UCP-LF and other assay methods for schistosome circulating anodic antigen between 1978 and 2022

Detection of circulating anodic antigen (CAA) is known for its high sensitivity in diagnosing schistosomiasis infection, even in low-prevalence settings. The Up-Converting Phosphor-Lateral Flow (UCP-LF) assay developed in 2008 presented greater sensitivity than other assay methods in use for CAA detection. Our study aims to comprehensively review all studies conducted in this area and thus generate informed conclusions on the potential for adopting the UCP-LF assay for diagnosing this important yet neglected tropical disease. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we generated search criteria to capture all studies in English journals available in the Scopus and PubMed databases on 20 December 2022. A total of 219 articles were identified, and 84 that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved and eventually included in the study. Twelve different assay methods were identified with a noteworthy transition from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to the UCP-LF assay, a laboratory-based assay that may be applicable as a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic test for schistosomiasis. Reducing the time, cost, and dependence on specialized laboratory skills and equipment, especially relating to the trichloroacetic acid extraction step and centrifugation in the UCP-LF CAA assay may go a long way to aid its potential as a POC tool. We also propose the development of a CAA-specific aptamer (short protein/antigen-binding oligonucleotide) as a possible alternative to monoclonal antibodies in the assay. UCP-LF has great potential for POC application

Advances in Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics: biochemistry, exploring bioactive compounds and novel approaches

ABSTRACTThe most rampant and complex form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which is characterized by various cognitive deficits and personality abnormalities. AD is a neurodegenerative condition marked by the buildup of beta-amyloid peptide fragments and Tau protein in the form of tangles in brain neurons. The presence of β-amyloid peptide, Tau protein, oxidative stress, and an aggravated neuro-inflammatory response are all part of its pathophysiological pathway. Quite a number of invertebrates have been genetically modified such that they express human proteins that play a role or two in the pathogenesis of AD. Also, in order to create an animal model of AD, quite a number of substances have been investigated for their potential to cause cognitive dysfunctions. The following keywords were used to search and retrieve articles from reputable databases, including Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar and PubMed: “Alzheimer’s Disease,” “Tau protein,” “beta-secretase,” “Cognitive Impairments,” “Amyloid beta,” “phytochemicals and AD,” “neurofibrillary tangles” and “Neurotoxins that induce AD,” The aim of this review is to advance a better understanding of the functions and roles of Tau and amyloid precursor proteins in the pathogenesis of AD; and to offer updated and recent information on the use of plant chemicals in the treatment of AD. It is expedient to state that not all biochemical, cognitive, behavioral and histological disorders are recapitulable. Nevertheless, research into the etiology of this severely debilitating disease is being aided by experimental models of AD created by chemicals and bioengineered model organisms

High‐pressure acidified steaming with varied citric acid dosing can successfully detoxify mycotoxins

Abstract Mycotoxins are toxic fungal metabolites that exert various toxicities, including leading to death in lethal doses. This study developed a novel high‐pressure acidified steaming (HPAS) for detoxification of mycotoxins in foods and feed. The raw materials, maize and peanut/groundnut, were used for the study. The samples were separated into raw and processed categories. Processed samples were treated using HPAS at different citric acid concentrations (CCC) adjusted to pH 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit method for mycotoxins analysis was used to determine the levels of mycotoxins in the grains, with specific focus on total aflatoxins (AT), aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and citrinin. The mean values of the AT, AFB1, AFG1, OTA, and citrinin in the raw samples were 10.06 ± 0.02, 8.21 ± 0.01, 6.79 ± 0.00, 8.11 ± 0.02, and 7.39 ± 0.01 μg/kg for maize, respectively (p ≤ .05); and for groundnut (peanut), they were 8.11 ± 0.01, 4.88 ± 0.01, 7.04 ± 0.02, 6.75 ± 0.01, and 4.71 ± 0.00 μg/kg, respectively. At CCC adjusted to pH 5.0, the AT, AFB1, AFG1, OTA, and citrinin in the samples significantly reduced by 30%–51% and 17%–38% for maize and groundnut, respectively, and were reduced to 28%–100% when CCC was adjusted to pH 4.5 and 4.0 (p ≤ .05). The HPAS process either completely detoxified the mycotoxins or at least reduced them to levels below the maximum limits of 4.00–6.00, 2.00, 2.00, 5.00, and 100 μg/kg for AT, AFB1, AFG1, OTA, and citrinin, respectively, set by the European Union, WHO/FAO, and USDA. The study clearly demonstrates that mycotoxins can be completely detoxified using HPAS at CCC adjusted to pH 4.0 or below. This can be widely applied or integrated into many agricultural and production processes in the food, pharmaceutical, medical, chemical, and nutraceutical industries where pressurized steaming can be applied for the successful detoxification of mycotoxins

Antioxidant, phytochemical, and therapeutic properties of medicinal plants: a review

ABSTRACTOxidation is an integral part of aerobic processes of life. It involves the transfer of electrons or hydrogen via a chemical reaction from a substance to an oxidizing agent leading to the production of free radicals. These free radicals which are highly reactive in turn initiate a chain of reactions that lead to cellular damage. The etiology of plethora diseases has been linked to the generation of free radicals beyond the body’s antioxidant capacity, leading to oxidative stress. Consequently, the focus of research has tilted toward plants which provide natural products rich in antioxidants capable of scavenging and distrupting the harmful effects of these free radicals. A large group of compounds produced by plants referred to as phytochemicals possessing high antioxidant properties have been seen to be helpful in tackling numerous diseases. This review covered the antioxidant potential of some plants with medicinal properties beneficial to people, industries, and health institutions who desire their potential benefits. A total of two hundred and fifty plants from the following families; Asteraceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Moraceae and Malvaceae were reviewed. These plants exert important biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties, among others

Hesperidin plays beneficial roles in disorders associated with the central nervous system: a review

ABSTRACTSignificant levels of flavonoids with antioxidant properties can be found in citrus species. Flavonoids are a class of plant chemical known for a wide range of pharmacological activities. Notable among these flavonoids is Hesperidin. It has quite a number of biological properties, like anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Numerous studies have examined the biological impacts of hesperidin and its underlying mechanisms throughout the last few decades. Hesperidin’s antioxidant properties have led to a thorough evaluation of this phytochemical’s cardioprotective and anti-cancer properties. To assess the underlying neuropharmacological processes of hesperidin, numerous cellular and animal models have been created. Additionally, its neuroprotective activity has been validated by clinical data. Hesperidin reduces neuroinflammatory and apoptotic pathways to exert its neuroprotective effects. In preclinical models for disorders of the central nervous system, hesperidin function has been investigated. Hesperidin has been shown to enhance memory and cognition while successfully treating depression. Although the biological activities of hesperidin in neurodegenerative diseases have been evaluated, more investigation into its underlying mechanisms is required to understand its function in a number of central nervous system disorders, including autoimmune demyelinating disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, this study focuses on the potential role of hesperidin in several models of central nervous system neuroinflammation, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and on the potential role of hesperidin in various neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Information about the usage of hesperidin as a nutraceutical to prevent certain CNS illnesses based on recent research is provided

Current Advances in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) underscores a rising epidemic orchestrating critical socio-economic burden on countries globally. Different treatment options for the management of DM are evolving rapidly because the usual methods of treatment have not completely tackled the primary causes of the disease and are laden with critical adverse effects. Thus, this narrative review explores different treatment regimens in DM management and the associated challenges. A literature search for published articles on recent advances in DM management was completed with search engines including Web of Science, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, using keywords such as DM, management of DM, and gene therapy. Our findings indicate that substantial progress has been made in DM management with promising results using different treatment regimens, including nanotechnology, gene therapy, stem cell, medical nutrition therapy, and lifestyle modification. However, a lot of challenges have been encountered using these techniques, including their optimization to ensure optimal glycemic, lipid, and blood pressure modulation to minimize complications, improvement of patients’ compliance to lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions, safety, ethical issues, as well as an effective delivery system among others. In conclusion, lifestyle management alongside pharmacological approaches and the optimization of these techniques is critical for an effective and safe clinical treatment plan

Elucidation of chemical profiles and molecular targets of Mondia whitei leave fractions bioactive as novel therapeutics: an in vitro and in silico assay

Abstract Background Mondia whitei root is often used in Africa as a local therapeutic agent for libido enhancement. The fractions of the M. whitei leaves (MWL) lack chemical characterization of their bioactive components and possible molecular targets. We characterized and investigated its molecular target as therapeutic agents in an in vitro and in silico assay. Mineral compositions, antioxidant, and GC-MS characterization were studied. The cytotoxicity effect was measured on HeLa and HT-29 cells by MTT assay. In silico potential inhibitors of Cathepsin B (CathB) as a cancer biomarker were determined. Results The flame photometry produced marked Na+ and K+. GC-MS revealed eighteen bioactive components. The fractions (chloroformic 47.00, ethanolic 45.52, and aqueous 40.13) of MWL caused a higher inhibition ratio compared to standards. The MWL showed a significant cytotoxic effect on the treated cell lines at concentrations of 150 and 200 μg/ml and 100, 150, and 200 μg/ml for HT-29 and HeLa cells, respectively. Ten bioactives (MWL 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, and 18) showed potential inhibition of CathB with binding affinities of −4.40 to −8.3 Kcal/Mol. However, MWL 4, 9, 14, and 17 which have higher binding affinities (−6.7, −7.1, −8.2, and −8.3, respectively) than the standard inhibitor (−6.5) were the lead molecules. Conclusion These chemical profiles and potential molecular targets unraveled in this study propose that MWL has a promising anticancer activity. Graphical Abstrac

Renoprotective effects of Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats

Background: The growing prevalence of cancer and the concomitant rise in chemotherapy use have led to an increased incidence of kidney-related diseases, including nephrotoxicity. Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used and potent anticancer drug, but nephrotoxicity limits its clinical application. Purpose: Our study aimed to determine the phytochemicals and median lethal dose of Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil (CMSO) using standard methods and to further investigate the effects of CMSO on CP-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty-one rats (100 to 150 g) were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 3) and treated with CMSO or normal saline for ten days. Group A received 1.0 mL of normal saline, irrespective of the body weight (b.w.). Groups B-D received 2500, 5000, and 7500 mg/kg b.w., respectively, of the CMSO and a single intraperitoneal dose of CP (8 mg/kg) on the seventh day. Groups E and F were administered 2500 mg/kg and 7500 mg/kg b.w., respectively, of the CMSO without CP administration. Group G received a single intraperitoneal dose (8 mg/kg b.w.) of CP on the seventh day without CMSO treatment. Results: The analysis of CMSO revealed the presence of various phytochemicals such as hydrogen cyanide, glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, and flavonoids. Acute toxicity testing demonstrated the safety of CMSO up to 5000 mg/kg b.w. We discovered that the CP administration increased serum creatinine (sCr), urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rats and markedly decreased renal superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and glutathione (GSH) levels. CMSO attenuated kidney dysfunction, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation. Interestingly, CMSO prominently decreased sCr, urea, and BUN levels, boosted the activity of SOD, CAT, and GPx, increased GSH levels, and significantly (p < 0.05) decreased MDA levels. Histological assessment corroborated these biochemical findings. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the potential of CMSO as a protective agent against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. The observed effects are attributable to the rich phenolic and flavonoid content of CMSO. These findings have significant implications for developing complementary therapies to mitigate chemotherapy-associated kidney damage, potentially enhancing the safety and efficacy of cisplatin-based cancer treatments. Further investigation is needed to explore the clinical applications of CMSO for cancer patients

Combating Lassa Fever in West African Sub-Region: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Lassa fever (LF) is a rodent-borne disease that threatens human health in the sub-region of West Africa where the zoonotic host of Lassa virus (LASV) is predominant. Currently, treatment options for LF are limited and since no preventive vaccine is approved for its infectivity, there is a high mortality rate in endemic areas. This narrative review explores the transmission, pathogenicity of LASV, advances, and challenges of different treatment options. Our findings indicate that genetic diversity among the different strains of LASV and their ability to circumvent the immune system poses a critical challenge to the development of LASV vaccines/therapeutics. Thus, understanding the biochemistry, physiology and genetic polymorphism of LASV, mechanism of evading host immunity are essential for development of effective LASV vaccines/therapeutics to combat this lethal viral disease. The LASV nucleoprotein (NP) is a novel target for therapeutics as it functions significantly in several aspects of the viral life cycle. Consequently, LASV NP inhibitors could be employed as effective therapeutics as they will potentially inhibit LASV replication. Effective preventive control measures, vaccine development, target validation, and repurposing of existing drugs, such as ribavirin, using activity or in silico-based and computational bioinformatics, would aid in the development of novel drugs for LF management

<i>Cucumeropsis mannii</i> seed oil protects against bisphenol A-induced hepatotoxicity by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress in rats

From Crossref journal articles via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: epub 2023-10-20, issued 2023-10-20Article version: AMPublication status: PublishedOBJECTIVES This study looked at how CMSO affected male Wistar albino rats' liver damage caused by bisphenol A. METHODS The standard HPLC method was used to assess the CMSO's phenolic content. Then, six (n = 8) groups of forty-eight (48) male Wistar rats (150 20 g) each received either CMSO or olive oil before being exposed to BPA for 42 days. Groups: A (one milliliter of olive oil, regardless of weight), B (BPA 100 mg/kg body weight (BW)), C (CMSO 7.5 mg/kg BW), D (CMSO 7.5 mg/kg BW + BPA 100 mg/kg BW), E (CMSO 5.0 mg/kg BW + BPA 100 mg/kg BW), and F (CMSO 2.5 mg/kg BW + BPA 100 mg/kg BW). KEY FINDINGS A surprising abundance of flavonoids, totaling 17.8006 10.95 g/100 g, were found in the HPLC data. Malondialdehyde, liver enzymes, reactive oxygen species, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin levels were all significantly elevated by BPA (p 0.05). Additionally, nuclear factor-B, interleukin-6, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and histological alterations were all considerably (p 0.05) caused by BPA. The altered biochemical markers and histology were, however, noticeably recovered by CMSO to a level that was comparable to the control. CONCLUSION Due to the abundance of flavonoid components in the oil, CMSO protects the liver from BPA-induced hepatotoxicity by lowering oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions