HPLC detection of dehydroepiandrosterone in food additives by using normal phase HPLC

A normal-phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in food supplements. We have used an HPLC 200 (Perkin Elmer, USA) with a spectrophotometric detector LC-785A (Bioanalytical systems, USA) and a thermostat (Perkin Elmer, Waltham, MA, USA). We have chosen isocratic HPLC elution, column: LiChrospher (100 DIOL 250 x 4 mm х 5 μm), mobile phase: acetonitrile: water = 98: 2 v/v, flow rate: 1 ml/min. and detection at λ = 202 nm. We have found that this method allows fast and selective qualitative and quantitative determination of DHEA in pharmaceutical products

Platinum(IV) Complexes of the 1,3,5-Triamino Analogue of the Biomolecule Cis-Inositol Designed as Innovative Antineoplastic Drug Candidates

Metal complexes occupy a special place in the field of treatment and diagnostics. Their main advantages stem from the possibility of fine-tuning their thermodynamic properties and kinetic behavior in the biological milieu by applying different approaches such as properly constructed inner coordination sphere, appropriate choice of ligands, metal oxidation state, redox potential, etc., which are specific to these compounds. Here we discuss the design and synthesis of two octahedral cationic Pt(IV) complexes of the tridentate ligand all-cis-2,4,6-triaminocyclohexane-1,3,5- triol (taci) with composition, fac-[Pt(taci)I3 ] + , 1 and bis-[Pt(taci)2 ] 4+ , 2 as well as the potential for their application as antineoplastic agents. The complexes have been isolated in a solid state as: fac-[Pt(taci)I3 ]I·3H2O (1A), fac-[Pt(taci)I3 ]I (1B), fac-[Pt(taci)I3 ]I·2DMF (1C), bis-[Pt(taci)2 ](CO3 )2 ·6H2O (2A) by changing the acidity of the reaction systems, the molar ratios of the reagents and the counterions, and by re-crystallization. The ligand taci is coordinated through the NH2 -groups, each molecule occupying three coordination places in the inner coordination sphere of Pt(IV). Monitoring of the hydrolysis processes of 1A and 2A at different acidity showed that while 2A remained stable over the study period, the I−-ions in 1A were successively substituted, with the main product under physiologically mimetic conditions being fac,cis-[Pt(taci)I(OH)2 ] + (h2). The antiproliferative tests involved eight cancer cell models, among which chemosensitive (derived from leukemias and solid tumors) and chemoresistant human Acute myeloid leukemia lines (HL-60/Dox, HL-60/CDDP), as well as the non-malignant kidney’ cells HEK-293T showed that the complexes 1A and 2A are characterized by a fundamentally different profile of chemosensitivity and spectrum of cytotoxic activity compared to cisplatin. The new Pt(IV) complexes were shown to be more effective in selectively inhibiting the proliferation of human malignant cells compared to cisplatin. Remarkable activity was recorded for 1A, which showed an effect (IC50 = 8.9 ± 2.4) at more than 16-fold lower concentration than cisplatin (IC50 = 144.4 ± 9.8) against the resistant cell line HL-60/CDDP. In parallel, 1A exhibited virtually the same cytotoxic effect against the parental HL-60 cells (IC50 = 9.0 ± 1.2), where cisplatin displays comparable chemosensitivity (IC50 = 8.3 ± 0.8). The determined resistance indices (RI~1) show unequivocally that the resistant lines are sensitive to both compounds tested; therefore, they are capable of overcoming the mechanisms of cisplatin resistance. The structural features of these compounds and their promising pharmacological properties justify their inclusion in the group of “non-classical metal-based antitumor compounds” and are a prerequisite for the admission of alternative mechanisms of action

Effect of aqueous infusion from Cotinus coggygria leaves on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage and oxidative stress in rats

Purpose: The Smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) is well known medicinal plant that is used mainly externally by the Balkan folk medicine for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. There are scarce reports about the internal usage of decoctions from C. coggygria leaves against gastric ulcers. Our study was aimed to explore the effect of aqueous infusion from Cotinus coggygria leaves (AICCL) on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage in Wistar rats and its possible effect on the gastric oxidative status.Material and Methods: Three AICCL (1/100, 2/100 and 4/100) were applied by gastric gavage (volume: 10 ml/kg) as a pretreatment 3 days before a single intragastric administration of indomethacin (dose: 100 mg/kg). Gastric ulcer formation was estimated morphometrically and histopathologically 4 h after the indomethacin administration. Malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood serum and stomach was measured as a biochemical marker of lipid oxidation. Gastric necrosis was also evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and uric acid (UA) assays.Results: Morphometrical examinations of stomachs showed that the 2/100 AICCL significantly decreased the ulcer number and area. Histopathological studies demonstrated that AICCL induced a reduction of the depth and severity of indomethacin-induced mucosal lesions. AICCL reduced the elevated by indomethacin gastric MDA, ALP and UA levels.Conclusion: Indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage was accompanied by the development of oxidative stress. AICCL-pretreatment alleviated the gastric lesions, and reduced the indomethacin-induced elevation of ALP and UA. It could be suggested that the gastroprotective effect of AICCL was due to its antioxidant properties as evidenced by the decreased gastric MDA levels

Gastroprotective effect of ethanolinfusi on from Cotinus coggygria wood in rats

Purpose: The Smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) is a medicinal plant that is traditionally used by the Balkan and Anatolian folk medicine for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. There are few reports about the internal usage of ethanol extracts from C. coggygria wood against gastric ulcer. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of ethanol infusion from Cotinus coggygria wood (EICCW) on indomethacin- induced ulcerogenesis in rats and its possible effect on the gastric oxidative status.Material and Methods: EICCW was applied by oral gavage (volume: 10 ml/kg) as a pretreatment 3 days before a single intragastric administration of indomethacin (dose: 100 mg/kg). Gastric erosions were evaluated histopathologically. Malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood serum and stomach was measured as a biochemical marker of lipid peroxidation. Gastric necrosis was also evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and uric acid (UA) assays. Results: EICCW reduced the elevated by indomethacin gastric MDA, ALP and UA levels. Histopathological studies demonstrated that EICCW induced a reduction of the depth and severity of indomethacin-induced mucosal lesions.Conclusion: Indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage was accompanied by the development of oxidative stress. EICCW-pretreatment alleviated the gastric lesions, and prevented the indomethacin-induced elevation of gastric ALP and UA. It could be suggested that the gastroprotective effect of EICCW was due to its antioxidant properties as evidenced by the decreased gastric MDA levels

Immune response – genesis, duration, and strength in patients with moderate and severe coronavirus infection of different age groups

Acquired (adaptive) immunity is a major factor determining effective immune response against a few infectious diseases. The immune response during recovery from COVID-19 is complex, involving both cellular and humoral adaptive immunity. The purpose of the study is to determine the intensity and effectiveness of the immune response at the end of the second year after discharge from the hospital in patients who have suffered from moderate and severe forms of coronavirus infection. A study among 2683 patients who suffered from moderately severe and severe coronavirus SARS-CoV2 infection with recorded complications which have not received a vaccine against SARS-nCoV-2 was performed. In the studied group of patients there were no deaths. In the whole cohort, the share of underlying prehospital comorbidity was also analyzed. The immune response induced because of moderate and severe infection with COVID-19 could serve as source of protection from recurrent severe infection for patents of different ages with various comorbidities

Effects of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice on oxidative stress, energy homeostasis, and liver function in overweight and healthy-weight individuals

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are disorders of energy metabolism, associated with oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation. Aronia melanocarpa fruits are rich in polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. The fruit juice exhibits lipid-lowering, antihyperglycemic, and hepatoprotective activities in experimental settings.Aim: The study aimed to examine the effects of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice on oxidative stress, energy homeostasis, and liver function in overweight and healthy-weight volunteers.Materials and Methods: The study included 11 overweight and 11 healthy-weight individuals. The participants consumed 50 mL of 100% Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice 3 times daily for 3 months. Blood samples were obtained at the baseline and the end of the study. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the serum activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Energy metabolism and liver function were assessed by standard biochemical tests. C-reactive protein was measured as a non-specific inflammatory marker.Results: The fruit juice increased the activity of SOD and reduced the serum level of TBARS in the overweight group. The CAT activity was insignificantly increased in both groups. Aronia decreased the level of gamma-glutamyl transferase and reduced slightly the C-reactive protein, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels in the overweight group. The liver function tests and the lipid profile were not affected.Conclusion: Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice improved the parameters of oxidative status. The present pilot study confirmed the beneficial effects of Aronia fruits on human metabolic health

Cytotoxic activity of Galantamine hydrobromide against HeLa cell line

Cytotoxic activity of Galantamine HBr against human cervical adenocarcinoma cell line HeLa in different concentrations (1.875 μМ ÷ 30 μМ) was evaluated. Inhibition of HeLa cell growth after treatment with Galantamine HBr and index of cell viability were determined. From the experimental results was proven that the drug exerts cytotoxic activity towards HeLa cell line, with antiproliferative activity presented as the value of IC50 = 30 μM ± 0.22

The benefits of sports for the physical and mental health of adolescents

A healthy lifestyle is the main expression of positive health behavior. Movement is a natural need of every child and is a basic preventive tool for strengthening children‘s health. Sport is a complex process that improves the qualities of movements, strengthens the muscles of the body and forms physical endurance through its positive influence on all organs and systems. Sports activities have a beneficial effect on the psyche and personality of adolescents and are defined as the main factor for maintaining, preserving and improving health and a healthy lifestyle. In most European countries, the teaching methodology is aimed at finding the meaning and encouraging the desire of each student to engage in regular physical activity. The article aims to familiarize the audience with the impact of sports on various organs and systems, with the benefits for the physical and mental health of adolescents from sports activities, as well as to provide information on recommendations for the correct choice of sports depending on the constitution and disposition of adolescents

Development and validation of analytical procedure for analysis of Amoxiciline, Metronidazole and Omeprazole, used as anti- Helicobacter pylori agents alone and in mixture

Background: The contemporary treatment of ulcerogenic diseases and gastroesophageal reflux disease is related usually to application of a combination of imidazole-based antibacterial, antibiotic and proton pump inhibitor. In the current study, the three most common representatives Amoxicilline (AMO), Metronidazole (MET) and Omeprazole (OME), respectively, are subjected to analysis through classical analytical procedure, providing high level accuracy, sensitivity and good separation abilities. As such a UV/VIS method was applied as a well known identification and quantitation technique for analyses in various samples. Furthermore, this technique is known to be a good detection method in combination with chromatographic systems. Purpose: A simple, specific, accurate and precise reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of Amoxicillin Trihydrate (AMO), Metronidazole (MET) and Omeprazole (OME) in synthetic mixture. Materials and methods: Some important parameters like pH of the mobile phase, concentration of the acid or buffer solution, percentage and type of the organic modifier, etc. were tested for a good chromatographic separation. The sample was analyzed using a mobile phase of Acetonitrile: Phosphate buffer (pH=7.6±0.1) (40:60 v/v). The flow rate was 1.0 mL/ min with detection at 280 nm. Results: The retention time for AMO, MET and OME was found to be 1.67, 2.86 and 5.99 min respectively, and the recoveries in the synthetic mixture were between 98 and 102%. The validated method was linear over the concentration range of 25 to 200 μg/mL for AMO, 12.5 to 100 μg/mL for MET and 5–40 µg/mL for OME, with a correlation coefficient > 0.999. Conclusion: The developed method has been validated in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines and showed excellent linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, robustness, as well as system suitability results within the acceptance criteria

ANEMIC SYNDROME ASSOCIATED TO PARVOVIRUS B19 INFECTION IN PATHOLOGY PREGNANCY WOMEN

Viral infections during pregnancy on a world scale are one of the main reasons for severe complications and mortality of the mother and fetus. The post-infectious anemic syndrome is characterized by low serum iron and increased hepcidin, which is the cause for iron accumulation in the endothelial macrophage system and iron deficiency for the needs of erythropoiesis. Probably the increased hepcidin plays a protective role against the growth of microorganisms by reducing extracellular iron. On the other hand, the increased hepcidin may lead to iron deficiency and to inability for effective compensation upon oral supplementation because it suppressed intestinal iron absorption. This study aims to determine the involvement of parvovirus B19 in the anemic syndrome development in the course of/during pathological pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In total 47 serum samples of pregnant women with anemia hospitalized in University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital “Maichin Dom”,were tested. Three newborn babies were also included in the study. Serological (ELISA), molecular (PCR), and immunological (CLIA) methods were used. The statistical processing of the results is based on paired Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation. Results and discussion: 9/47 (19.1%) of patients showed presence of B19V-IgM antibodies. B19-IgG antibodies were detected in 19/47 (40.4%) women. The PCR analysis showed presence of viral DNA in all patients with positive B19V-IgM antibodies. B19V-IgM antibodies were proved in one of the newborn and viral DNA was detected. All three babies were positive for B19V-IgG antibodies. In four of the positive patients with the three diagnostic markers for acute infection, the anemia was determined as iron-deficiency according to the low serum levels of hepcidin 2.54 ± 0.4 μg/L compared to control group of pregnant women without anemia (21.7 ± 3.1 μg/L: P<0.001). In the remaining women with a proven acute B19V infection, we found a statistically significant increased level of serum hepcidin (65.3 ± 5.7 μg/L; P<0.001) compared to non anemic pregnant women. Conclusion: Assessment of the frequency and the grade of involvement of parvovirus B19 in the anemic syndrome development during pregnancy and determination of the serum level of hepcidin would contribute to the etiological clarification of the occurred anemic syndrome and would prevent improper iron supplementation by pregnant women