Oleuropein and oleic acid: A novel emerging dietary target for human chronic diseases

263-268The human chronic metabolic disease is predominantly associated with the disturbance in the lipid, proteins and nucleic acid biological balance due to the attack of free radicals generated from oxidative stress. Currently, the available synthetic antioxidants are synthesized by food industries are very effective and inexpensive but as chronic use, it exhibits many toxicological health effects like synthetic drugs. Hence, plant origin antioxidants gained increasing attention all over the world. In this regards, Olive tree (Olea europaea L.) belongs to Oleaceae family and its by-products such as olive leaves and olive oil are highly focused by many researcher due to its potential therapeutic effects in a reversal of various chronic diseases without any side effects. Oleuropein and Oleic acid are the major components in the olive by products and attributes olive as a holly natural remedy and also olive oil considered as a potential food ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. The fat content in olive fruits is higher than olive leaves. Whereas, the protein ratio is higher in olive leaves and more abundance of Oleuropein, which contributes major health benefits as compared to olive oil. Oleic acid with high MUFA ratio contributes to the major health benefits of olive oil to several human chronic diseases

Variation of antioxidant activity and Phenolic content of some common home remedies with storage time

The variation of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of some plants commonly used as home remedies were screened on the basis of time factor such as methonlolic extracts of short term and long term air dried plant Ocimum sanctum (leaf), Cucumis sativus (Seed), and ethanolic extracts of Capsicum frutescens (Seed)and Coriandrum sativum(Seed). Antioxidant activities and total phenolic content values were estimated using DPPH reagent and Folin Ciocalteu reagent methods respectively. The antioxidant activity in short term air dried Ocimum sanctum plant methanol extract (IC50=0.03±0.01 mg/ l) stoods at the highest side than other plant extracts. On other side Coriandrum sativum plant ethanol extract represent higher phenolic content (70.24±3.4/66.57±4.1 mg/g) than other plant extracts. It was found that there is no correlation between antioxidant and phenolic content of these plant extracts and long term air dried samples had shown slight variation of antioxidant activities and total phenol contents from short term dried samples. Methanol extract of Ocimum sanctum. plant had shown statistical significance in antioxidant activity (short term IC50 0.03±0.01mg/dl, long term IC500.05±0,01mg/dl) than other study extracts These findings have high significance in the ageing of food chemistry

Bacteriological profile of wound infections and antimicrobial resistance in selected gram-negative bacteria

Background: Managing wound infections is a challenging task. Understanding their resistance pattern is an essential step at reducing its burden in hospital settings. Objective: To determine the bacteriological diversity of wound infections and the antimicrobial resistance exhibited by a selected Gram-negative bacterium in the Aljouf region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study retrospectively analysed the antibiograms of wound infections from hospitalized patients for the year 2019. The European Centre for Disease Control guidelines were adopted for the classification of resistant bacteria. Multidrug-, extensive drug-, and carbapenem-resistant isolates are presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 295 non-duplicate wound swab antibiograms were retrieved, 64.4% (190) and 35.6% (105) isolates were Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial infections respectively. Predominant pathogens included Staphylococcus species 21.0% (62), E. coli 16.3% (48) and K. pneumoniae 13.5% (40). 148 (77.9%), 42 (22.1%) and 43 (22.6%) of the Gram-negative isolates were multidrug-, extensively drug- and carbapenem-resistant. The antibiotic resistance exhibited by gram-negative bacteria was 43.4% (234/539), 59.1% (224/379) and 53.7% (101/188) towards carbapenems, 3rd - and 4th – generation cephalosporins. Conclusions: The majority of wound infections are caused by multidrug-, extensively drug- and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Further studies should focus on the molecular basis of this resistance. Keywords: Wound infections; hospital; Gram-negative bacteria; antibiograms; multidrug-resistance; E. coli

Detection of Extended-Spectrum ß-lactamases Production by Escherichia coli: A Phenotypic Comparative Study

Resistance to antibiotics is a serious concern and immediate steps are required to crub the resistance gained by microorganisms. Extended spectrum beta- lactamases (ESBLs) producing E.coli (Escherichia coli) is rapidly increasing and making antibiotics difficult to treat around the world. The screening of ESBL producers among Escherichia coli was done by method Double Disk Synergy Test (DDST), using ceftazidime and ceftriaxone disc and Combined Disc Test (CD) using ceftazidime-clavulanic acid according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) protocol. In the DDST method, out of 60 clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, 22 were found ESBL positive isolates, and among 22 positive isolates 18 strains shows increase in zone of inhibition by both ceftazidime and ceftriaxone disc. The remaining 4 ESBL isolates, 3 of them showed zone of inhibition to ceftazidime and only 1 isolate showed inhibition by ceftriaxone disc. Similarly, in CD method apart from 22 isolates detected by DDST method it detected 1 more isolate as ESBL producers. Furthermore, the CD method detects inducible beta- lactamase in III generation of cephalosporin sensitive isolate. Our study showed 22 isolates were found by DDST method and 23 isolates by CD method. This study results showed the prevalence of ESBL in E. coli were 36.66% by DDST and 38.33% by CD tests and we conclude that combined disk test (CD) is better than DDST for detection of ESBL

Antiurolithic effect of olive oil in a mouse model of ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis

Purpose: At present, commercially available antiurolithic drugs have more adverse effects than potential therapeutic or preventive effects with chronic use. With this in mind, the present study was designed to assess the antiurolithic effect of olive oil in a mouse model of ethylene glycol (EG)-induced urolithiasis. Materials and Methods: Adult albino mice were divided into 6 groups. Group I was fed the vehicle only. Group II was supplemented with 0.75% EG alone in drinking water during the experimental period to initiate deposition of calcium oxalate in kidneys, which leads to urolithiasis in animals. Groups III (olive oil control group) through V were fed olive oil orally at various doses during the experimental period. Group VI received cystone (750 mg/kg). Groups IV–VI additionally received 0.75% EG in drinking water ad libitum. SPSS ver.17.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study results showed significantly higher levels of serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine (p<0.05) in group II than in groups III–VI and I. Administration of olive oil at different doses restored the elevated serum parameters in groups IV and V compared with group II. Urine and kidney calcium, oxalate, and phosphate levels in groups IV–VI were significantly lower (p<0.05) than in animals with EG-induced urolithiasis (group II). Group V mice showed a significant restoration effect on serum as well as urine and kidney parameters compared with group II. Conclusions: Supplementation with olive oil (1.7 mL/kg body weight) reduced and prevented the growth of urinary stones, possibly by inhibiting renal tubular membrane damage due to peroxidative stress induced by hyperoxaluria

ISOLATION AND PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF MODERATE HALOPHILIC BACTERIA FROM ATHALOSALINE LAKE, DUMAT AL-JANDAL, IN EXTREME NORTH OF AL JOUF (KSA)

Introduction: Hypersaline intra-continental (athalassohaline) salt lakes represent an extreme type of habitat where halophilic prokaryotes are a dominant form of life. Bacteria are commonly found in natural environments containing significant concentration of NaCl. Dumat Al Jandal artificial Lake is a man-made water body located in Dumat Al Jandal, Al-Jouf province. This lake features numerous ecosystems including hypersaline environments in which microbial diversity has never yet been studied. Objective: We evaluate the presence of moderately halophilic microbial population in the lake extreme environments based on Physiochemical and Microbiological characterization. Methodology: Water samples were collected from the lake from different sites. Sample salinity was determined using a conductivity meter. Samples were diluted and cultured on a chemically defined medium (CDM) to grow halophilic bacteria. The density of halophiles was estimated by viable plate counts. A collection of isolates was selected, gram-stained, tested for catalase, and characterized using standard microbiological methods. Result: Growth occurred at 3-15%(W/V), NaCl (optimum 8%), pH 5– 9(optimum 7.5) and temperature 35-40oC(optimum 38oC). The density of halophilic bacteria in water samples ranged from 2.2×102 - 42×102 colony forming units per ml (cfu ml-1). Phenotypic results revealed members of the domain Bacteria only and the predominant genus were Halomonas and Bacillus followed by others. The majority of bacteria isolated were gramnegative, catalase-positive, and rods. Conclusion: Our trials paved an effective avenue of isolating moderate halophilic bacteria from this lake in order to promote saline-alkali soil-based agriculture, and it also serves as a source for halostable enzymes which offers potential applications in various pharmacochemical industries

Quantitative Changes in White Blood Cells: Correlation with the Hallmarks of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background and Objectives: In women of reproductive age, leukocytosis is a risk factor that bridges low-grade chronic inflammation (metabolic inflammation), metabolic changes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is a potential early predictor of PCOS. This study aims to explore the predictive role of quantitative changes in white blood cells (WBCs) and neutrophils in PCOS-associated metabolic changes. Materials and Methods: A total number of 176 blood samples were obtained from age-matched women of the reproductive period, comprising 88 PCOS cases and 88 healthy controls. Hematological, metabolic, and anthropometric indices and ultrasonic assessment were recorded. Results: Elevated levels of luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and lipid parameters except HDL-C levels, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in PCOS were statistically significant (p p 46.62% (sensitivity 94.32% and specificity 74.42%) and >1.23 (sensitivity 71.59% and specificity 100%), respectively. With regard to the areas under the curve (AUC) and Youden indices, they constituted 0.922 and 0.697 for neutrophil count and 0.926 and 0.716 for NLR, respectively. The comparative ROC z-statistic value was 2.222 and a p = 0.026. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant influence for hormonal and metabolic independent variables on the neutrophil count in PCOS cases, but, as can be expected, revealed a significant negative relationship with the other components of WBCs. Conclusion: In conclusion, relative neutrophilia and elevated NLR are potential cost-effective, sensitive, and specific predictors of PCOS that may also shed light on the mechanism of chronic low-grade inflammation that is characteristic of the disease

Quantitative Changes in White Blood Cells: Correlation with the Hallmarks of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background and Objectives: In women of reproductive age, leukocytosis is a risk factor that bridges low-grade chronic inflammation (metabolic inflammation), metabolic changes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is a potential early predictor of PCOS. This study aims to explore the predictive role of quantitative changes in white blood cells (WBCs) and neutrophils in PCOS-associated metabolic changes. Materials and Methods: A total number of 176 blood samples were obtained from age-matched women of the reproductive period, comprising 88 PCOS cases and 88 healthy controls. Hematological, metabolic, and anthropometric indices and ultrasonic assessment were recorded. Results: Elevated levels of luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and lipid parameters except HDL-C levels, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in PCOS were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). The neutrophil count and neutrophil&ndash;lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in PCOS patients were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) than their counterparts. The predictive ability of the neutrophil count and neutrophil&ndash;lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for PCOS, and possibly its associating subclinical inflammation at optimum cut-off values for the neutrophil count and NLR of &gt;46.62% (sensitivity 94.32% and specificity 74.42%) and &gt;1.23 (sensitivity 71.59% and specificity 100%), respectively. With regard to the areas under the curve (AUC) and Youden indices, they constituted 0.922 and 0.697 for neutrophil count and 0.926 and 0.716 for NLR, respectively. The comparative ROC z-statistic value was 2.222 and a p = 0.026. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant influence for hormonal and metabolic independent variables on the neutrophil count in PCOS cases, but, as can be expected, revealed a significant negative relationship with the other components of WBCs. Conclusion: In conclusion, relative neutrophilia and elevated NLR are potential cost-effective, sensitive, and specific predictors of PCOS that may also shed light on the mechanism of chronic low-grade inflammation that is characteristic of the disease

Simultaneous Detection of Influenza A/B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and SARS-CoV-2 in Nasopharyngeal Swabs by One-Tube Multiplex Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction

The treatment and outcome of respiratory virus infections differ. SARS-CoV-2, as well as other respiratory viruses such as influenza virus (A and B) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), require simultaneous, cost-effective, and rapid differential detection. We used a gold standard five-target single-step RT-PCR to detect influenza viruses, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, and this method can be extended to detect influenza virus subtypes. As a result, this five-target single-step RT-PCR method is ideal for differentiating respiratory viruses. The 5’ nuclease activity of Taq DNA polymerase is used in the real-time reverse transcription PCR assay. The Taq man fast viral 1-step enzyme is a 4× Master mix and five-target primer probe mix that detects influenza A, influenza B, SARS-CoV-2 ORF1ab, respiratory syncytial viruses A/B and actin. When compared with TaqMan TM and Invitrogen superscript TM III Platinum and the Meril Kit for SARS-CoV-2, the assay demonstrated 100% sensitivity, specificity, and amplification efficiency of 90.1% for target genes. In conclusion, our one-tube multiplex RT-PCR assay offers a rapid and reliable method for the simultaneous detection of influenza A/B, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal swabs. This assay has the potential to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve public health responses during respiratory outbreaks, enabling timely interventions and informed decision making

Resistance Patterns of Gram-Negative Bacteria Recovered from Clinical Specimens of Intensive Care Patients

Intensive care units are complex environments favoring high resistance in microorganisms. This study evaluated the resistance and the distribution dynamics of resistant Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in patients admitted to intensive care units. This retrospective, record-based, cross-sectional study analyzed all of the antibiograms of patients admitted to the ICUs. The BD Phoenix system (BD Diagnostics, Sparks, MD, USA) was used for bacterial identification and antimicrobial testing. Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute recommendations were used for antimicrobial testing. Frequencies and percentages of multidrug and pan-drug resistance were calculated. A total of 570 bacterial growths were observed, out of which 437 (76.7%) were of GNB. K. pneumoniae (21.0%), P. aeruginosa (11.8%), and Staphylococcus aureus (13.2%) were the most frequent disease-causing bacteria in intensive care patients. Resistance rates of 73.2% and 70.1% were observed for third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, respectively, while 48.2% carbapenem and > 65% fluoroquinolones resistance rates were observed. Amikacin was the most effective antibiotic, with a sensitivity rate of 69.5%. A total of 372 (85.1%) of GNB were multidrug resistant. The majority of infections in intensive care patients are caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. Female gender and advancing age are factors favoring MDR. Enhanced surveillance and strengthening of the antimicrobial stewardship program are warranted