Investigation of the effect of addition of Momordica charantia to glibenclamide on amelioration of endothelial dysfunction in diabetic rats by activating Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a significant risk factor of blood vessel related diseases of diabetes and this study evaluate the effect of adding Momordica charantia (Mc) to glibenclamide (GLB) on ED markers in diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (STZ-40mg/kg b. w.) induced diabetic rats were randomly put into 3 groups with 10 rats/group; diabetic control [DC] group, glibenclamide treated group (GLB -2.5mg/kg) and GLB-Mc treated group (2.5mg/kg + 400mg/kg). Serum glucose was measured weekly for eight weeks whereas insulin, sVCAM-1, vWF-Ag and interleukin-6 [IL-6] were measured at week 0 and week 8. Luciferase assay was performed to determine luminescence. At week 8, GLB and GLB-Mc groups revealed improvements in blood glucose and insulin concentrations (P≤0.05) when compared to corresponding baseline values with GLB-Mc group showing slightly greater improvements. GLB-M c group also revealed improvement (P≤0.05) in vWF-Ag, sVCAM-1 and IL-6 concentrations but was non-significant in GLB group when compared to corresponding baseline values. Comparison between GLB and GLB-Mc group showed significantly high concentration of sVCAM-1 in GLB group (P≤0.05) due to its minimal effect on TGR5 activation. We conclude that adding M. charantia to GLB may be a useful choice for modulating diabetes induced ED due to its stimulatory effect on TGR5 receptors.

THE EFFECT OF H. PYLORI PROTEINS JHP 0290 (FL) AND JHP 0290 ON HOST CELL BEHAVIOR

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effect of H. Pylori proteins JHP 0290 (FL) and JHP 0290 on host cell response. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), Peshawar from April 2021 to September 2021. H. Pylori genomic DNA (J99 and 26695), pET expression system plasmid (PET21a, 22b & 28b+), kanamycin 50µg/ml and ampicillin 100µg/ml, LB agar plates and LB media, Talon@IMAC resin column were used for studying H. pylori proteins. Genes coding for these proteins were successively cloned into PET21a, PET22b, and PET28b+ expression vectors but no expression was seen with different concentrations of IPTG in BL21(DE3) culture, and expression was prolonged for 4hrs. Results: Only JHP0290 (FL) & JHP0290 (-17a.a) were successively cloned in PET28b+ and expression was induced by using 100µM IPTG in E.coli strain (BL21DE3). Restriction analysis showed the size of JHP0290 (FL & -17a.a) at approximately 550bp and protein size was analyzed on SDS-page which was 20Kda approximately. JHP0290FL protein was found in pellets while JHP0290 (-17a.a) protein was found in pellets & supernatant before being applied to Talon cell through resin column to get purified protein. The study showed a clear band of JHP0290 (FL) on SDS-page with imidazole eluted fraction pooled, while a faint band with a distinct band of JHP0290 (-17a.a) was also seen on SDS-page. Conclusion: These changes are indicative of altered host cell response induced by H.pylori protein JHP0290 suggesting its possible involvement in the development and severity of the disease. Keywords: H.pylori proteins, virulence factor, host cell response, genomic DNA, pathogenicity

Benefits of Zubex beyond glycemic control: Evidence of the antiatherogenic effect

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of Zubex (aqueous extract of Curcuma longa linn, Iron murakab, Eugenia jambolana, Lin seed or flflax seed, processed egg shell calcium and Asphaltum) on plasma sialic acid (PSA) along with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Thirty male albino rats were divided into groups (1-6) with 5 rats in each group. Group 1 and 2 served as normal control (NC) and diabetic control (DC), respectively, and were given normal saline only. Groups 3-5 were given Zubex in different doses 100-400 mg/(kg day). Group 6 received glibenclamide 600 μg/(kg day) orally as a reference drug. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and PSA levels were determined at baseline after every 2 weeks for 10 weeks. The other parameters including blood lipids and hepatic enzymes were determined at baseline and at the end of the study. Finally, the liver was subjected to histological examination.

RESULTS

Compared with DC group, Zubex treated groups showed signifificant decline in FPG levels (P<0.05). At the endpoint, the decrease in PSA concentration was significant (P<0.05) from baseline at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/(kg day) only and insignifificant at the dose of 100 mg/ (kg day). Statistically signifificant improvements were observed in blood lipids at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg (P<0.05) compared with DC; but, the improvement was insignifificant in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol at the dose of 100 mg/ (kg day). Signifificant decreases were also found in hepatic enzyme levels at all the doses of Zubex (P<0.05). Histological examination showed marked improvement in streptozotocin induced liver injury after treatment of all the 3 doses of Zubex.

CONCLUSION

Zubex could ameliorate PSA and other diabetic complications effectively and may be a useful alternative/adjuvant in diabetes treatment.

Liraglutide in diabetes mellitus: More facts and findings

Liraglutide exert favorable effects on most of the diabetes associated cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and this study was designed to further explore the benefits of liraglutide by observing its effect on plasma sialic acid (PSA) in diabetic rats. A total of 30 streptozotocin induced (50 mg/Kg; i.p.) diabetic rats were randomized into vehicle treated (1 ml/Kg s.c, twice daily) group I, liraglutide treated groups II and III (30 μg/Kg and 150 μg/Kg, twice daily respectively) and studied for 6 weeks. Liraglutide treated groups showed significant reductions in fructosamine levels (p≤0.05) from baseline. Between groups comparison revealed significant difference (p≤.05) at the end point. Similarly, at week 6, liraglutide treated groups showed significantly low levels of PSA compared to baseline (p<0.03 and p<0.005 for group II and III respectively) and control group I (p<0.002 and p<0.001 for group II and III respectively). However, the difference was non-significant between groups II and III (p<0.09). Other parameters including glucose tolerance, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood lipids, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and body weight also improved by liraglutide with the group III showing greater improvement. The study concludes that liraglutide produce favourable effects on PSA and may bea useful choice in protecting against diabetes associated CV complications.

Comparative studies of binding potential of Prunus armeniaca and Prunus domestica gums in tablets formulations

The current study was undertaken to compare the binding potential of Prunus armeniaca L. and Prunus domestica L. gums in tablets' formulations. Tablet batches (F-1 to F-9) were prepared Diclofenac sodium as model drug using 5%, 7.5% and 10% of each Prunus armeniaca L., Prunus domestica L. gums as binder. PVP K30 was used as a standard binder. Magnesium stearate was used as lubricant. Flow properties of granules (like bulk density, tapped density, Carr's index, Hausner's ratio, angle of repose) as well as the physical parameters of compressed tablets including hardness, friability, thickness and disintegration time were determined. Flow parameters of granules of all the batches were found good. Physical parameters (drug content, weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, disintegration time) of formulated tablets were found within limit when tested. The dissolution studies showed that tablets formulations containing each Prunus domestica showed better binding capacity compared to Prunus armeniaca gum. The binding potential increased as the concentration of gums increased. The FTIR spectroscopic investigation showed that the formulations containing plant gum are compatible with the drug and other excipients used.

Low density lipoprotein receptor-independent hepatic uptake of a synthetic, cholesterol-scavenging lipoprotein: implications for the treatment of receptor-deficient atherosclerosis

The metabolism of infused 111In-labeled phospholipid liposomes was examined in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits, which lack low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, and in normal control rabbits. The half-times (t1/2) for clearance of 111In and excess phospholipid from plasma were 20.8 +/- 0.9 hr and 20.3 +/- 4.6 hr in WHHL and 20.0 +/- 0.8 hr and 19.6 +/- 2.2 hr in the normal rabbits (means +/- SEM; n = 4). By 6 hr postinfusion, the plasma concentration of unesterified cholesterol increased by 2.2 +/- 0.23 mmol/liter in WHHL and 2.1 +/- 0.04 mmol/liter in normal rabbits, presumably reflecting mobilization of tissue stores. Disappearance of excess plasma cholesterol was greater than 90% complete in both groups of rabbits by 70 hr postinfusion. By quantitative gamma camera imaging, hepatic trapping of 111In-labeled liposomes over time was indistinguishable between the two groups. At autopsy, the liver was the major organ of clearance, acquiring 22.0% +/- 1.7% (WHHL) and 16.8% +/- 1.0% (normal of total 111In. Aortic uptake of 111In was less than 0.02%. Thus, mobilization of cholesterol and hepatic uptake of phospholipid liposomes do not require LDL receptors. Because phospholipid infusions produce rapid substantial regression of atherosclerosis in genetically normal animals, our results suggest that phospholipid liposomes or triglyceride phospholipid emulsions (e.g., Intralipid) might reduce atherosclerosis in WHHL rabbits and in humans with familial hypercholesterolemia.