Determination of serum glycoproteins

Up regulation of serum L fucose glycoprotein as a diagnostic biomarker for dysplasia in oral sub mucous fibrosis patients

Glycoproteins, essential for cellular functions, contain monosaccharides like Levo-fucose, crucial for cell communication. Recent research highlights serum L-fucose as a potential biomarker for early detection of malignancies. Typically, serum L-fucose levels are low but rise with malignancy. This study evaluates serum L-fucose as an early biomarker in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients.

Aim

Assess serum L-fucose's diagnostic potential for dysplasia in OSMF patients.

Objectives

Determine the Association between Serum L Fucose Glycoprotein Levels and Dysplasia in OSF Patients.Evaluate the Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum L Fucose Glycoprotein as a Biomarker for OSF-Related Dysplasia.

Methodology

Over a span of two years, this study encompassed 80 subjects, aged between 18 and 60 years, who were clinically and histopathologically identified as OSMF patients, with or without dysplastic alterations. From each participant, 5 ml of blood was collected. Following centrifugation to separate the serum, the samples were analyzed to determine the levels of Levo-fucose.

Statistical analysis

Using SPSS (version 17.0), serum L-Fucose levels of the case group were compared to the control group using ANOVA. Frequencies were analyzed with the chi-square test, and Tukey's Test was used for multiple comparisons. Significance was set at p < 0.01.

Results

The analysis revealed a statistically significant disparity in the mean serum L-Fucose levels between the two groups (p < 0.01). Notably, Group II patients (those with OSMF and dysplasia) exhibited markedly elevated mean serum L-fucose levels.

Conclusion

Elevated serum L-Fucose levels were observed in OSMF patients with dysplasia. Harmful habits, especially gutkha chewing, were linked to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma onset. Serum L-fucose can be a reliable marker for evaluating precancerous conditions.

Gastroprotective effect of vitamin U in D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity

Galactosamine (GalN) is a well-known agent for inducing viral hepatitis models in rodents, but it can cause toxicity on different organs. Vitamin U (Vit U) has been proved as a powerful antioxidant on many toxicity models. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Vit U on GalN-induced stomach injury. Rats were divided into four groups as follows: control (group I), Vit U given animals (50 mg/kg per day; group II), GalN administered animals (500 mg/kg at a single dose; group III), GalN + Vit U given animals (at the same dose and time, group IV). At the end of the 3rd day, animals were killed, and stomach tissues were taken. They were homogenized and centrifuged. In comparison to the control group, glutathione, total antioxidant capacity levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, and Na⁺ /K⁺ -ATPase activities of GalN group were found to be decreased. On the contrary, lipid peroxidation, advanced oxidized protein products, hexose-hexosamine, fucose, sialic acid, reactive oxygen species levels, as well as the activities of myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase were elevated. Administration of Vit U reversed these abnormalities in the GalN group. It can be concluded that Vit U exerts its unique antioxidant effect and prevents GalN-induced gastric damage.

The effects of edaravone, a free-radical scavenger in lung injury induced by valproic acid demonstrated via different biochemical parameters

In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether edaravone (EDA) has a protective role against valproic acid (VPA)-induced lung damage via its antioxidative activity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were split into four groups. Control (n = 8) rats; rats given EDA (30 mg kg^-1  day^-1 ; n = 10); rats given only (VPA, 500 mg kg^-1  day^-1 ; n = 10); rats given VPA + EDA (in the same dose and time) for 7 days. EDA and VPA were applied intraperitoneally. After 8 days, lung tissues were immediately taken from the rats. In lung homogenates, reduced glutathione, total antioxidant status levels, and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, sodium/potassium ATPase, paraoxonase1, and carbonic anhydrase activities significantly abated, whereas catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase activities insignificantly decreased in the VPA-treated group. In contrast, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species, and total oxidant status levels, glycoprotein and protein carbonyl contents, nitric oxide, hydroxyproline levels, and xanthine oxidase, lactate dehydrogenase, arginase, and prolidase activities significantly increased in the VPA-given group. Administration of EDA caused the reverse effects. As a consequence, EDA prevented oxidative stress-mediated lung injury via its robust antioxidant effects.

Glycoprotein levels and oxidative lung injury in experimental diabetes: effect of oxovanadium(IV) complex based on thiosemicarbazone

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is chronic and metabolic disorder, which is mainly attributed by hyperglycemia. Vanadium salts and their oxo-complexes have been shown to possess insulin-mimetic and anti-diabetic activities in animal models and diabetic patients. The main goal of this study was to investigate the protective effect of oxovanadium(IV) complex based on thiosemicarbazone (VOL) [L: (N(1)-2,4-dihydroxybenzylidene-N-(4)-2-hydroxybenzylidene-S-methyl-isothiosemicarbazidato-oxovanadium(IV)] on glycoprotein components levels and oxidative lung injury of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Swiss albino rats were separated into four groups. Group I (n = 5): Control (normal) animals, Group II (n = 5): Control animals administered with VOL, Group III (n = 6): STZ-induced diabetic animals, and Group IV (n = 5): STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with VOL. VOL was given to the experimental animals by gavage at a dose of 0.2 mM/kg body weight every day for 12 days. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg body weight). On the 12th day, lung tissue samples were taken. Glycoprotein components, advanced oxidation protein products, protein carbonyl, hydroxyproline levels, and prolidase, arginase, xanthine oxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase and adenosine deaminase activities significantly increased whereas aryl esterase, paraoxonase-1, carbonic anhydrase, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activities remarkably decreased in lung tissue of diabetic rats. Treatment with VOL reversed these effects showing a beneficial effect. The present study shows that VOL has a protective effect against diabetes-induced lung damage as well as on abnormal glycoprotein component levels.

Zinc Supplementation Restores Altered Biochemical Parameters in Stomach Tissue of STZ Diabetic Rats

The stomach is among the organs grossly affected organ by diabetic complications. The present study was aimed at investigating the protective role of zinc on stomach of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus. Female Swiss albino rats were divided in four experimental groups: Group I, control; group II, control + zinc sulfate; group III, STZ-induced diabetic animals; and group IV, STZ-diabetic + zinc sulfate. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ, at a dose of 65 mg/kg body weight. Zinc sulfate (100 mg/kg body weight) was given daily by gavage for 60 days to groups II and IV. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, and the tissues were taken. In the diabetic group, hexose, hexosamine, fucose, and sialic acid levels, as well as tissue factor, adenosine deaminase, carbonic anhydrase, xanthine oxidase, lactate dehydrogenase, prolidase activities, advanced oxidized protein products, homocysteine, and TNF-α levels were increased in the stomach tissue homogenates. Whereas, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, paraoxonase, and aryl esterase activities were decreased in the diabetic group. The administration of zinc reversed all the deformities. These findings suggest that zinc has protective role in ameliorating several mechanisms of STZ-induced diabetic stomach injury.

Induced alteration of rat erythrocyte membrane with effect of pyrethroid based compounds

The effects of tetramethrin and prallethrin exposure on plasma total proteins, free amino acids, albumins, urea, urea nitrogen, uric acid, creatinine were tested. Serum SGOT, SGPT and lipid profile, antioxidants super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, GSH, G-Px, phospholipids, cholesterol, C/P ratio in membranes of erythrocyte and membrane fluidity were analyzed. The reason of the study were analyzed to examine the possessions of mosquito repellent pyrethroid (MRP) based compounds tetramethrin and prallethrin exposure on plasma profile, antioxidant status of erythrocyte membrane, membrane fluidity in male Wistar rats. We tested chronically for three months exposure every day (continuously for 8-10 h per day by inhalation) of tetramethrin and prallethrin markedly available (MRP) repellents treated on male Wistar rats. Our results confirmed that tetrarmethrin and prallethrin treatment effect of plasma profile alterations, and lipid homeostasis mechanism in Red Blood cells (RBCs). Tetramethrin and prallethrin treatment significantly increased in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids and decreased levels of cholesterol with no change of protein content, increased C/P ration levels. Inhalation of tetramethrin and prallethrin stimulate plasma biophysical and biochemical modify SGOT, SGPT, erythrocyte membrane cholesterol and phospholipid levels, individual phospholipids and membrane fluidity of exposure rats compared to controls.

Ratio of Salivary Sialic Acid to Fucose as Tumor Markers in Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Cancer

Background:

Lack of noninvasive and economically feasible laboratory investigations in the early detection of cancer is a set-back in the prognosis of oral cancer (OC) patients.

Aims:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the ratio of sialic acid to fucose in salivary samples of OC and oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) patients.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 60 participants were selected and divided into three groups based on clinical and histopathological diagnosis: OC patients (n = 20), OPMD patients (n = 20), and healthy patients (n = 20). Unstimulated whole saliva of 1.5 ml was collected from the selected individuals for evaluating the salivary levels of sialic acid and fucose using the biochemical assay.

Results:

The difference in mean salivary sialic acid and fucose among the study groups was statistically significant (P = 0.001); one-way analysis of variance. The mean sialic acid to fucose ratio in the control group, OPMD group, and OC group were 0.34 mg/dl, 0.88 mg/dl, and 0.89 mg/dl, respectively. OC patients had significant elevation in the levels of salivary sialic acid, fucose, and their ratios (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.003, respectively); Tukey's post hoc test.

Conclusions:

The ratio of salivary sialic acid to fucose is a predictable tumor marker for the diagnosis of OC. Further investigations are required to evaluate the influence of OC grading on this diagnostic marker.

Potassium bromate cytotoxicity in the Wister rat model of chronic gastric ulcers: Possible reversal by protocatechuic acid

The interaction between ingested xenobiotics and the gastrointestinal epithelium influences the possibility of gut epithelial cytotoxicity and systemic toxicity. Potassium bromate (KBrO₃ ) has been shown to perturb the central nervous system and it may be carcinogenic, albeit it is used as a food additive. This highlights the need to understand KBrO₃ 's effect on the stomach epithelium. Here, we report the cytotoxic potential of KBrO₃ in an ulcerated stomach, as well as possible cytoprotection by the polyphenol - protocatechuic acid. Potassium bromate (12.5 mg/kg) and protocatechuic acid (120 mg/kg) were administered orally while omeprazole (20 mg/kg) was used as standard. Potassium bromate exacerbated gastric ulcers, increased malonaldehyde levels, catalase, and sodium pump activities, but reduced nitric oxide levels. Potassium bromate further increased mast cell count in the muscularis mucosa, while inducing chronic inflammation and moderate angiogenesis in the gastric mucosa. Our results delineate KBrO₃ -induced gastric epithelial cytotoxicity that is ameliorated by protocatechuic acid. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Potassium bromate is a known food additive in the baking, brewing, and cheese-making process. Conversely, protocatechuic acid (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid) is the polyphenolic content of plants like Hibiscus sabdariffa L that are commonly consumed as herbal drink, food, spices, and used in folk medicine. This study reports the cytoprotective effect of protocatechuic acid against gastric mucosa ulceration that has been aggravated by potassium bromate.

Protective role of zinc in liver damage in experimental diabetes demonstrated via different biochemical parameters

Diabetes mellitus is a serious worldwide metabolic disease, which is accompanied by hyperglycaemia and affects all organs and body system. Zinc (Zn) is a basic cofactor for many enzymes, which also plays an important role in stabilising the structure of insulin. Liver is the most important target organ after pancreas in diabetic complications. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective role of Zn in liver damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus. There are four experimental groups of female Swiss albino rats: group I: control; group II: control + ZnSO₄ ; group III: STZ-induced diabetic animals and group IV: STZ-diabetic + ZnSO₄ . To induce diabetes, STZ was injected intraperitoneally (65 mg/kg). ZnSO₄ (100 mg/kg) was given daily to groups II and IV by gavage for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were killed under anaesthesia and liver tissues were collected. In the diabetic group, hexose, hexosamine, fucose, sialic acid levels, arginase, adenosine deaminase, tissue factor activities and protein carbonyl levels increased, whereas catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and Na⁺ /K⁺ -ATPase activities decreased. The administration of Zn to the diabetic group reversed all the negative effects/activities. According to these results, we can suggest that Zn has a protective role against STZ-induced diabetic liver damage.

Gastroprotective effects of Erythrina speciosa (Fabaceae) leaves cultivated in Egypt against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Members of the genus Erythrina have been traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments such as inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders. Erythrina speciosa (Fabaceae) is a spiny, deciduous shrub or small tree native to Southern America in Brazil. It is cultivated in Africa and Asia. The traditional usage of E. speciosa indicated its antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Evaluation of the phytochemical constituents, gastroprotective effects and possible mechanism of action of the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from the methanol extract of E. speciosa leaves (ESLE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical characterization of ESLE was done using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The gastroprotective activity of ESLE was evaluated using ethanol-induced gastric-ulcer model in rats. Rats were pre-treated with ESLE 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg 1 h before the administration of absolute ethanol. Histological analysis, mucin content, and total acidity were evaluated. The possible mechanism of action of ESLE was studied through the examination of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, PGE2, and NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, and HSP-70 immunoexpression. In vitro, anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of ESLE was also studied using micro-well dilution method.

RESULTS

Fourteen compounds were tentatively identified including alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. ESLE exerted a powerful gastroprotective effect. The pre-treatment with ESLE at different doses resulted in a significant reduction in gastric lesions and significant elevation in the mucin production. These effects could be partially mediated by the potent anti-inflammatory activity of ESLE as evidenced by the significant reduction in the immunoexpression of NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS and the reduction in the pro-inflammatory marker, TNF-α. ESLE counteracted the ethanol-induced oxidative stress by increasing the levels of depleted GSH and catalase as well as significantly attenuating the ethanol-induced lipid peroxidation tissue levels. In addition, ESLE exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against H. pylori.

CONCLUSIONS

The chemical constituents of ESLE strongly support its potent gastroprotective effect suggesting its future potential application in the management of gastric ulcer by eliminating its symptoms and causes including H. pylori.

Estimation of Sialic Acid and IL10 Levels in Stage 1 and 2 Periodontitis Patients

Objective

The role of biomarkers in staging and grading periodontal disease has become detrimental in relation to the overall treatment plan. This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the role of sialic acid and IL10 in the early and moderate stages of periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Patients were selected according to the assessment of pocket depth and radiographic bone loss. Bone loss was calculated as <15% for stage 1 and 15–33% for stage 2. Salivary samples were collected using spit technique 2 hrs post consumption of food. The unstimulated saliva was collected in a sterile graduated container every minute for 5–8 minutes. IL10 estimation was done using ELISA, and sialic acid estimation was done using the diphenylamine method. The variables for the three groups were assessed using ANOVA, and intragroup comparisons for quantitative data were evaluated using the post hoc Bonferroni test (P < 0.05).

Results

On comparing sialic acid levels among the three groups, stage 2 showed the highest mean (8.61) compared with the other two groups and was highly significant (P < 0.001). On the contrary, IL10 when compared to stage 1 and 2 periodontitis revealed insignificant change.

Conclusion

The value of IL10 was higher as patients progressed from health to periodontitis.

In vivo antiulcer activity, phytochemical exploration, and molecular modelling of the polyphenolic-rich fraction of Crepis sancta extract

Bioactivity-guided investigation of the methanol extract of Crepis sancta aerial parts, collected off Al-Tafilah, South Jordan, was applied, and in this study, the extract was explored for its phytochemical components and in vivo antiulcer activity. In addition, a docking study involving the purified compounds with the newly crystalized gastric proton pump (PDB # 5YLU) was performed. In-depth phytochemical investigation using the state-of-the-art chromatographic and analytical techniques was implemented resulting in the identification of two eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids, 3-oxo-γ-costic acid (1) and its methyl ester (2) together with seven different methoxylated flavonols (3-9) as the extract's major components. The in vivo antiulcer study at three different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in male albino rats, compared to omeprazole (20 mg/kg) as a standard proton pump inhibitor antiulcer drug, revealed that the tested extract, at the middle and the highest doses, featured comparable or even superior activities relative to omeprazole as deduced from histopathological examination, in particular with regard to reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and ceasing mucosal haemorrhage. The tested extract revealed also a dose-dependent reduction in the volume and titrable acidity of the gastric juice together with a dose-dependent increase in the protective gastric mucin content which may explain the noticeable gastroprotective effect. Molecular modelling study of the isolated compounds showed a binding mode similar to the co-crystallized substrate vonoprazan in 5YLU which strengthens the importance of the tested extract as a potential natural remedy for treating gastric ulcer.

LE Sieroglicoproteine in Pazienti Affetti da Neoplasie Maligne

In serum of patients with cancers the variations of the electrophoretic pattern of proteins (hypoalbuminemia, hyper-alpha-2- and hyper-gamma-globulinemia) are accompanied by a deviated behaviour of the protein-bound carbohydrates: hyperglycoproteinemia (with an almost parallel increase of hexose, hexosamine and sialic acid levels) caused by an elevation of the carbohydrate percentage in the alpha-1 and alpha-2-globulins.

As to evaluate the clinical interest of such alterations, which do not show any difference in the various neoplastic localisations, the Authors examinate their importance in the diagnosis of cancers, study their behaviour regarding to diffusions and metastatisation of the disease, and follow their changes in respect to therapy.

Serum sialylation changes in cancer

Cancer is a major cause of death in both developing and developed countries. Early detection and efficient therapy can greatly enhance survival. Aberrant glycosylation has been recognized to be one of the hallmarks of cancer as glycans participate in many cancer-associated events. Cancer-associated glycosylation changes often involve sialic acids which play important roles in cell-cell interaction, recognition and immunological response. This review aims at giving a comprehensive overview of the literature on changes of sialylation in serum of cancer patients. Furthermore, the methods available to measure serum and plasma sialic acids as well as possible underlying biochemical mechanisms involved in the serum sialylation changes are surveyed. In general, total serum sialylation levels appear to be increased with various malignancies and show a potential for clinical applications, especially for disease monitoring and prognosis. In addition to overall sialic acid levels and the amount of sialic acid per total protein, glycoprofiling of specific cancer-associated glycoproteins, acute phase proteins and immunoglobulins in serum as well as the measurements of sialylation-related enzymes such as sialidases and sialyltransferases have been reported for early detection of cancer, assessing cancer progression and improving prognosis of cancer patients. Moreover, sialic-acid containing glycan antigens such as CA19-9, sialyl Lewis X and sialyl Tn on serum proteins have also displayed their value in cancer diagnosis and management whereby increased levels of these factors positively correlated with metastasis or poor prognosis.

Serum Glycoconjugates in Patients with Anemia and Myeloid Leukemia

Because of carbohydrate alterations in malignant cells, serum glycoproteins have drawn considerable attention. In the current investigation we determined total sialic acid (TSA), lipid bound sialic acid (LSA), protein bound hexoses (galactose+mannose), fucose, hexosamines (galactosamine+glucosamine) and mucoid protein concentrations in the serum of patients with anemia and myeloid leukemia. The results were compared with those obtained in healthy individuals. In the leukemia patients we observed significant increases in glycoconjugates compared with the controls (P < 0.001), and in TSA and fucose levels compared with the anemia patients (P < 0.001). LSA and hexosamine levels were significantly lower in anemia patients with respect to the leukemia patients (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively), whereas levels of mucoid proteins and hexoses did not show significant differences. Except for hexosamines, all the markers tested were significantly elevated in the anemia patients compared with the controls. The present study suggests that the glycoconjugates investigated might be useful biochemical markers for differentiating anemic from leukemic conditions.

Blastic Transformation Induced on the Lymphocytes «in vitro» by an Exudate of Reticulum Cell Sarcoma

The blood lymphocyte culture «in vitro» has been employed in order to investigate (a) the presence of neoplastic antigens in reticulum cell sarcoma exudates, and (b) the ability of patients with reticulum cell proliferative diseases (reticulum cell sarcoma, reticulum cell reticulosis) to give immune reactions to such antigens. Lymphocytes from a patient with reticulum cell reticulosis showed a 7.3% transformation to blast cells in the presence of the pleural exudate from a reticulum cell sarcoma patient. However, this same exudate did not induce transformation of lymphocytes from two other patients with reticulum cell sarcoma nor of normal lymphocytes. Lymphocytes from the exudate donor patient did show a small percentage transformation in the presence as well as in the absence of the exudate (2.3, and 2.1%, respectively). With the purpose of identification of the transformating factor, fractionation studies were performed yielding a carbohydrate-rich, partially dialyzable mucoprotein. The conclusion is drawn that lymphocytes from the patient with reticulum cell reticulosis were immunologically reactive to a neoplastic antigen contained in the reticulum cell sarcoma exudate, and possibly produced by the proliferating reticulum cells.

Pharmacological and genetic reappraisals of protease and oxidative stress pathways in a mouse model of obstructive lung diseases

Protease-antiprotease imbalance and oxidative stress are considered to be major pathophysiological hallmarks of severe obstructive lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF), but limited information is available on their direct roles in the regulation of pulmonary phenotypes. Here, we utilized βENaC-transgenic (Tg) mice, the previously established mouse model of severe obstructive lung diseases, to produce lower-mortality but pathophysiologically highly useful mouse model by backcrossing the original line with C57/BL6J mice. C57/BL6J-βENaC-Tg mice showed higher survival rates and key pulmonary abnormalities of COPD/CF, including mucous hypersecretion, inflammatory and emphysematous phenotypes and pulmonary dysfunction. DNA microarray analysis confirmed that protease- and oxidative stress-dependent pathways are activated in the lung tissue of C57/BL6J-βENaC-Tg mice. Treatments of C57/BL6J-βENaC-Tg mice with a serine protease inhibitor ONO-3403, a derivative of camostat methylate (CM), but not CM, and with an anti-oxidant N-acetylcystein significantly improved pulmonary emphysema and dysfunction. Moreover, depletion of a murine endogenous antioxidant vitamin C (VC), by genetic disruption of VC-synthesizing enzyme SMP30 in C57/BL6J-βENaC-Tg mice, exaggerated pulmonary phenotypes. Thus, these assessments clarified that protease-antiprotease imbalance and oxidative stress are critical pathways that exacerbate the pulmonary phenotypes of C57/BL6J-βENaC-Tg mice, consistent with the characteristics of human COPD/CF.

Fucose: A biomarker in grading of oral cancer

INTRODUCTION

Early diagnosis of cancer helps a great deal in the management of oral cancer patients. Number of proteinous markers have been employed for this purpose. Majority of them are not specific. Recently conjugated oligosaccharide with proteins and lipids have gained considerable importance in the present postgenomics and postproteomic period in the diagnostic and prognostics of cancer cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, serum fucose levels were estimated in 50 control cases and 75 cases of oral cancer by the method of Dische and Shettles as adopted by Winzler.

RESULTS

Serum fucose levels were found to be significantly higher in oral cancer cases (46.63 ± 5.29 mg/dl) as compared to the control cases (7.22 ± 0.26 mg/dl). The stepwise elevated serum fucose levels were found to be correlated with the histopathological grading of oral cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Estimation of such fucose conjugated proteins is suggestive to be good biomarkers in the diagnosis of oral cancer cases as well as in assessing the prognosis of such cases.

Effect of Lead on the Blood Serum, Liver and Brain Sialoglycoconjugate Levels in Rats

Rats were exposed to an acute dose of lead (Pb) to study the effect of Pb intoxication on different sialoglycoconjugates in serum, brain and liver. Serum levels of total sialic acid (TSA), perchloric acid (PCA)-soluble sialic acid (PSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA), free sialic acid (FSA) and α1-acid glycoprotein (α1-AG) were determined. They were also estimated in brain and liver tissues, except for LBSA and FSA. All these constituents were found to be significantly raised in the serum but not in the brain. In the case of the liver, only α1-AG levels were found to be increased significantly, the rest were not altered. The levels of these sialoglycoconjugates in serum might be useful as biomarkers of heavy metal toxicity.

Iridoids and Flavonoids of Four Siberian Gentians: Chemical Profile and Gastric Stimulatory Effect

Some Gentiana species have been used by the nomadic people of Siberia as bitter teas or appetizers to eliminate digestive disorders (dyspepsia, heartburn, nausea, etc.). We studied the most frequently used gentians: Gentiana algida, G. decumbens, G. macrophylla and G. triflora. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phytochemical features and gastrostimulatnt activity of these four gentian herbs. Five iridoids, seven flavones and mangiferin were detected in gentian herbs after analysis by microcolumn-RP-HPLC-UV-ESI-MS. A componential phytochemical profile of the G. decumbens herb is presented for the first time, as well as information about distinct phytochemicals found in gentian herbs. HPLC quantification of the specific compounds of gentian herbs demonstrated the high content of iridoids (24.73-73.53 mg/g) and flavonoids (12.92-78.14 mg/g). The results of biological activity evaluation of four gentian decoctions demonstrated their good ability to stimulate acid-, enzyme- and mucin-forming functions of the stomach attributed to mostly by iridoids and flavonoids. In general, it can be claimed that the gentian decoctions can be used as effective and safe appetizers and are also a good source of biologically active agents.

Protective role of ellagitannins from Eucalyptus citriodora against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats: impact on oxidative stress, inflammation and calcitonin-gene related peptide

The gastroprotective activity of an ellagitannin-rich fraction obtained from Eucalyptus citriodora (ECF) was investigated against ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in rats. The rats were pretreated with ECF (25, 50 and 100mg/kg) 1h before the administration of absolute ethanol to induce acute gastric ulceration. The gastric lesions were significantly reduced by all doses of ECF. Notably, pre-treatment with ECF (100mg/kg) conferred 99.6% gastroprotection, which is significantly higher than that produced by omeprazole. Moreover, ECF administration markedly increased the mucin content in a dose-dependent manner. The potent gastroprotective effect of ECF could be partly mediated by attenuating ethanol-induced oxidative stress. ECF-pre-treatment markedly increased the depleted GSH and SOD levels in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, ECF significantly decreased the elevated MDA tissue levels induced by ethanol administration. The results demonstrated that ECF administration exerted a powerful anti-inflammatory activity as evidenced by the reduction in the pro-inflammatory markers; IL-1β, TNF-α, 5-LO and COX-2. Additionally, the caspase-3 tissue levels were significantly reduced in the groups pre-treated with ECF. These results suggest that ECF could exert a beneficial gastroprotective effect through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. Furthermore, ECF pre-treatment significantly attenuated the ethanol-induced decrease in CGRP expression, which has a protective role against gastric ulceration. Histopathological examination revealed intact mucosal layer, absence of hemorrhage and necrosis in groups treated with ECF. Ellagitannins were identified as the major active constituents responsible for the marked antioxidant and gastroprotective properties of ECF. The HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS/MS technique was employed to identify the ellagitannins of E. citriodora.

Investigations on light induced stress model and on the role of Phyllanthus amarus in attenuation of stress related depression with focus on 5HT2Am- RNA expression

Background

There is an increasing evidence that psychological stress and depression trigger changes in various biochemical parameters in animals and human subjects. Chronic stress in rats, and psychosocial stress in humans, is implicated in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders.

Purpose

The current study was been designed to investigate the behavioral, anatomical status of rat brain and expression of serotonin receptor (5HT_2A) mRNA related to pathophysiology of stress after high light (HL) illumination and to evaluate the effect of Phyllanthus amarus (PA) over such stress induced changes in mid brain and prefrontal cortex region of rat brain.

Methods

Bright light illumination was used to induce stress in wistar rats. Established methods were used to analyse biochemical and histopathological tests.

Results

PA administration to HL stressed animals for 7 days prevented stress-induced oxidative damage, as evidenced by significant enhancement of key endogenous antioxidant defense components. HL stress also caused reduced activities of membrane bound enzymes in synaptic membrane along with reduced levels of lipid profile and glycoprotein in the midbrain region. Stress induced changes in the locomotor activity, time spent for exploring the center of the arena, frequency of rearing and grooming, and frequency of facing the corner of the arena, were altered on PA administration.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of PA may be mediated, atleast partially, via reversal of oxidative damage. Further the study demonstrates the promising intervention by PA on the mRNA expression of 5HT 2A in the brain. These preliminary results pave the way for further validation of PA against stress.

Gastroprotective activity of reconstituted red fruit pulp concentrate of Citrullus lanatus in rats

AIM

This study was carried out to evaluate the gastroprotective potential of the aqueous fruit pulp concentrate of Citrullus lanatus citroides (CLC) on pyloric ligation and indomethacin-induced ulcer in Wistar albino rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In indomethacin-induced ulcer model, CLC was administered in the doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight orally, tds for 5 days. The antiulcer activity was determined via observing reduction in ulcer index whereas in the pyloric ligation model, the gastroprotective effect of CLC was assessed from the alteration in volume of gastric juice, pH, free and total acidity, protein concentration in gastric juice. Further lipid peroxide (LPO), and activities of enzymic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was also determined along with the levels of hexose, hexosamine, sialic acid, fucose in gastric mucosa.

RESULTS

In both models, treatment with CLC caused a significant reduction in lesion index when compared to vehicle treated group, providing evidence for antiulcer capacity. In pyloric ligation model, pretreatment with CLC resulted in significant increase in pH, enzymic antioxidants, that is, SOD, CAT, with a significant decrease in volume of gastric juice, free and total acidity, protein concentration, acid output, and LPO levels respectively. The presence of the flavonoids and polyphenols may be responsible for the gastroprotective effect of CLC.

CONCLUSIONS

The aqueous fruit pulp concentrate of CLC showed significant gastroprotective potential against pyloric ligation and indomethacin-induced ulceration in rats.

Characterization of gross composition, energy value, and fatty acid profile of milk from lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) during different lactation periods

We evaluated gross composition, energy value, and fatty acid profile of colostrum, transitional, and mature milk of lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris (L., 1758)) from Argentina. Samples were obtained from six healthy animals kept in captive or semicaptive conditions. Protein content varied over time from 6 to 19 g/100 g of milk; carbohydrates varied from 2.4 to 5.4 g/100 g of milk; fat varied from 2.4 to 17.3 g/100 g of milk. Energy value also varied over time, with colostrum having the highest value. Fatty acid profile revealed a unique pattern in tapir milk, characterized by the presence of higher amounts of lauric, myristic, and pentadecanoic acids than in milk from other equids. Traces of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were measured, being the only trans fatty acid detected in tapir milk. Neither butyric acid (C4:0) nor fatty acids longer than C18 were found in tapir milk. The characteristics of tapir milk include high concentration of fat, caseins, and whey proteins. Gross composition and saturated fatty acid to unsaturated fatty acid (SFA/UFA) ratio of tapir milk were more similar to that of horse milk than rhinoceros milk. The present study sheds light on tapir fatty acid metabolism and on nutritional requirements of their newborns, which can be used to improve conservation and management strategies. Furthermore, different periods of lactation were evaluated in this species for the first time, thus contributing to the general knowledge of milk from other members of the order Perissodactyla.

Antiproliferative and apoptotic-inducing potential of ellagic acid against 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine-induced colon tumorigenesis in Wistar rats

Colon cancer remains one of the major worldwide causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in Western countries and is increasingly common in Asia. Ellagic acid (EA), a major component of polyphenol possesses attractive remedial features. The aim of this study is to divulge the potential effect of EA during 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer in male Wistar albino rats. The rats were segregated into four groups: group I, control rats; group II, rats received EA (60 mg/kg b.wt./day, orally); rats in group III, induced with DMH (20 mg/kg b.wt.) subcutaneously for 15 weeks; DMH-induced group IV rats were initiated with EA treatment. Colon of the rats treated with DMH exhibited higher glycoconjugates and proliferation index such as elevated expressions of argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNORs), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteins (MMP-2 and -9), and mast cells. DMH induction also increased phase I-metabolizing enzymes with simultaneous decrease in the phase II detoxifying enzymes. In contrast, dietary administration of EA significantly (p < 0.05) down regulated the proliferation index and restored back the levels of biotransformation enzymes. The carcinogenic insult also altered the expression of pro-apoptotic protein p53, whereas dietary EA administration significantly (p < 0.01) up regulates p53 expression to further induce apoptotic pathway. Ultrastructural changes in colon were also in accord with the above aberrations. Overall findings suggested that the suppression of colon cancer by EA in vivo involves inhibition of cell proliferation, activation of apoptosis, and efficient detoxification.

Serum Levels of Glycoproteins are Elevated in Patients with Ovarian Cancer

Identification of reliable biomarkers for detection and staging of cancer and monitoring the outcome of anticancer therapy has been considered to be of high importance. We aimed to estimate the levels of serum glycoproteins, protein bound-hexose, protein bound hexosamine, protein bound fucose, protein bound sialic acid and protein bound carbohydrate in 32 ovarian cancer patients and compared them with the levels that found in 25 normal subjects. As compared to the normal subjects, all the four fractions of glycoproteins level were significantly elevated in ovarian cancer patients (p < 0.05). Chemotherapy in these patients significantly decreased the levels of serum glycoproteins (p < 0.05). Thus, high levels of serum glycoproteins in ovarian cancer patients could be due to abnormal protein glycosylation indicating malignant transformation of the cells.

Protective effect of hydrogen sulfide against cold restraint stress-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gaseous mediator plays a potential role in modulating gastric inflammatory responses. However, its putative protective role remains to be defined. The present study aimed to evaluate role of the exogenously released and endogenously synthesized H2S in cold restraint stress (CRS)-induced oxidative gastric damage in rats. Rats were restrained, and maintained at 4 °C for 3 h. The H2S donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (60 μmol/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) before CRS. Our results revealed that NaHS pretreatment significantly attenuated ulcer index, free and total acid output, and pepsin activity in gastric juice along with decreased gastric mucosal carbonyl content and reactive oxygen species production. This was accompanied by increased gastric juice pH and mucin concentration in addition to restoring the deficits in the gastric reduced glutathione, catalase as well as superoxide dismutase enzyme activities. NaHS pretreatment markedly reduced the serum level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and myeloperoxidase activity compared to CRS-non-treated. Moreover, NaHS preadministration significantly abrogated the inflammatory and the deleterious responses of gastric mucosa in CRS. The protective effects of H2S were confirmed by gastric histopathological examination. However, pretreatment with the H2S-synthesizing enzyme, cystathionine-gamma-lyase inhibitor, beta-cyano-L-alanine (50 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the gastroprotection afforded by the endogenous H2S. Collectively, our results suggest that H2S can protect rat gastric mucosa against CRS-induced gastric ulceration possibly through mechanisms that involve anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions alongside enhancement of gastric mucosal barrier and reduction in acid secretory parameters.

Effect of luteolin on the levels of glycoproteins during azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in mice

Luteolin (LUT), a bioflavonoid has been used as a chemopreventive agent world-wide against chemically induced cancer. Hence we designed an experiment to assess chemopreventive action of LUT on lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glycoconjugates in azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis. Colon cancer was induced by 15 mg/body kg. body weight of AOM and administration of LUT (at the dose of 1.2 mg/kg. body weight) was till end of the study. Analysis of lipid peroxidative end products such as protein carbonyl (PC), malonadehyde (MDA) and conjucated dienes (CD) demonstrated significant increase in in AOM-induced animals with reduction by LUT (p<0.05) . Increased levels of glycoconjugates such as hexose, hexosamine, sialic acid, fucose and mucoprotein were analyzed in serum and colon tissues examined histopathologically by periodic acid Schiff's (PAS) staining were also reversed by LUT l(p<0.05) . The secondary marker of colon cancer mucin depleted foci (MDF) was assessed in control and experimental group of animals. A characteristic increase of MDF was observed in AOM- induced colon cancer animals. Treatment with LUT decreased the incidence of MDF. These results suggest that LUT alters the expression of glycoconjugates and suppress colon cancer. Hence, we speculate that LUT can be used as a chemopreventive agent to treat colon cancer.

Clinical usefulness of alterations in sialic acid, sialyl transferase and sialoproteins in breast cancer

Sialic acid, the end moieties of the carbohydrate chains are biologically important and essential for functions of glycoconjugates and are reported to be altered in cancer patients. Two hundred and twenty five breast cancer (BC) patients, 100 patients with benign breast disease (BBD) and 100 healthy females (controls) were enrolled for the study. Eight hundred and twenty four follow-up samples of 225 breast carcinoma patients were also evaluated. The association of sialic acid forms, sialyltransferase and α-2-6 sialoproteins levels with presence and extent as well as prognosis of breast carcinoma was studied. Serum sialic acid forms and sialyltransferase revealed significantly elevated levels among untreated breast cancer patients as compared to the controls, patients with BBD as well as cancer patients in remission. Non-responders showed comparable levels of the markers with those found in breast cancer patients at the time of diagnosis. Higher levels of sialic acid forms at diagnosis were associated with poor prognosis. A positive correlation between serum levels of different forms of sialic acids and extent of malignant disease was observed. The changes in serum proteins with terminal α-2-6 sialic acid correlated well with alterations in the levels of sialic acid forms and sialyltransferase. Malignant tissues showed elevated levels of sialic acid and sialyltransferase as compared to surrounding normal tissues.The results suggested potential utility of these markers in evaluation of clinical outcome.

Serum glycoconjugates and ceruloplasmin in cancer of uterine cervix

The present study was done to assess the levels of glycoconjugates and ceruloplasmin in sera of patients with cervical cancer. Serum hexoses, hexosamines, sialic acid and fucose are elevated in a variety of inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. All the glycoconjugates, except fucose were increased in serum of patients compared to controls. Also, hexoses and sialic acid levels were high in patients with later stages of cancer compared to patients with early stage disease (P=<0.0001, P=0.03). Serum ceruloplasmin was increased in patients with early stage cancer (51.5mg/dl) and with late stage cancer (61mg/dl) compared to controls (38mg/dl). The elevated glycoconjugates may be the result of inflammatory reaction associated with neoplasia, as serum ceruloplasmin (an acute phase reactant) is also increased in these patients.

Antiulcerogenic activity of hydroalcoholic fruit extract of Pithecellobium dulce in different experimental ulcer models in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The ethnopharmacological importance of Pithecellobium dulce is evidenced by its traditional use for gastric complications. The aim of the study is to evaluate the gastroprotective activity and the mechanism of action of hydroalcoholic fruit extract of P. dulce (HAEPD) in rats by using chemical and stress induced ulcer models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gastric ulcer was induced by administering alcohol (or) acetylsalicylic acid (or) hypothermic restraint stress to rats pretreated with HAEPD (200 mg/kgbwt for 30 day). Volume of gastric fluid, pH, acidity, activities of pepsin, H(+), K(+)-ATPase, myeloperoxidase, mucin content, nucleic acids, glycoproteins and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) levels were assessed in gastric tissues.

RESULTS

Ulcer score was significantly minimized in HAEPD administered animals. pH and acidity of gastric fluid were significantly minimized and the mucin, PGE(2) levels were significantly maintained in drug pre administered animals. The activities of H(+), K(+)- ATPase and myeloperoxidase were found to be significantly elevated in ulcer control animals and found to be decreased in drug pretreated animals. The cell proliferation was found to be enhanced in drug received animals. The total protein bound carbohydrate to total protein ratio was found to be significantly maintained by HAEPD. The effects were found to be comparable with that of standard drug omeprazole.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that HAEPD possess a potent antiulcer activity probably by acting as cytoprotective and antiacid secretory agent.

The Gastroprotective Role of Acanthus ilicifolius - A Study to Unravel the Underlying Mechanism of Anti-Ulcer Activity

Acanthus ilicifolius (Acanthaceae), a mangrove medicinal plant, is widely used by the local inhabitants of the Sundarbans (India) to treat a variety of diseases. As a part of our continued search for novel bioactive products from mangrove medicinal plants, we were able to document the anti-inflammatory effects of this plant. In the present study, we have performed a detailed evaluation of the gastroprotective activity of the methanolic extract of Acanthus ilicifolius using different models of gastric ulceration. Unlike the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a methanolic extract of Acanthus ilicifolius leaves (MEAL) possessing significant anti-inflammatory properties, as revealed from our previous studies displayed in rats in dosages of 200 mg and 400 mg/kg BW after intraperitoneal administration, showed significant protective activity (anti-ulcer activity) against the gastric lesions induced by aspirin, indomethacin, stress, ethanol, and pylorus ligation. In pylorus-ligated rats, administration of Methanolic extract of Acanthus ilicifolius leaves (MEAL) significantly decreased gastric volume, acidity, and peptic activity. Moreover, pre-treatment with MEAL significantly restored the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), along with significant inhibition of both lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in pylorus-ligated animals. Ulceration induced with ethanol was significantly inhibited with MEAL, and the extract also resulted in the reduction of both lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, in this experimental model, administration of MEAL improved the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPX. A similar pattern of action was also noticed in cold-restraint stress-induced (CRS) ulceration, where MEAL pre-treatment inhibited CRS-induced ulceration, improved the status of antioxidant enzymes, and also reduced the level of lipid peroxides. These results suggest that extracts of the leaves of Acanthus ilicifolius may exhibit anti-ulcer activities additional to the anti-inflammatory properties.

Serum fucose level in malignant diseases

We review the present knowledge of serum fucose with special attention to its relation with various malignant diseases. We summarize the role of serum fucose as a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker when used singly or in combination. The purpose of this review is to provide an expert opinion on the practical and applied aspect of serum fucose level in clinical practice and research settings. Our review is based on information from published research studies, library books, and electronic searches through Medline and PubMed. The available published data were used as the basis for recommendations. Each of the subsections concludes to provide information to assist the clinicians and the research scientists make informed decisions.