Mannose Binding Lectin Levels Was Not Associated with Resistance to Tuberculosis Infection in the Population of Uyo Metropolis in Nigeria

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL2) is an important pattern recognition molecule that identifies and binds to specific sugar molecules on the surface of pathogens thereby activating its destruction by the immune system. Samples for study were recruited from Uyo metropolis of Akwa Ibom state in Nigeria. In this study, levels of MBL2 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in tuberculosis patients and healthy individuals to determine if the immune protein protects against tuberculosis infection. MBL2 levels in tuberculosis patients and healthy controls were 14.0ng/ml ± 13.9 and 19.9ng/ml ± 18.5 respectively. The results from the study showed that there was no association in MBL2 levels between tuberculosis and controls (p=0.107) as well as between the different sub-groups. Therefore, MBL2 is not a contributory factor in resistance against tuberculosis in the population under study. Keywords: Mannose binding lectin, tuberculosis, pattern recognition molecule, immune system DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-14-02 Publication date:July 31st 202

Role of Some Metal Ions on Steady-state Kinetics of Engineered Wild-type and Manganese (II) Binding Site Mutants of Recombinant Phlebia radiata Manganese Peroxidase 3 (rPr-MnP3)

Abstrac

Vitamin B12 Supplementation: Effects On Some Biochemical And Haematological Indices Of Rats On Phenytoin Administration

Phenytoin is known to have some toxicological implications. Vitamin B12 supplementation during phenytoin administration was investigated to assess the benefits and risks of single vitamin supplementation. This study evaluated the biochemical and haematological effects of vitamin B12 on phenytoin toxicity. Twenty-four experimental animals were divided into 3 groups of 8 rats each. The control (group 1) received distilled water as placebo. Groups 2 and 3 were given 5mg/kg body weight of phenytoin for 4 weeks while group 3 in addition to phenytoin received intra-peritoneal administration of 15\u3bcg/kg body of vitamin B12 twice a week. Biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, ALP, lipid profile and haematological indices were assayed as indices of toxicity. The result of the study showed that phenytoin administration resulted in anaemia which was ameliorated by vitamin B12 co-administration. Phenytoin also increased significantly the leukocyte count upon which B12 had no effect. Liver enzymes activities were significantly (p<0.05) raised during phenytoin administration and interestingly B12 further increased the level of these enzymes. Administration of phenytoin only gave a significant (p<0.05) increase in the level of serum Low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Serum cholesterol, TG and HDL-chol were not significantly affected. Although there was no significant change in serum cholesterol, the slight increase was more than 1% which is capable of causing a 3% increase in the risk of coronary heart disease. A significant decrease was also noted when phenytoin was supplemented with B12. We observed that vitamin B12 co-administration is beneficial in remitting anaemia and the atherosclerotic risk caused by phenytoin but may enhance hepatotoxicity. By this result we would therefore suggest that the use of vitamin B12 alone as supplement during phenytoin administration be discouraged

Comparative studies on nutrient and antinutrient composition of Eremomastax polysperma (Benth.) Dandy varieties in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Iba, Innocent Udofia

Abstract The varieties of Eremomastax polysperma investigated for the presence of nutrient and anti-nutrient. Standard analytical methods were used for these analyses. The varieties possessed high moisture content with Eremomastax polysperma purple leaf bark (EP) (81.90±3.28 %) being higher than the 79.13±1.57 % contained in the EG variety. There is a similar trend in the various aspects of the proximate composition of the plant, except the ash and fibre contents which were significantly different at p < 0.05 confidence level. Generally, the plants are rich in all the classes of nutrient. The presence of phytochemicals in these plant species suggests a possibility of medicinal usage of these plants. Tannins are present in the range of 52.23 ± 1.43 -62.33 ± 2.75 mg/100g with EP exhibiting a higher level than the Eremomastax polysperma green leaf bark (EG) variety, there is a high level of phenols in both varieties with EG having a higher level than the EP sample. Alkaloids and saponins are also present in the ranges of 2.94±0.05 -3.65±0.05 and 4.19±0.16 -4.28±0.02 respectively. EP has a higher level of alkaloid while EG had higher levels of saponins. There were significant differences in zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) contents of the two varieties. These sources of local plants could be a good source of trace elements essential to man. Despite the presence of useful nutrients in the plant varieties, there is likely to be safety concerns on the consumption of these botanicals due to the presence of antinutrients such as oxalate, thiocyanide and phytate

Betulinic and ursolic acids from Nauclea latifolia roots mediate their antimalarial activities through docking with PfEMP-1 and PfPKG proteins

Abstract Background Chemotherapies target the PfEMP-1 and PfPKG proteins in Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria, in an effort to prevent the disease’s high fatality rate. This work identified the phytochemical components of Nauclea latifolia roots and docked the chemical compounds against target proteins, and examined the in vivo antiplasmodial effect of the roots on Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Methods Standard protocols were followed for the collection of the plant’s roots, cleaning, and drying of the roots, extraction and fraction preparation, assessment of the in vivo antiplasmodial activity, retrieval of the PfEMP-1 and PfPKG proteins, GCMS, ADME, and docking studies, chromatographic techniques were employed to separate the residual fraction’s components, and the Swis-ADME program made it possible to estimate the drug’s likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. The Auto Dock Vina 4.2 tool was utilized for molecular docking analysis. Results The residual fraction showed the best therapeutic response when compared favorably to amodiaquine (80.5%) and artesunate (85.1%). It also considerably reduced the number of parasites, with the % growth inhibition of the parasite at 42.8% (D2) and 83.4% (D5). Following purification, 25 compounds were isolated and characterized with GCMS. Based on their low molecular weights, non-permeation of the blood–brain barrier, non-inhibition of metabolizing enzymes, and non-violation of Lipinski’s criteria, betulinic and ursolic acids were superior to chloroquine as the best phytochemicals. Hence, they are lead compounds. Conclusion In addition to identifying the bioactive compounds, ADME, and docking data of the lead compounds as candidates for rational drug design processes as observed against Plasmodium falciparum target proteins (PfEMP-1 and PfPKG), which are implicated in the pathogenesis of malaria, the study has validated that the residual fraction of N. latifolia roots has the best antiplasmodial therapeutic index