Biological role of lectins: A review

Lectins comprise a stracturally vary diverse class of proteins charecterized by their ability to selectively bind carbohydrate moieties of the glycoproteins of the cell surface. Lectins may be derived from plants, microbial or animal sources and may be soluble or membrane bound. Lectins is a tetramer made up of four nearly identical subunits. In human, lectins have been reported to cause food poisoning, hemolytic anemia, jaundice, digestive distress, protein and carbohydrate malabsorption and type I allergies. The present review focuses on the classification, structures, biological significance and application of lectins

A study on cytomorphometric analysis of exfoliative buccal cells in iron deficiency anemic patients

Aim: The aim was to evaluate the quantitative changes in nuclear diameter (ND), cytoplasmic diameter (CD) and nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio (N/C) in cytological buccal smears of iron deficiency anemic patients by comparing with normal healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 40 healthy individuals and 40 iron deficiency anemic patients who were selected on clinical history, hematological investigations, and confirmed by serum ferritin levels. Exfoliative buccal smears stained with PAP stain were evaluated for cytoplasimic, nuclear diameters, and nuclear/cytoplasmic ratios (N/C) using Image Proexpress Version 6.0 image analysis system. All the parameters were statistically analyzed by using unpaired ′t′ test. Results: A significant increase is seen in the average nuclear diameter (ND) and N/C ratio of the anemic group when compared to the control group. The average cytoplasmic diameter (CD) did not show any statistical difference among the two groups. Conclusion: Oral exfoliative cytological techniques could possibly be a noninvasive alternative diagnostic tool for iron deficiency anemia

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) biomass in Malaysia: The present and future prospects

Oil palm industry is the largest contributor of biomass in Malaysia. Oil palm biomass are constantly generated in large quantities annually with a small fraction being converted into value added product while a large percentage are left underutilized. Several researchers have reported the various technologies available for the conversion of oil palm biomass into useful bio-products, including bio-fuel, biogas, bio-fertilizers, bio-composite and briquettes. In general, these technologies are either underutilized or inadequate for full conversion of these abundantly available biomass, hence, there is an urgent need for upgrading of such technologies. This review article highlights the availability of oil palm biomass in Malaysia, the chemical compositions, as well as a brief description of current technologies for converting oil palm biomass into value added products. The review also outlines a summary of the various products obtained from oil palm biomass. Steps to achieve maximum utilization of biomass from oil palm industry are also proposed