DNA SeqUeNCINg ANAlySIS Of AfRICAN Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae vIRUleNCe geNe (aXaVrg) DNA MARkeR

Global rice production is constrained by bacterial leaf blight (BLB) disease caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). BLB disease incidence in West Africa was between 70–85% and yield loss in farmers’ fields was in the range of 50–90% from 2005 to 2010. In the present study, African Xoo virulence gene OPP-172000 DNA marker was identified and purified using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) products from 50 Xoo isolates. Genomic DNA of 50 Xoo isolates were analyzed using OPP-17 primer in RAPD-PCR during which African Xoo virulence gene OPP-172000 DNA marker was identified, purified, cloned, and sequenced. Cloning and DNA sequencing of African Xoo virulence gene OPP-172000 DNA generated a 1953 bp nucleotide sequence consequently tagged as AXaVrg-1953. BLAST homologous analysis of the AXaVrg-1953 sequence provides comprehensive identification of the type II secretion genes and secreted proteins, type III secretion genes and secreted proteins in African Xoo virulence gene. Phylogenetic unweighted pairgroup method arithmetic (UPGMA) analysis revealed the African AXaVrg-1953 sequence was distinct from the other Xoo virulence gene sequences from China, Japan, Korea, Germany, and the United States. This information is potentially useful for effective management of BLB disease in West Africa. Bacterial leaf blight, Operon primer, RAPD-PCR products, Xoo virulence gene DNA marker, cloning, Secreted proteins, BLAST, West Afric

Antidiabetic potential of methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of Synsepalum dulcificum in type 2 diabetic rats

Background: Synsepalum dulcificum is a plant indigenous to West Africa. The fruit is used to modify taste of foods to sweetness. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the antidiabetic potentials of both methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of S. dulcificum (MSD and FSD respectively) in type 2 diabetic Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: Sixty three rats were randomly distributed into nine groups of seven animals each with group 1 serving as the normal control. Groups 2 to 7 were given 10% fructose in their drinking water for 14 days, after which 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin was administered. Group 2 animals served as the diabetic control, while groups 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were treated with 30 mg/kg MSD, 60 mg/kg MSD, 30 mg/kg FSD, 60 mg/kg FSD and 5 mg/kg glibenclamide respectively. Groups 8 and 9, contained healthy animals, and were treated with only 60 MSD, and 60 mg/kg FSD respectively. Biochemical parameters such as liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile, as well as lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes were assessed in addition to histopathology. Results: It was observed that daily oral administration of MSD and FSD for 21 days significantly (p < 0.05) improved the observed pathological changes as a result of type 2 diabetes. Conclusion: It could be deduced from results obtained in this study that methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of S.dulcificum have antidiabetic potential in type 2 diabetic rats