Association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetes: a retrospective analysis

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which mediates increased insulin resistance and is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Aim of the study was to understand the association of NAFLD with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in T2DM.Methods: A retrospective observation of data obtained from a private diabetes care centre in non-alcoholic T2D patients was performed. Association of presence of NAFLD with anthropometric, metabolic (glycemic, lipid) parameters, and also blood pressure were assessed. Patients were duly informed that the data collected pertaining to their illness could be used for research purposes. No changes or interventions in the management of the illness were made as part of this study.Results: In total, 300 cases were included in analysis. NAFLD was seen in 38.0% of the cases. Patients with fatty liver were much older than those without fatty liver (P<0.0001). A significant association of NAFLD was seen with all anthropometric (P<0.05 for each) and lipid (p<0.05 for each) parameters and also systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements (p<0.0001 for both). There was no significant association with glycemic levels in patients with NAFLD. Other factors which had significant association with fatty liver include duration of diabetes, duration of hypertension and a known history of hypertension and dyslipidaemia (p<0.0001 for each).Conclusions: NAFLD has significant association with cardio-metabolic risk factors and may be an independent risk factor for CV disease. Further prospective studies with effect of diabetes treatment and progression/regression of NAFLD and its association with CV outcomes in T2D are warranted

Determination of Phenolic Compounds in Various Propolis Samples Collected from an African and an Asian Region and Their Impact on Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities

The biological activities of propolis samples are the result of many bioactive compounds present in the propolis. The aim of the present study was to determine the various chemical compounds of some selected propolis samples collected from Palestine and Morocco by the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Photodiode Array Detection (HPLC-PDA) method, as well as the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of this bee product. The chemical analysis of propolis samples by HPLC-PDA shows the cinnamic acid content in the Palestinian sample is higher compared to that in Moroccan propolis. The results of antioxidant activity demonstrated an important free radical scavenging activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); 2,2′-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and reducing power assays) with EC50 values ranging between 0.02 ± 0.001 and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg/mL. Additionally, all tested propolis samples possessed a moderate antibacterial activity against bacterial strains. Notably, Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) values ranged from 0.31 to 2.50 mg/mL for Gram-negative bacterial strains and from 0.09 to 0.125 mg/mL for Gram-positive bacterial strains. The S2 sample from Morocco and the S4 sample from Palestine had the highest content of polyphenol level. Thus, the strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties were apparently due to the high total phenolic and flavone/flavonol contents in the samples. As a conclusion, the activities of propolis samples collected from both countries are similar, while the cinnamic acid in the Palestinian samples was more than that of the Moroccan samples

Determination of Phenolic Compounds in Various Propolis Samples Collected from an African and an Asian Region and Their Impact on Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities

The biological activities of propolis samples are the result of many bioactive compounds present in the propolis. The aim of the present study was to determine the various chemical compounds of some selected propolis samples collected from Palestine and Morocco by the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Photodiode Array Detection (HPLC-PDA) method, as well as the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of this bee product. The chemical analysis of propolis samples by HPLC-PDA shows the cinnamic acid content in the Palestinian sample is higher compared to that in Moroccan propolis. The results of antioxidant activity demonstrated an important free radical scavenging activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); 2,2′-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and reducing power assays) with EC50 values ranging between 0.02 ± 0.001 and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg/mL. Additionally, all tested propolis samples possessed a moderate antibacterial activity against bacterial strains. Notably, Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) values ranged from 0.31 to 2.50 mg/mL for Gram-negative bacterial strains and from 0.09 to 0.125 mg/mL for Gram-positive bacterial strains. The S2 sample from Morocco and the S4 sample from Palestine had the highest content of polyphenol level. Thus, the strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties were apparently due to the high total phenolic and flavone/flavonol contents in the samples. As a conclusion, the activities of propolis samples collected from both countries are similar, while the cinnamic acid in the Palestinian samples was more than that of the Moroccan samples

Efficacy of Major Plant Extracts/Molecules on Field Insect Pests

Insect pests are considered the major hurdle in enhancing the production and productivity of any farming system. The use of conventional synthetic pesticides has led to the emergence of pesticide-resistant insects, environmental pollution, and negative effects on natural enemies, which have caused an ecological imbalance of the predator-prey ratio and human health hazards; therefore, eco-friendly alternative strategies are required. The plant kingdom, a rich repertoire of secondary metabolites, can be tapped as an alternative for insect pest management strategies. A number of plants have been documented to have insecticidal properties against various orders of insects in vitro by acting as antifeedants, repellents, sterilant and oviposition deterrents, etc. However, only a few plant compounds are applicable at the field level or presently commercialised. Here, we have provided an overview of the broad-spectrum insecticidal activity of plant compounds from neem, Annona, Pongamia, and Jatropha. Additionally, the impact of medicinal plants, herbs, spices, and essential oils has been reviewed briefl

<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language: HI" lang="EN-GB">A simple and improved method for isolation of karanjin from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Pongamia pinnata</i> Linn. seed oil</span>

131-134Study was undertaken with the objective to develop a simple method for isolation of karanjin from Karanja (Pongamia pinnata Linn.) seed oil. The seed oil was subjected to liquid–liquid extraction with methanol. The extract was further subjected to solvent partitioning followed by crystallization to get karanjin, purity of which was ascertained by HPLC. The purity of isolated karanjin was found to be 98%. Mass spectrum for the compound in ESI+ mode showed signals at 293 [M+H]+, which confirmed the molecular weight to be 292. From IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectral data, structure elucidation was done and the structure was conformed as karanjin. </span

Association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetes: a retrospective analysis

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which mediates increased insulin resistance and is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Aim of the study was to understand the association of NAFLD with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in T2DM.Methods: A retrospective observation of data obtained from a private diabetes care centre in non-alcoholic T2D patients was performed. Association of presence of NAFLD with anthropometric, metabolic (glycemic, lipid) parameters, and also blood pressure were assessed. Patients were duly informed that the data collected pertaining to their illness could be used for research purposes. No changes or interventions in the management of the illness were made as part of this study.Results: In total, 300 cases were included in analysis. NAFLD was seen in 38.0% of the cases. Patients with fatty liver were much older than those without fatty liver (P&lt;0.0001). A significant association of NAFLD was seen with all anthropometric (P&lt;0.05 for each) and lipid (p&lt;0.05 for each) parameters and also systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements (p&lt;0.0001 for both). There was no significant association with glycemic levels in patients with NAFLD. Other factors which had significant association with fatty liver include duration of diabetes, duration of hypertension and a known history of hypertension and dyslipidaemia (p&lt;0.0001 for each).Conclusions: NAFLD has significant association with cardio-metabolic risk factors and may be an independent risk factor for CV disease. Further prospective studies with effect of diabetes treatment and progression/regression of NAFLD and its association with CV outcomes in T2D are warranted

Development and validation of an HPLC method for Karanjin in Pongamia pinnata linn. leaves

A rapid, simple and specific reversed-phase HPLC method has been developed for analysis of karanjin in Pongamia pinnata Linn. leaves. HPLC analysis was performed on a C 18 column using an 85:13.5:1.5 (v/v) mixtures of methanol, water and acetic acid as isocratic mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. UV detection was at 300 nm. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity. Validation revealed the method is specific, accurate, precise, reliable and reproducible. Good linear correlation coefficients (r 2 >0.997) were obtained for calibration plots in the ranges tested. Limit of detection was 4.35 μg and limit of quantification was 16.56 μg. Intra and inter-day RSD of retention times and peak areas was less than 1.24% and recovery was between 95.05 and 101.05%. The established HPLC method is appropriate enabling efficient quantitative analysis of karanjin in Pongamia pinnata leaves