Influence of extraction method on antioxidant properties of Rheum ribes root extract

Rheum species are important medicinal herbs, often used in pharmacological research, due to the presence of anthracene derivatives in the subterranean parts of the plant. In this study, we intended to assess its antioxidant capacity, in correlation with the method of extraction. For this purpose, Rheum ribes extraction was realized with four solvents of different polarities (50% methanol, 70% ethanol, 80% acetonitrile, and petroleum ether). We used different extraction techniques, such as orbital shaker, ultrasonic stirrer, microwave, and Soxhlet extraction, and the total phenolic content of the Rheum ribes extracts was determined by modified Folin–Ciocalteu method. The reducing power and radical scavenging activity of the extracts were also evaluated. The results shown that the antioxidant activity of the extracts depends on the extraction methods especially through the used solvent and decreases in the order: ethanol > methanol > acetonitrile > petroleum ether

Association of OPRK1 rs963549 and rs997917 polymorphisms with opioid use disorder and related phenotypes

Aim: To evaluate the association between OPRK1 rs963549 and rs997917 and opioid use disorder (OUD) and related phenotypes. Methods: A sample of 208 individuals with (n = 100) and without (n = 108) OUD were enrolled. OPRK1 rs963549 and rs997917 were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. Craving, opioid withdrawal and the intensity of depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured by the appropriate scales. Results:OPRK1 rs963549 variation showed a trend of association with decreased opioid withdrawal. No significant associations were found between OPRK1 rs963549 and rs997917 polymorphisms and craving, depression or anxiety symptoms. Neither single OPRK1 SNPs nor OPRK1 haplotypes were associated with OUD. Conclusion: Our results could be useful for treatment failures of individuals who experience greater opioid withdrawal due to their OPRK1 rs963549 genotypes

Effect of PDYN rs2281285, rs2235749 and rs910080 gene polymorphisms on the intensity of depression symptoms and negative craving in heroin addicts

The present study was undertaken to explore whether prodynorphin (PDYN) polymorphisms have an effect on the intensity of depressive symptoms and negative craving in heroin addicts in a sample of 100 heroin addicts and 108 controls. PDYN rs2281285, rs2225749 and rs910080 polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. Craving and the intensity of depressive symptoms were measured by the Substance Craving Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II, respectively. A significant association between depression severity and PDYN rs2281285 (P=0.026) and rs2225749 (P=0.038) polymorphisms was detected. PDYN rs2225749 variation showed a trend association with increased negative craving (P=0.066). We also examined the associations between heroin dependence and PDYN rs2281285, rs2225749 and rs910080 gene polymorphisms at the gene and haplotype levels. The AAA haplotype was more frequent in heroin addicts and shown to be significantly associated with increased risk for heroin dependence (OR, 8.922; 95% CI, 1.116-71.313; P[removed