Ameliorative potential of synbiotic combination of Lactobacillus sp. and polyphenols against Benzo[a]pyrene-induced toxicity in Caco-2 cell line

Exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a major global food safety concern, is often associated with increasing incidence of colorectal cancers. This in-vitro study was focused on the identification of potential B[a]P-adsorbing Lactobacillus strains and evaluation of the ameliorative effect of synbiotic combination of selected Lactobacillus sp. and polyphenols (quercetin or resveratrol) against B[a]P-induced intestinal toxicity in Caco-2 cells. Preliminary studies lead to the selection of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MTCC 25433 strain that showed 86% of B[a]P adsorption in 2 h as compared to L. rhamnosus GG that showed 74% of B[a]P adsorption. B[a]P adsorption by MTCC 25433 was reduced to 9%, 16% and 20% upon pre-treatment with SDS, NaIO4 and mutanolysin, attributing the involvement of cell wall proteins and polysaccharides in the adsorption. Additionally, peptidoglycan of both strains adsorbed >50% of B[a]P. In-vitro assays revealed that the selected LAB mitigated the B[a]P-induced epithelial cell damage. Among the polyphenols, quercetin, resveratrol and curcumin, varied in their potency to mitigate B[a]P-induced oxidative stress, with curcumin being least effective. Combinations of selected Lactobacillus sp. and polyphenols were more potent in averting B[a]P-induced toxicity via increase in GSH (17-30 %), SOD (50-88 %), catalase (19-45 %), and reduction in IL-8 secretion (14-28 %) and barrier dysfunction. Principal component analysis affirmed the superior potency of combination of L. plantarum MTCC 25433 and quercetin in averting B[a]P-induced toxicity. Overall, this study highlighted a novel promising strategy of synbiotic combination of Lactobacillus sp. and polyphenols (quercetin or resveratrol) in alleviating the B[a]P-induced toxicity in intestinal epithelial cells.

Molecular binding mechanism and novel antidiabetic and anti-hypertensive bioactive peptides from fermented camel milk with anti-inflammatory activity in raw macrophages cell lines

The investigation was to determine the effect of camel milk fermented with Limosilactobacillus fermentum KGL4 (MTCC 25515) on ACE-inhibiting, anti-inflammatory, and diabetes-preventing properties and also to release the novel peptides with antidiabetic and anti-hypertensive attributes with molecular interaction studies. Growth conditions were optimised on the basis of total peptide production by inoculating the culture in camel milk at different rates (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%) along with different incubation periods (12, 24, 36, and 48 h). However, after 48 h of fermentation with a 2.5% rate of inoculum, the highest proteolytic activity was obtained. Reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to calculate the % Rpa from permeates of 3 kDa and 10 kDa fractions. Molecular weight distributions of fermented and unfermented camel milk protein fractions were compared using SDS-PAGE. Spots obtained from 2D gel electrophoresis were separated on the basis of pH and molecular weight. Spots obtained from 2D gel were digested with trypsin, and the digested samples were subjected to RP-LC/MS for the generation of peptide sequences. The inhibition of tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 during fermentation was studied using RAW 264.7 macrophages. In the study, fermented camel milk with KGL4 (CMKGL4) inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) by the murine macrophages. The results showed that the peptide structures (YLEELHRLNK and YLQELYPHSSLKVRPILK) exhibited considerable binding affinity against hPAM and hMGA during molecular interaction studies.

Safety aspects, probiotic potentials of yeast and lactobacillus isolated from fermented foods in North-Eastern India, and its anti-inflammatory activity

Lactobacillus and yeast obtained from fermented foods in North-East India were tested for safety and probiotic properties. All the lactobacilli and yeast tested negative for the catalase, indole, urease, phenylalanine, hemolysis, gelatin hydrolysis, and biogenic amine production tests, indicating that they are safe to use as probiotics in food supplements. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KGL3A (accession no. MG722814) was capable of resisting the replicated gastric fluid (pH 2) till 2 h of exposure, whereas both KGL3A and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus K4E (accession no. KX950834.1) strains were able to resist pH 3 till 2 h of exposure with a reduction in overall viable cell count from 7.48 log CFU/mL to 1.09 log CFU/mL and 7.77 log CFU/mL to 0.83 log CFU/mL, respectively. In vitro gastric juice simulation conditions were tolerated by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae WBS2A. The cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) towards hydrocarbons (n-hexadecane) was seen highest in L. plantarum KGL3A (77.16± 0.84%) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum KGL4 accession no. MF951099 (72.60 ± 2.33%). The percentage auto-aggregation ranged from 8.70 to 25.53 after 2 h, which significantly increased to 10.50 to 26.94 during the fifth hour for cultures. Also, a higher percentage of co-aggregation was found for the culture L. rhamnosus K4E with S. typhi (34.18 ± 0.03%), E. coli (32.97 ± 0.02 %) and S. aureus (26.33 ± 0.06 %) and for the yeast S. cerevisiae WBS2A, a higher percentage of co-aggregation was found with Listeria monocytogenes (25.77 ± 0.22%). The antioxidant activity and proteolytic activity were found to be higher for Lactobacillus helveticus K14 and L. rhamnosus K4E. The proportion of decreased cholesterol was noticeably higher in KGL4 (29.65 ± 4.30%). β glucosidase activity was significantly higher in the L. fermentum KGL4 strain (0.359 ± 0.002), and α galactosidase activity was significantly higher in the L. rhamnosus K4E strain (0.415 ± 0.016). MTT assays suggested that KGL4 and WBS2A at a lower dose did not exhibit cytotoxicity.

Production and Characterization of ACE Inhibitory and Anti-Diabetic Peptides from Buffalo and Camel Milk Fermented with Lactobacillus and Yeast: A Comparative Analysis with In Vitro, In Silico, and Molecular Interaction Study

The investigation aimed at assessing a comparative study on the production and characterization of ACE inhibitory, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities, along with the production of ACE inhibitory and anti-diabetic peptides through the fermentation of buffalo and camel milk by Limosilactobacillus fermentum (KGL4) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (WBS2A). The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and anti-diabetic properties were evaluated at particular time intervals (12, 24, 36, and 48 h) at 37 °C, and we discovered maximum activity at 37 °C after 48 h of incubation. The maximum ACE inhibitory, lipase inhibitory activities, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory, and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities were found in the fermented camel milk (77.96 ± 2.61, 73.85 ± 1.19, 85.37 ± 2.15, and 70.86 ± 1.02), as compared to the fermented buffalo milk (FBM) (75.25 ± 1.72, 61.79 ± 2.14, 80.09 ± 0.51, and 67.29 ± 1.75). Proteolytic activity was measured with different inoculation rates (1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%) and incubation times (12, 24, 36, and 48 h) to optimize the growth conditions. Maximum proteolysis was found at a 2.5% inoculation rate and at a 48 h incubation period in both fermented buffalo (9.14 ± 0.06) and camel milk (9.10 ± 0.17). SDS-PAGE and 2D gel electrophoresis were conducted for protein purification. The camel and buffalo milk that had not been fermented revealed protein bands ranging from 10 to 100 kDa and 10 to 75 kDa, respectively, whereas all the fermented samples showed bands ranging from 10 to 75 kDa. There were no visible protein bands in the permeates on SDS-PAGE. When fermented buffalo and camel milk were electrophoresed in 2D gel, 15 and 20 protein spots were detected, respectively. The protein spots in the 2D gel electrophoresis ranged in size from 20 to 75 kDa. To distinguish between different peptide fractions, water-soluble extract (WSE) fractions of ultrafiltration (3 and 10 kDa retentate and permeate) of fermented camel and buffalo milk were employed in RP-HPLC (reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography). The impact of fermented buffalo and camel milk on inflammation induced by LPS (lipopolysaccharide) was also investigated in the RAW 264.7 cell line. Novel peptide sequences with ACE inhibitory and anti-diabetic properties were also analyzed on the anti-hypertensive database (AHTDB) and bioactive peptide (BIOPEP) database. We found the sequences SCQAQPTTMTR, EMPFPK, TTMPLW, HPHPHLSFMAIPPK, FFNDKIAK, ALPMHIR, IPAVFK, LDQWLCEK, and AVPYPQR from the fermented buffalo milk and the sequences TDVMPQWW, EKTFLLYSCPHR, SSHPYLEQLY, IDSGLYLGSNYITAIR, and FDEFLSQSCAPGSDPR from the fermented camel milk.

Anti-Inflammatory, ACE Inhibitory, Antioxidative Activities and Release of Novel Antihypertensive and Antioxidative Peptides from Whey Protein Hydrolysate with Molecular Interactions

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the whey protein hydrolysate with bio-functional attributes viz. antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and ACE inhibition efficacy and release of bioactive peptides with antioxidative and ACE-inhibitory activity by employing Pepsin.

METHOD

The antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, ACE inhibitory and proteolytic activities of the whey protein hydrolysates were studied followed by SDS-PAGE analysis and IEF. Anti-inflammatory activity of whey protein hydrolysate was also studied on RAW 264.7 cell line. The separation of the bioactive peptides from whey protein hydrolysate was achieved by RP-HPLC. The purified bioactive peptides were identified and characterized using RPLC/MS.

RESULTS

WPC (Whey protein concentrate) hydrolysate with pepsin showed proteolytic activity ranging between 14.46 and 18.87 mg/ml. Using the ABTS assay, the highest antioxidative activity was observed in 10 kDa retentate (84.50%) and 3 kDa retentate (85.96%), followed by the highest proteolytic activity (13.83 mg/ml) and ACE inhibitory activity (58.37%) in a 5% WPC solution at 65 °C after 8 h of pepsin hydrolysis. When the protein hydrolysate concentration was low, the production of proinflammatory cytokines by lipopolysaccharide-treated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) was reduced. SDS-PAGE results exhibited very little protein bands when comparing with WPC hydrolysates to insoluble WPC. There were no protein spots on 2 D gel electrophoresis and "in-solution trypsin digestion" technique have been utilized to digest protein samples directly from WPC hydrolysates. Novel antioxidative peptides and ACE inhibitory peptides were also observed by comparing two databases, i.e., BIOPEP and AHTPDB respectively. The peptide sequences used in this study were found to have excellent potential to be used as inhibitors of hACE as all of them were able to show substantial interactions against the enzyme's active site.

CONCLUSIONS

The antihypertensive and antioxidative peptides from whey protein hydrolysates may be beneficial for the future development of physiologically active functional foods. Further, in vivo investigations are required to establish the health claim for each individual bioactive peptide from whey protein hydrolysate.

Supplemental data for this article is available online at.

In vitro characterization of lactic acid bacterial strains isolated from fermented foods with anti-inflammatory and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibition potential

Probiotics are known to stimulate, modulate, and regulate host immune response by regulating specific sets of genes and improve glucose homeostasis through regulating dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-IV) activity, but the mechanism behind their protective role is not clearly understood. Therefore, the present study was designed to isolate indigenous lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains from different fermented food samples, vegetables, and human infant feces exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and DPP-IV inhibitory activity. A total of thirty-six Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and rod-shaped bacteria were isolated and screened for their anti-inflammatory activity using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation on the murine (RAW264.7) macrophages. Among all, sixteen strains exhibited more than 90% reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production by the LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Prioritized strains were characterized for their probiotic attributes as per the DBT-ICMR guidelines and showed desirable probiotic attributes in a species and strain-dependent manner. Accordingly, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LAB3, Levilactobacillus brevis LAB20, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LAB31, Pediococcus acidilactici LAB8, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LAB39 were prioritized. Furthermore, these strains when co-supplemented with LPS and treated on RAW264.7 cells inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), i.e., p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and SAPK/JNK, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), relative to the LPS-alone-treated macrophages. LAB31 and LAB39 also showed 64 and 95% of DPP-IV inhibitory activity relative to the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103, which was used as a reference strain in all the studies. Five prioritized strains ameliorated the LPS-induced inflammation by downregulating the JNK/MAPK pathway and could be employed as an alternative bio-therapeutic strategy in mitigating gut-associated inflammatory conditions. The potential mechanism of action of prioritized LAB strains in preventing the LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

Significance of Lactobacillus fermentum on Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Ultrafiltration Peptide Fractions as Potential Sources of Antioxidative Peptides from Fermented Camel Milk (Indian Breed)

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to assess the bio-functional analysis of camel milk viz. anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory activities using potent Lactobacillus fermentum (KGL4) strain through fermentation and also to release the bioactive peptides during fermentation.

METHOD

The antioxidant and proteolytic activities of the fermented camel milk were studied followed by SDS-PAGE analysis and 2 D PAGE. The separations of the bioactive peptides of water-soluble extract (WSE) of 3 and 10 kDa (Permeates & Retentates) were achieved by RP-HPLC. The purified bioactive peptides were identified and characterized using RPLC/MS and the effect of WSE of camel milk fermented with KGL4 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/endotoxin-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages were also studied.

RESULTS

The maximal activity was observed in ABTS assay (64.03%), then in hydroxyl free radical scavenging assay, and minimal activity was observed in superoxide free radical assay (57.75%). ABTS assay was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other assays. MTT assay was performed on WSE of camel milk fermented with KGL4 using treated macrophage cells with different concentrations and found the decreasing range of cell viability at 0.25 mg/mL treatment which was non-significant. 7.80 mg/ml peptide production was found after 48 h of fermentation using the OPA method. Further, WSE of fermented camel milk was separated and analyzed their protein profiles using SDS-PAGE and 2 D-PAGE techniques. Here, many new peptides were found in camel milk when fermented with KGL4 strain. Each protein sequence was characterized through bioinformatic tools, including SWISS-PROT & PIR protein databases. Novel bioactive anti-oxidative peptides were found by searching in the BIOPEP database.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that the L. fermentum KGL4 strain could be explored to produce novel antioxidative peptides from fermented camel milk (Indian breed).

Exploring the potential of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei M11 on antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and ACE inhibitory effects of fermented dromedary camel milk (Camelus dromedaries) and the release of antidiabetic and anti-hypertensive peptides

The goal of this investigation was to find antidiabetic peptides and inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (M11) fermented dromedary camel milk (Camelus dromedaries). According to the findings, the rate of antidiabetic activity increased along with the incubation periods and reached its peak after 48 hr of fermentation. The inhibitions of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase were 80.75, 59.62, and 65.46%, respectively. The inhibitory activity of ACE was 78.33%, and the proteolytic activity was 8.90 mg/mL. M11 at 0.25 mg/mL effectively suppressed LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and their mediators such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in RAW 264.7 cells. The rate of inoculum in the optimization phase was 1.5-2.5%, and the greatest proteolytic activity was observed after 48 hr of fermentation. The investigation of the above property in the ultrafiltered fermented milk exhibited the highest antidiabetic and ACE inhibition activities in the 3 kDa than 10 kDa fractions. The molecular weight was determined employing SDS-PAGE, and the six-peptide sequences were identified using 2D gel electrophoresis. Due to its high proteolytic activity, the L. paracasei strain has been reported to be useful in the production of ACE-inhibitory and antidiabetic peptides. Amino acid sequences such from ɑ1, ɑ2, and β-caseins have been identified within fermented camel milk by searching on online databases, including BIOPEP (for antidiabetic peptides) and AHTPDB (for hypertension peptides) to validate the antidiabetic and ACE-inhibitory actions of several peptides. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The study aims to identify antidiabetic peptides and inhibit ACE in dromedary camel milk fermented with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei M11. Maximum antidiabetic and ACE-inhibitory actions of the fermented camel milk were observed in 3 kDa permeate fractions. Fermented camel milk significantly reduced the excessive TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. RP-LC/MS was used to identify 6 bioactive peptides from dromedary fermented camel milk. This fermented camel milk could be used for the management of hypertension and diabetic related problems.

Purification and Characterization of Novel Antihypertensive and Antioxidative Peptides From Whey Protein Fermentate: In Vitro, In Silico, and Molecular Interactions Studies

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this research was to purify and characterize the novel angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory and antioxidant peptides from fermented whey protein concentrate produced by Lactobacillus paracasei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a co-fermentation system.

METHOD

Whey protein fermented with lactic acid bacteria and yeast culture was analyzed for antioxidative, ACE inhibition, as well as anti-inflammatory activity followed by SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing, and 2-dimensional (2D) analysis. Anti-inflammatory activity of whey protein fermentate was also studied on the RAW 264.7 cell line. The bioactive peptides were separated from the whey protein fermentate using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and reverse-phase liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (RPLC/MS), and thus identification and characterization of purified bioactive peptide was performed.

RESULTS

Whey protein fermentate samples' bioactivity was analyzed at specific time intervals at 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours at 37 °C for M11 and at 25 °C for WBS2A. The development settings (incubation time [12, 24, 36, and 48 hours) and inoculation rates [1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%]) were optimized for peptide synthesis via the o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) method (proteolytic activity). Maximum proteolytic activity was observed at 37 °C for M11 (6.50 mg/mL) and at 25 °C for WBS2A (8.59 mg/mL) for 48 hours of incubation. Protein profiling was carried out using SDS-PAGE and 2D gel electrophoresis, in which Sodium dodecyl-sulfate (SDS) exhibited protein bands in the 10- to 55-kDa range, while 2D showed protein bands varying from 10 to 70 kDa. Every spot from 2D was digested by trypsin and identified by RPLC/MS. Protein fractionations (3- and 10-kDa permeates) were carried out employing RP-HPLC. Whey protein fermentate has anti-inflammatory action in RAW 264.7 macrophages that have been exposed to lipopolysaccharide. A molecular docking system was also used to investigate the interactions of peptides (AFLDSRTR, ILGAFIQIITFR) with human myeloperoxidase enzyme.

CONCLUSIONS

The antihypertensive and antioxidative peptides discovered from whey protein fermentate may be helpful in the design of pharmacologically active healthy ingredients in the upcoming years.

Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Gymnosporia montana (Roth). Benth leaves

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gymnosporia montana (Roth) Benth an herbaceous shrub used in Indian traditional medicine their leaves decoction was used as mouthwash to get relieve from toothache, hence it is also known as Dantakashta in Sanskrit language which means the plant used for tooth problems. Traditionally the leaves juice used to alleviate inflammation and in some parts of India like Saurashtra in Gujarat, leaves were chewed as a folklore cure for Jaundice and in Bhandra region Karnataka, leaves extract mixed with cow milk used for jaundice. Hepatoprotective activity for G. montana leaves was well reported however, its use for inflammation and toothache are still not studied to investigate active phytoconstituents responsible for anti-inflammatory activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed at bioactivity guided isolation of G. montana leaves extracts using inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) in RAW 264.7 cells in vitro assay to yield bioactive phytoconstituents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts prepared from G. montana leaves were evaluated for cell viability using MTT assay. The effect of extracts to inhibit the pro-inflammatory mediators like NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 macrophages was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The quantitative analysis of the isolated phytoconstituents was performed using quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (qNMR).

RESULTS

The n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of G. montana leaves exhibited cell viability in the range of 97.43-84.88% at 50 μg/mL concentration in RAW 264.7 macrophages. In-vitro evaluation of extracts showed that n-hexane extract was most effective in inhibiting NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 inflammatory mediators at 50 μg/mL in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Further n-hexane extract, its fraction GMHA3 and β-amyrin exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity at 100, 50 and 30 mg/kg per oral, respectively in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The quantitative analysis by qNMR revealed β-amyrin as a major compound in the n-hexane extract.

CONCLUSIONS

In vitro and in vivo bioassay results suggested that G. montana n-hexane extract, its fraction GMHA3 and β-amyrin exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity proves the traditional uses of G. montana leaves. The reported activity of β-amyrin for periodontitis provides evidence of profound the use of G. montana leaves for toothache and anti-inflammatory activity.

Significance of whey protein hydrolysate on anti-oxidative, ACE-inhibitory and anti-inflammatory activities and release of peptides with biofunctionality: an in vitro and in silico approach

The study aimed to investigate potent antioxidant activities (ABTS assay, Hydroxyl free radical scavenging assay, and Superoxide free radical assay), ACE inhibitory activity, and anti-inflammatory activity in the WPC (whey protein concentrate) hydrolysate using Alcalase. The hydrolysis conditions (addition rate and incubation times) for peptide synthesis were also optimized using proteolytic activity. The generation of proinflammatory cytokines by lipopolysaccharide-treated murine macrophages was reduced when the protein hydrolysate concentration was low. In comparison to unhydrolyzed WPC, SDS-PAGE examination revealed no protein bands in WPC hydrolysates. Two-Dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis did not show any protein spots. Using the 'In-solution trypsin digestion' approach, the trypsin digested protein samples were put into RPLC/MS for amino acid sequencing. Peptides were also identified using RPLC/MS on fractions of 3 and 10 kDa permeates and retentates. The MASCOT database was used to look up the raw masses of LC/MS. By comparing hydrolyzed whey protein to the BLASTp (NCBI), PIR, BIOPEP, and AHTPDB databases, novel antioxidative and ACE inhibitory peptides were reported.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05282-3.

Isomaltooligosaccharides utilization and genomic characterization of human infant anti-inflammatory Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium breve strains

This study was carried out to understand the probiotic features, ability to utilize non-digestible carbohydrates and comparative genomics of anti-inflammatory Bifidobacterium strains isolated from human infant stool samples. Bacterial strains were isolated from the stool samples using serial dilution on MRS agar plates supplemented with 0.05% l-cysteine hydrochloride and mupirocin. Molecular characterization of the strains was carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined using TNF-α and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation in Caco2 cells. Probiotic attributes were determined as per the established protocols. Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOS) utilization was determined in the broth cultures. Whole genome sequencing and analysis was carried out for three strains. Four obligate anaerobic, Gram positive Bifidobacterium strains were isolated from the infant stool samples. Strains were identified as Bifidobacterium longum Bif10, B. breve Bif11, B. longum Bif12 and B. longum Bif16. The strains were able to prevent inflammation in the Caco2 cells through lowering of IL8 production that was caused by TNF-α and LPS treatment. The strains exhibited desirable probiotic attributes such as acid and bile tolerance, mucin binding, antimicrobial activity, bile salt hydrolase activity, cholesterol lowering ability and could ferment non-digestible carbohydrates such as isomaltooligosaccharides and raffinose. Furthermore, Isomaltooligosaccharides supported the optimum growth of the strains in vitro, which was comparable to that on glucose. Strains could metabolize IMOS through cell associated α-glucosidase activity. Genomic features revealed the presence of genes responsible for the utilization of IMOS and for the probiotic attributes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03141-2.

Polyphenol rich extracts of finger millet and kodo millet ameliorate high fat diet-induced metabolic alterations

Finger millet (FM) and kodo millet (KM) are known for their multiple health benefits. Several studies have indicated the antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential of polyphenol rich extracts (PREs) from them. However, the protective roles of PREs from these millets in overcoming high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to identify the polyphenols in FM-PREs and KM-PREs using HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS, and to evaluate the role of PREs in mitigating lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation in murine macrophage cells and in the reduction of HFD-induced metabolic complications using male Swiss albino mice. The results suggested that KM-PRE had higher polyphenol content than FM-PRE, of which taxifolin (98%) and catechin (86.6%) were the major fractions respectively. FM-PRE and KM-PRE prevented obesity, however, KM-PRE was more profound in preventing weight gain, adipose tissue hypertrophy, hepatic steatosis, and systemic inflammation than FM-PRE. This study suggests that FM-PRE and KM-PRE could be exploited for developing functional foods or nutraceuticals against obesity and comorbidities.

RHOG-DOCK1-RAC1 Signaling Axis Is Perturbed in DHEA-Induced Polycystic Ovary in Rat Model

The function of RHOG, a RAC1 activator, was explored in the ovary during ovarian follicular development and pathological conditions. With the help of immunoblotting and immunolocalization, we determined the expression and localization of RHOG in normal (estrous cycle) and polycystic ovaries using Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model. Employing polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry, we analyzed the transcript and expression levels of downstream molecules of RHOG, DOCK1, and RAC1 in the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) ovary along with normal antral follicular theca and granulosa cells after dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation. The effect of RHOG knockdown on DOCK1, VAV, and RAC1 expression was evaluated in the human ovarian cells (SKOV3), theca cells, and granulosa cells from SD rats with the help of flow cytometry. Oocyte at secondary follicles along with stromal cells showed optimal expression of RHOG. Immunoblotting of RHOG revealed its maximum expression at diestrus and proestrus, which was downregulated at estrus stage. Mild immunostaining of RHOG was also present in the theca and granulosa cells of the secondary and antral follicles. Polycystic ovary exhibited weak immunostaining for RHOG and that was corroborated by immunoblotting-based investigations. RHOG effectors DOCK1 and ELMO1 were found reduced in the ovary in PCOS condition/DHEA. RHOG silencing reduced the expression of DOCK1 and RAC1 in the theca and granulosa cells from SD rat antral follicles and that was mirrored in the human ovarian cells. Collectively, RHOG can mediate signaling through downstream effectors DOCK1 and RAC1 during ovarian follicular development (theca and granulosa cells and oocyte), but DHEA downregulated them in the PCOS ovary.

miR-542-3p suppresses osteoblast cell proliferation and differentiation, targets BMP-7 signaling and inhibits bone formation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that interfere with translation of specific target mRNAs and thereby regulate diverse biological processes. Recent studies have suggested that miRNAs might have a role in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Here, we show that miR-542-3p, a well-characterized tumor suppressor whose downregulation is tightly associated with tumor progression via C-src-related oncogenic pathways, inhibits osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. miRNA array profiling in Medicarpin (a pterocarpan with proven bone-forming effects) induced mice calvarial osteoblast cells and further validation by quantitative real-time PCR revealed that miR-542-3p was downregulated during osteoblast differentiation. Over-expression of miR-542-3p inhibited osteoblast differentiation, whereas inhibition of miR-542-3p function by anti-miR-542-3p promoted expression of osteoblast-specific genes, alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization. Target prediction analysis tools and experimental validation by luciferase 3′ UTR reporter assay identified BMP-7 (bone morphogenetic protein 7) as a direct target of miR-542-3p. It was seen that over-expression of miR-542-3p leads to repression of BMP-7 and inhibition of BMP-7/PI3K- survivin signaling. This strongly suggests that miR-542-3p suppresses osteogenic differentiation and promotes osteoblast apoptosis by repressing BMP-7 and its downstream signaling. Furthermore, silencing of miR-542-3p led to increased bone formation, bone strength and improved trabecular microarchitecture in sham and ovariectomized (Ovx) mice. Although miR-542-3p is known to be a tumor repressor, we have identified second complementary function of miR-542-3p where it inhibits BMP-7-mediated osteogenesis. Our findings suggest that pharmacological inhibition of miR-542-3p by anti-miR-542-3p could represent a therapeutic strategy for enhancing bone formation in vivo.

A novel flavonoid C-glucoside from Ulmus wallichiana preserves bone mineral density, microarchitecture and biomechanical properties in the presence of glucocorticoid by promoting osteoblast survival: a comparative study with human parathyroid hormone

PURPOSE

6-C-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(2S,3S)-(+)-5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxydihydroflavonol (GTDF) is a novel compound isolated from Ulmus wallichiana, reported to have bone anabolic action in ovariectomized rats. Here, we studied the effect of GTDF in glucocorticoid (GC)-induced bone loss and its mode of action.

METHODS

Osteoblasts were cultured from rat calvaria or bone marrow to study apoptosis and differentiation by dexamethasone (Dex), methylprednisolone (MP), GTDF, quercetin and rutin. Female Sprague Dawley rats were treated with Dex or MP with or without GTDF or PTH. Efficacy was evaluated by bone microarchitecture using microcomputed tomography, determination of new bone formation by fluorescent labeling of bone and osteoblast apoptosis by co-labeling bone sections with Runx-2 and TUNEL. Serum osteocalcin was determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

GTDF preserved trabecular and cortical bones in the presence of Dex and MP and mitigated the MP-mediated suppression of serum osteocalcin. Co-administration of GTDF to MP rats increased mineral apposition, bone formation rates, bone biomechanical strength, reduced osteoblast apoptosis and increased osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells compared to MP group, suggesting in vivo osteogenic effect of GTDF. These effects of GTDF were to a great extent comparable to PTH. GTDF prevented GC-induced osteoblast apoptosis by inhibiting p53 expression and acetylation, and activation of AKT but did not influence transactivation of GC receptor (GR).

CONCLUSIONS

GTDF protects against GC-induced bone loss by promoting osteoblast survival through p53 inhibition and activation of AKT pathways but not as a GR antagonist. GTDF has the potential in the management of GC-induced osteopenia.

Isoformononetin, a methoxydaidzein present in medicinal plants, reverses bone loss in osteopenic rats and exerts bone anabolic action by preventing osteoblast apoptosis

PURPOSE

Daidzein (Daid) has been implicated in bone health for its estrogen-'like' effects but low bioavailability, unfavorable metabolism and uterine estrogenicity impede its clinical potential. This study was aimed at assessing isoformononetin (Isoformo), a naturally occurring methoxydaidzein, for bone anabolic effect by overcoming the pitfalls associated with Daid.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley ovariectomized (OVx) rats with established osteopenia were administered Isoformo, 17β-oestradiol (E2) or human parathyroid hormone. Efficacy was evaluated by bone microarchitecture using microcomputed tomography and determination of new bone formation by fluorescent labeling of bone. Osteoblast apoptosis was measured by co-labeling of bone sections with Runx-2 and TUNEL. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism were measured by ELISA. Plasma and bone marrow levels of Isoformo and Daid were determined by LC-MS-MS. Rat bone marrow stromal cells were harvested to study osteoblastic differentiation by Isoformo and Daid. New born rat pups were injected with Isoformo and Daid to study the effect of the compounds on the expression of osteogenic genes in the calvaria by real time PCR.

RESULTS

In osteopenic rats, Isoformo treatment restored trabecular microarchitecture, increased new bone formation, increased the serum osteogenic marker (procollagen N-terminal propeptide), decreased resorptive marker (urinary C-terminal teleopeptide of type I collagen) and diminished osteoblast apoptosis in bone. At the most effective osteogenic dose of Isoformo, plasma and bone marrow levels were comprised of ~90% Isoformo and the rest, Daid. Isoformo at the concentration reaching the bone marrow achieved out of its most effective oral dosing induced stromal cell mineralization and osteogenic gene expression in the calvaria of neonatal rats. Isoformo exhibited uterine safety.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that Isoformo reverses established osteopenia in adult OVx rats likely via its pro-survival effect on osteoblasts. Given its bone anabolic and anti-catabolic effects accompanied with safety at uterine level we propose its potential in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Positive skeletal effects of cladrin, a naturally occurring dimethoxydaidzein, in osteopenic rats that were maintained after treatment discontinuation

Effects of cladrin treatment and withdrawal in osteopenic rats were studied. Cladrin improved trabecular microarchitecture, increased lumbar vertebral compressive strength, augmented coupled remodeling, and increased bone osteogenic genes. A significant skeletal gain was maintained 4 weeks after cladrin withdrawal. Findings suggest that cladrin has significant positive skeletal effects.

INTRODUCTION

We showed that a standardized extract of Butea monosperma preserved trabecular bone mass in ovariectomized (OVx) rats. Cladrin, the most abundant bioactive compound of the extract, promoted peak bone mass achievement in growing rats by stimulating osteoblast function. Here, we studied the effects of cladrin treatment and withdrawal on the osteopenic bones.

METHODS

Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were OVx and left untreated for 12 weeks to allow for significant estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss, at which point cladrin (1 and 10 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for another 12 weeks. Half of the rats were killed at the end of the treatments and the other half at 4 weeks after treatment withdrawal. Sham-operated rats and OVx rats treated with PTH or 17β-estradiol (E2) served as various controls. Efficacy was evaluated by bone microarchitecture using microcomputed tomographic analysis and fluorescent labeling of bone. qPCR and western blotting measured mRNA and protein levels in bone and uterus. Specific ELISA was used for measuring levels of serum PINP and urinary CTx.

RESULTS

In osteopenic rats, cladrin treatment dose dependently improved trabecular microarchitecture, increased lumbar vertebral compression strength, bone formation rate (BFR), cortical thickness (Cs.Th), serum PINP levels, and expression of osteogenic genes in bones; and reduced expression of bone osteoclastogenic genes and urinary CTx levels. Cladrin had no uterine estrogenicity. Cladrin at 10 mg/kg maintained acquired skeletal gains 4 weeks after withdrawal.

CONCLUSION

Cladrin had positive skeletal effects in osteopenic rats that were maintained after treatment withdrawal.

Coagulanolide modulates hepatic glucose metabolism in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice

Increased hepatic glucose output is one of the major causes of fasting hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of coagulanolide on hepatic glucose, regulating enzymes in type 2 diabetic C57BL/KsJ-db/db (db/db) mice. Coagulanolide is an active component of Withania coagulans fruit. Oral administration of coagulanolide for 3 weeks decreases fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin significantly, and it improves glucose tolerance in the db/db mice group. The enzyme activity and protein expression of glucokinase and pyruvate kinase was significantly enhanced in coagulanolide-treated db/db group when compared with untreated one. On the other hand, activities and protein expression of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose 6-phosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glycogen phosphorylase enzymes were significantly lowered in treated group. The treatment with coagulanolide also normalizes the concentrations of plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the db/db mice. These findings suggested that the coagulanolide is useful in the control of fasting hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes by regulating the production of hepatic glucose.

Premature T cell senescence in Ovx mice is inhibited by repletion of estrogen and medicarpin: a possible mechanism for alleviating bone loss

Presently the relationship between CD28, biological marker of senescence, and ovariectomy is not well understood. We show that ovariectomy leads to CD28 loss on T cells and estrogen (E2) repletion and medicarpin (Med) inhibits this effect. We thus propose that Med/E2 prevents bone loss by delaying premature T cell senescence.

INTRODUCTION

Estrogen deficiency triggers reproductive aging by accelerating the amplification of TNF-α-producing T cells, thereby leading to bone loss. To date, no study has been carried out to explain the relationship between CD4(+)CD28null T cells and ovariectomy or osteoporosis. We aim to determine the effect of Ovx on CD28 expression on T cells and effects of E2 and medicarpin (a pterocarpan phytoalexin) with proven osteoprotective effect on altered T cell responses.

METHODS

Adult, female Balb/c mice were taken for the study. The groups were: sham, Ovx, Ovx + Med or E2. Treatments were given daily by oral gavage. At autopsy bone marrow and spleen were flushed out and cells labelled with antibodies for FACS analysis. Serum was collected for ELISA.

RESULTS

In Ovx mice, Med/E2 at their respective osteoprotective doses resulted in thymus involution and lowered Ovx-induced increase in serum TNF-α level and its mRNA levels in the BM T cells. Med/E2 reduced BM and spleen CD4(+) T cell proliferation and prevented CD28 loss on CD4(+) T cells. Further, Med abrogated TNF-α-induced loss of CD28 expression in the BM T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge this is the first report to determine the mechanism of CD28 loss on T cells as a result of ovariectomy. Our study demonstrates that Ovx leads to the generation of premature senescent CD4(+)CD28null T cells, an effect inhibited by E2 and Med. We propose that one of the mechanisms by which Med/E2 alleviates Ovx-induced bone loss is by delaying T cell senescence and enhancing CD28 expression.

A naturally occurring rare analog of quercetin promotes peak bone mass achievement and exerts anabolic effect on osteoporotic bone

The effect of quercetin C-glucoside (QCG) on osteoblast function in vitro and bone formation in vivo was investigated. QCG supplementation promoted peak bone mass achievement in growing rats and new bone formation in osteopenic rats. QCG has substantial oral bioavailability. Findings suggest a significant bone anabolic effect of QCG.

INTRODUCTION

Recently, we showed that extracts of Ulmus wallichiana promoted peak bone mass achievement in growing rats and preserved trabecular bone mass and cortical bone strength in ovariectomized (OVx) rats. 3,3',4',5,7-Pentahydroxyflavone-6-C-β-D-glucopyranoside, a QCG, is the most abundant bioactive compound of U. wallichiana extract. We hypothesize that QCG exerts bone anabolic effects by stimulating osteoblast function.

METHODS

Osteoblast cultures were harvested from rat calvaria and bone marrow (BM) to study differentiation and mineralization. In vivo, growing female Sprague Dawley rats and OVx rats with osteopenia were administered QCG (5.0 or 10.0 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) orally for 12 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by examining changes in bone microarchitecture using histomorphometric and microcomputed tomographic analyses and by determination of new bone formation by fluorescent labeling of bone. Plasma and BM levels of QCG were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

QCG was much more potent than quercetin (Q) in stimulating osteoblast differentiation, and the effect of QCG was not mediated by estrogen receptors. In growing rats, QCG increased BM osteoprogenitors, bone mineral density, bone formation rate, and cortical deposition. In osteopenic rats, QCG treatment increased bone formation rate and improved trabecular microarchitecture. Comparison with the sham group (ovary intact) revealed significant restoration of trabecular bone in osteopenic rats treated with QCG. QCG levels in the BM were ~50% of that of the plasma levels.

CONCLUSION

QCG stimulated modeling-directed bone accrual and exerted anabolic effects on osteopenic rats by direct stimulatory effect on osteoprogenitors likely due to substantial QCG delivery at tissue level following oral administration.

Human visceral leishmaniasis is not associated with expansion or accumulation of Foxp3+ CD4 cells in blood or spleen

Natural regulatory T cells (CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+)), natural regulatory T cells (nTreg), play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory immune responses. However, the immunosuppressive properties of nTreg may unfavourably affect the host's ability to clear certain infections. In human visceral leishmaniasis (VL), reports on the frequency and function of nTreg are not conclusive. A limitation of our own previous studies that did not indicate a major role for Foxp3(+) nTreg in VL pathogenesis was that Foxp3 was measured by mRNA expression alone, as other tools were not available at the time. We have in this study assessed CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells in splenic aspirates and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from an extensive series of patients with VL and endemic controls (EC) by flow cytometry (FACS). The results do not show increased frequencies of Foxp3(+) cells in patient with VL pre- and post-treatment, neither were they elevated when compared to PBMC of EC. We conclude that active VL is not associated with increased frequencies of peripheral Foxp3 Treg or accumulation at the site of infection.

Comparative evaluation of parasitology and serological tests in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in India: a phase III diagnostic accuracy study

In this phase III trial for diagnostics for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in India, we compared parasitological diagnosis with several serological tests: direct agglutination test (freeze dried; DAT-FD), rK-39 strip test, rK-26 strip test and a latex agglutination test for antigen detection in urine (KAtex) in 452 subjects from the endemic regions of Bihar, India. The subjects were segregated into four categories: 230 confirmed patients, 52 probable cases, 70 non-cases and 100 healthy endemic controls. The first two groups were used for estimating sensitivity, the latter two for specificity. Sensitivity of DAT-FD was 98.9%, rK-39: 98.9%, KAtex: 67.0% and rK-26: 21.3%. Sensitivity of DAT-FD on blood taken on filter paper (DAT-FDF) was 99.3%, which was comparable with that using serum. Specificity of serological tests was comparable and high (DAT-FD and DAT-FDF: 94%, rK-39 strip test: 97%, KAtex: 99% and rK-26 strip test: 100%). The classical 'gold standard' parasitological demonstration in splenic smear performed poorly as it missed 18.4% of cases that benefited from VL treatment. Reproducibility of the serological tests between field and central laboratories was excellent (kappa = 1.0, 0.99, 0.96 and 0.94 respectively for microscopy, DAT-FD, rK-39 strip test and rK-26 strip test). A high degree of agreement was observed between DAT-FD and rK-39 strip test (kappa = 0.986). Although DAT-FD and rK-39 strip test were highly sensitive with excellent specificity, the ease of use of the latter makes it most suitable for the diagnosis of VL in the field conditions.

Serological diagnosis of Indian visceral leishmaniasis: direct agglutination test versus rK39 strip test

We evaluated the direct agglutination test (DAT), using freeze-dried (FD) and aqueous (AQ) antigen, and the rK39 immunochromatographic strip test in the diagnosis of Indian visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Sera from 508 subjects (150 parasitologically confirmed patients with VL, 100 and 153 healthy controls drawn from non-endemic and endemic regions, respectively, and 105 patients with other diseases presenting with fever and/or splenomegaly) were tested. The sensitivity of the tests were as follows: DAT (FD), 96% (95% CI 91-98); DAT (AQ), 97% (95% CI 93-99); rK39 strip test, 99% (95% CI 95-100). The specificity of DAT (FD), DAT (AQ) and rK39 strip tests were 85% (95% CI 81-88), 87% (95% CI 83-91) and 89% (95% CI 86-92), respectively. A significant correlation (high degree of agreement) was observed between all tests (kappa>0.80). We conclude that the sensitivity of FD antigen is comparable to that of AQ antigen. Similarly, the rK39 strip test is as sensitive as the DAT, but the strip test's greater convenience of use makes it a better tool for diagnosis of VL in peripheral areas of endemic regions.

Evaluation of PCR for diagnosis of Indian kala-azar and assessment of cure

This study was done to evaluate PCR with Ld1 primers for the diagnosis of Indian visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and to assess its role in prediction of the disease outcome. The PCR assay was performed with DNA isolated from the peripheral blood of parasitologically confirmed cases of VL before the initiation of treatment, just after the end of treatment, and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. The pretreatment PCR result was positive for 100 of 101 patients (sensitivity, 99%; confidence interval [CI], 94 to 100%). None of the 150 negative controls tested were PCR positive (specificity, 100%; CI, 96.8 to 100%). Of 60 patients who were treated at our center, 51 (85%; CI, 73 to 93%) became negative immediately after treatment and continued to be negative at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. At the 3-month follow-up, two of the remaining nine patients were PCR positive, making 58 (96.7%; CI, 87 to 100%) patients PCR negative. At the 6-month follow-up, all patients became PCR negative. One patient who was PCR negative immediately after the end of treatment relapsed 11 months later. This limited prospective study with VL patients suggests that the PCR assay is a highly sensitive and specific (99% and 100%, respectively) tool for the diagnosis of VL. In the majority of patients, it can identify a successful disease outcome; however, its translation into the field setting remains a major challenge.

Traditional Remedies for Fertility Regulation

Plants have been used worldwide for treatment of various human ailments since antiquity. Their use is still quite prevalent in developing countries in the form of traditional/folkloric system of medicine. Intensive chemical and pharmacological studies on traditional/folkloric medicinal plants during the last 5 decades have led to the validation of traditional claims in many cases and facilitated identification of their active principles. The active principles have provided leads in the development of several life saving drugs, which are in clinical use today. A large number of these plants are used for birth control in different countries. The present review has, therefore, been planned to provide an account of the investigations carried out on traditional/folkloric plants used for fertility regulation. The status of scientific validations of their anti-fertility potential and identification of active principles during the last 28 years are discussed. The literature survey shows that approximately 318 different plants are in traditional/folkloric use worldwide, of which 227 plants are of Indian origin. So far, 74 plants have been screened for their anti-fertility potential, 48 of them have been found to be effective. Active principles of about 15 plants have been identified during the period under review.

Anticellular and immunosuppressive properties of ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus rhizome

Modulation of immune response to alleviate disease has been of interest since long. Plant extracts have been widely investigated for possible immunomodulatory properties. We have evaluated the anticellular and immunomodulatory properties of ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus rhizome. This extract inhibited proliferation of mitogen (phytohaemagglutinin; PHA) and antigen (purified protein derivative; PPD)-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In addition, A. calamus extract inhibited growth of several cell lines of mouse and human origin. It also inhibited production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Intracytoplasmic interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and expression of cell surface markers, CD16 and HLA-DR, on human PBMC, were not affected on treatment with A. calamus extract but CD25 expression was down regulated. Our study demonstrates the antiproliferative and immunosuppressive potential of ethanolic extract of A. calamus rhizome in vitro.

Immunomodulation by ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa roots

We have earlier reported that ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa, a plant used in Indian traditional system of medicine, significantly inhibits the cell proliferation. This led us to evaluate the immunomodulatory properties of this plant extract on various in vitro tests such as human natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, production of nitric oxide (NO) in mouse macrophage cells, RAW 264.7, interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), intracytoplasmic interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and expression of various cell surface markers on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Ethanolic extracts of B. diffusa roots inhibited human NK cell cytotoxicity in vitro, production of NO in mouse macrophage cells, IL-2 and TNF-alpha in human PBMCs. Intracytoplasmic IFN-gamma and cell surface markers such as CD16, CD25, and HLA-DR did not get affected on treatment with B. diffusa extract. Our study demonstrates immunosuppressive potential of ethanolic extract of B. diffusa.

Antilymphoproliferative activity of ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa roots

Extracts of plants have been widely evaluated for possible antiproliferative and anticarcinogenic properties. The antiproliferative activity of ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa, a plant used in traditional medicine, was evaluated in several cells. It inhibited T cell mitogen phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A-stimulated proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). It also inhibited purified protein derivative antigen-stimulated PBMC proliferation and human mixed lymphocyte culture. In addition, B. diffusa extract inhibited the growth of several cell lines of mouse and human origin, such as mouse macrophage cells (RAW 264.7), human macrophage cells (U937), human monocytic cells (THP-1), mouse fibroblast cells (L929), human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293), mouse liver cells (BNLCL.2), African green monkey kidney cells (COS-1), mouse lymphoma cells (EL-4), human erythroleukemic cells (K562), and human T cells (Jurkat). The present study has demonstrated the antiproliferative potential of ethanolic extract of B. diffusa in vitro.

Alisamycin, a new antibiotic of the manumycin group. I. Taxonomy, production, isolation and biological activity

Alisamycin is a new member of the manumycin group of antibiotics produced by Streptomyces sp. HIL Y-88,31582, which taxonomically appears to be Streptomyces actuosus. Alisamycin is active against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, and has a weak antitumour activity.