methods, including UV–vis, photoluminescence, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, XRD analysis and TEM, confirmed the effective GQD nanosynthesis. LC50 against A. stephensi ranged from 0.157 (larva I) to 6.323 ppm (pupa). The antiplasmodial activity of GQDs was evaluated against CQ-resistant (CQ-r) and CQ-sensitive (CQ-s) strains of P. falciparum. IC50 were 82.43 (CQ-s) and 85.17 μg/ml (CQ-r). In vivo experiments conducted on Plasmodium berghei infecting albino mice showed moderate activity of GQDs if compared to chloroquine. Concerning non-target effects, the predation efficiency of Gambusia affinis, Anax immaculifrons and Hoplobatrachus tigerinus post-treatment with GQDs was enhanced. Lastly, GQDs were toxic against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines with an IC50 = 24.81 μg/ml, triggering apoptosis in treated cells. Overall, we highlighted the multipurpose potential of GQDs for the development of newer drugs in the fight against Anopheles vectors, Plasmodium parasites and breast cancer cells

Nanofabrication of Graphene Quantum Dots with High Toxicity Against Malaria Mosquitoes, Plasmodium falciparum and MCF-7 Cancer Cells: Impact on Predation of Non-target Tadpoles, Odonate Nymphs and Mosquito Fishes

Recently, it has been highlighted an overlooked connection between the biting activity of Anopheles mosquitoes and the spread of cancer. The excellent physico-chemical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) make them a suitable candidate for biomedical applications. We focused on the toxicity of GQDs against Plasmodium falciparum and its vector Anopheles stephensi, and their impact on predation of non-target mosquito predators. Biophysical methods, including UV–vis, photoluminescence, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, XRD analysis and TEM, confirmed the effective GQD nanosynthesis. LC50 against A. stephensi ranged from 0.157 (larva I) to 6.323 ppm (pupa). The antiplasmodial activity of GQDs was evaluated against CQ-resistant (CQ-r) and CQ-sensitive (CQ-s) strains of P. falciparum. IC50 were 82.43 (CQ-s) and 85.17 μg/ml (CQ-r). In vivo experiments conducted on Plasmodium berghei infecting albino mice showed moderate activity of GQDs if compared to chloroquine. Concerning non-target effects, the predation efficiency of Gambusia affinis, Anax immaculifrons and Hoplobatrachus tigerinus post-treatment with GQDs was enhanced. Lastly, GQDs were toxic against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines with an IC50 = 24.81 μg/ml, triggering apoptosis in treated cells. Overall, we highlighted the multipurpose potential of GQDs for the development of newer drugs in the fight against Anopheles vectors, Plasmodium parasites and breast cancer cells