Assessing the Chemical Profile and Biological Potentials of Tamarix aphylla (L.) H.Karst. and Tamarix senegalensis DC. by In Vitro, In Silico, and Network Methodologies

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition properties of extracts from fruits and aerial parts (leaves and twigs) of Tamarix aphylla and T. senegalensis. Hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol extracts were prepared sequentially by maceration. Results revealed that EtOAc extracts of T. senegalensis and T. aphylla fruits contained the highest total phenolic content (113.74 and 111.21 mg GAE/g) while that of T. senegalensis (38.47 mg RE/g) recorded the highest total flavonoids content. Among the quantified compounds; ellagic, gallic, 3-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric acids, isorhamnetin, procyanidin B2, and kaempferol were the most abundant compounds in the two species. EtOAc extracts of the two organs of T. senegalensis in addition to MeOH extract of T. aphylla aerial parts displayed the highest chelating power (21.00-21.30 mg EDTAE/g, p > 0.05). The highest anti-AChE (3.11 mg GALAE/g) and anti-BChE (3.62 mg GALAE/g) activities were recorded from the hexane and EtOAc extracts of T. senegalensis aerial parts and fruits, respectively. EtOAc extracts of the fruits of the two species exerted the highest anti-tyrosinase (anti-Tyr) activity (99.44 and 98.65 mg KAE/g, p > 0.05). Also, the EtOAc extracts of the both organs of the two species exhibited highest anti-glucosidase activity (0.88-0.90 mmol ACAE/g, p > 0.05) while the best anti-α-amylase activity was recorded from the dichloromethane extract of T. senegalensis fruits (0.74 mmol ACAE/g). In this study, network pharmacology was employed to examine the connection between compounds from Tamarix and their potential effectiveness against Alzheimer's disease. The compounds demonstrated potential interactions with pivotal genes including APP, GSK3B, and CDK5, indicating a therapeutic potential. Molecular docking was carried out to understand the binding mode and interaction of the compounds with the target enzymes. Key interactions observed, such as H-bonds, promoted the binding, and weaker ones, such as van der Waals attractions, reinforced it. These findings suggest that these two Tamarix species possess bioactive properties with health-promoting effects.

HPLC-MS/MS Profiles, Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, Antidiabetic and Skin Protective Effects of Different Extracts of Vicia peregrina L. Collected from the Eastern Region of Turkey

Many Vicia species (Fabaceae) were proven to possess bioactive compounds with potential health beneficial properties. The present study was designed to determine the phenolic constituents, antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities of aerial parts and seed of V. peregrina. Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were prepared by maceration and aqueous extract by infusion. The chemical compositions of the extracts were determined using HPLC-MS/MS technology. The antioxidant activities were examined using various assays including free radical scavenging (ABTS and DPPH), reducing ability (CUPRAC and FRAP), metal chelation, and phosphomolybdenum. The enzyme inhibitory effects were investigated against cholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase and glucosidase. The highest total phenolics and flavonoids contents were recorded in the methanol extracts of the seed (45.42 mg GAE/g) and aerial parts (40.33 mg RE/g) respectively. The aerial parts were characterized by higher accumulation of chlorogenic acid (9893.86 μg g-1 ), isoquercitrin (9400.33 μg g-1 ), delphindin 3,5 diglucoside (9113.28 μg g-1 ), hyperoside (6337.09 μg g-1 ), rutin (3489.83 μg g-1 ) and kaempferol-3-glucoside (2872.84 μg g-1 ). Generally, the methanol and aqueous extracts of the two studied parts exerted the best antioxidant activity with highest anti-DPPH (61.99 mg TE/g), anti-ABTS (101.80 mg TE/g) and Cu++ (16169 mg TE/g) and Fe+++ (172,36 mg TE/g) reducing capacity were recorded from the seed methanol extract. Methanol extract of the seed showed the best anti-tyrosinase activity (75.86 mg KAE/g). These results indicated that V. peregrina is rich with bioactive phenolics suggesting their use in different health promoting applications.

Elucidating the chemical profile and biological studies of Verbascum diversifolium Hochst. extracts

The present study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic properties of different extracts from aerial parts of V. diversifolium (family Scrophulariaceae), a plant that is native to Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. Six extracts, namely, hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), ethanol (EtOH), 70% EtOH, and water (aqueous) were prepared by maceration. The EtOH extract was predominated by the presence of rutin (4280.20 μg g-1) and p-coumaric acid (3044.01 μg g-1) while the highest accumulation of kaempferol-3-glucoside (1537.38 μg g-1), caffeic acid (130.13 μg g-1) and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (465.93 μg g-1) was recorded in the 70% EtOH, aqueous, and EtOAc extracts, respectively. The EtOH (46.86 mg TE/g) and 70% EtOH (46.33 mg TE/g) extracts displayed the highest DPPH radical scavenging result. Both these extracts, along with the aqueous one, exerted the highest ABTS radical scavenging result (73.03-73.56 mg TE/g). The EtOH and 70% EtOH extracts revealed the most potent anti-AChE (2.66 and 2.64 mg GALAE/g) and anti-glucosidase (1.07 and 1.09 mmol ACAE/g) activities. The aqueous extract was the most efficacious in inhibiting the proliferation of prostate cancer (DU-145) cells with an IC50 of 8.71 μg/mL and a Selectivity Index of 3.7. In conclusion, this study appraised the use of V. diversifolium aerial parts as a potential therapeutic source for future development of phytopharmaceuticals that target specific oxidative stress-linked diseases including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease among others.

Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants in Melit area (North Darfur), Western Sudan

BACKGROUND

The documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge in Sudan is restricted to specific regions, and there is a far-reaching lack of written information on the traditional use of medicinal plants in other places like Darfur State, in western Sudan. The present study was designed to document the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Melit area in North Darfur State.

METHOD

Ethnomedicinal information was collected from 135 local informants through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed for use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level.

RESULTS

A total of 59 medicinal plants, belonging to 32 families and 55 genera, were recorded for their traditional uses in Melit area. Fabaceae were represented by highest number of species (13) followed by Asteraceae and Malvaceae (4 each) and Poaceae (3). Herbs comprise the main sources (50.8%) of traditional remedies. Fruits and stem bark (17.9% each) were the major plant parts used. Decoction (36.5%) is the most mode of preparation used. Geigeria alata was most commonly used species with UV of 2.37. The highest ICF values were recorded for swellings (ICF = 1.00) and respiratory system (ICF = 0.95) categories. Ten plants, namely Carica papaya, Corchorus trilocularis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Heliotropium sudanicum, Mollugo cerviana, Psiadia punctulate, Rhynchosia minima, Solanum coagulans, Solanum forskalii and Tephrosia purpurea, were cited for the first time as medicinal plants used in Sudan traditional medicine. Resins of Boswellia papyrifera, seeds of Nigella sativa, pods of Vachellia nilotica (syn. Acacia nilotica) and clove of Syzygium aromticum were used to make different preparations for the treatment of the corona virus.

CONCLUSION

This is the first ethnobotanical survey conducted in this region which is always suffering from security issues, and results indicated that Melit area harbours high diversity of plants used traditionally to cure different health conditions. The present study aids in conserving such rich heritage, and it is recommended that the newly reported species worth further studying over their phytochemical and biological properties.

Exploring for HPLC-MS/MS Profiles and Biological Activities of Different Extracts from Allium lycaonicum Siehe ex Hayek from Turkey Flora

The present study was designed to determine the phenolic constituents, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition activities of aerial parts and bulbs of Allium lycaonicum (family Amaryllidaceae). Extracts were prepared by maceration and Soxhlet/infusion using hexane, methanol, and water as extraction solvents. Generally, extracts from the aerial parts showed higher total phenolic and individual components and antioxidant activity than their respective bulb extracts. Maceration with water was the best to extract total phenolic content from the aerial parts (29.00 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g), while the Soxhlet extraction with hexane (22.29 mg GAE/g) was the best for the bulb. Maceration with methanol recovered the highest total flavonoid content from both the aerial parts (41.95 mg (rutin equivalents (RE)/g) and bulb (1.83 mg RE/g). Polar extracts of aerial parts were characterized by higher abundance of kaempferol-3-glucoside (≤20,624.27 µg/mg), hyperoside (≤19,722.76 µg/g), isoquercitrin (≤17,270.70 µg/g), delphindin-3,5-diglucoside (≤14,625.21 µg/g), and rutin (≤10,901.61 µg/g) than the bulb. Aerial parts' aqueous extract, prepared by maceration, exerted the highest anti-ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical activity (64.09 mg trolox equivalents (TE)/g), Cu++ (83.03 mg TE/g) and Fe+++ (63.03 mg TE/g) reducing capacity while that prepared by infusion recorded the highest anti-DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical (31.70 mg TE/g) and metal chelating (27.66 mg EDTAE/g) activities. The highest total antioxidant activity (1.46 mmol TE/g) was obtained by maceration of the bulb with water. Extracts obtained by organic solvents showed remarkable enzyme inhibition properties against the tested enzymes. Soxhlet extraction of the bulb with hexane and methanol recorded the highest acetylcholinesterase inhibition (4.75 mg galanthamine equivalents (GALAE)/g) and tyrosinase inhibition (139.95 mg kojic acid equivalents/g) activities, respectively. Extracts obtained by maceration of the bulb with methanol and the aerial parts with hexane exerted the highest glucosidase inhibition (3.25 mmol acarbose equivalents/g) and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (20.99 mg GALAE/g) activities, respectively. These data indicated that A. lycaonicum is a source of bioactive molecules with potential antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties. Nonetheless, the extracts obtained through various solvents and extraction techniques showed variations in their phytoconstituent composition and biological properties.

LC-MS/MS and GC-MS profiling, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and antiproliferative activities of Thymus leucostomus H ausskn. & V elen. extracts

The chemical composition as well as antioxidant, antiproliferative, and enzyme inhibition activities of extracts from aerial parts of Thymus leucostomus H ausskn. & V elen. obtained with hexane, methanol, and water were evaluated. Results showed that the methanol extract had significantly (p < 0.05) the highest total phenolic content (TPC; 107.80 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids content (TFC; 25.21 mg RE/g) followed by the aqueous extract (102.72 mg GAE/g and 20.88 mg RE/g, respectively). LC-MS/MS-guided profiling of the three extracts revealed that rosmarinic acid (34.8%), hesperetin (42.9%), and linoleic acid (18%) were the dominant compounds in the methanol, aqueous and hexane extracts, respectively. GC-MS analysis of the hexane extract showed that ɣ-sitosterol (29.9%) was the major constituent. The methanol extract displayed significantly (p < 0.05) the highest Cu++ , Fe+++ , and Mo(VI) ions scavenging and reducing properties while the aqueous extract exerted significantly (p < 0.05) the highest metal chelating power (42.51 mg EDTAE/g). Both the hexane and methanol extracts effectively inhibited the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (2.63 and 2.65 mg GALAE/g, respectively) while the former extract exerted significantly (p < 0.05) the highest butyrylcholinesterase (2.32 mg GALAE/g), tyrosinase (19.73 mg KAE/g), and amylase (1.16 mmol ACAE/g) inhibition capacity. The aqueous extract exhibited the best glucosidase inhibition property (0.49 mmol ACAE/g). The methanol and hexane extracts exerted a higher cytotoxic effect on HT-29 (IC50 : 8.12 µg/mL) and HeLa (IC50  = 8.08 µg/mL) cells, respectively. In conclusion, these results provide valuable insight into the potential use of T. leucostomus bioactive extracts in different pharmaceutical applications.

Comparative Study on the Chemical Profile, Antioxidant Activity, and Enzyme Inhibition Capacity of Red and White Hibiscus sabdariffa Variety Calyces

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Family: Malvaceae) is believed to be domesticated by the people of western Sudan sometime before 4000 BC for their nutritional and medicinal properties. This study aimed to investigate the chemical profile, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition property of extracts from red roselle (RR) and white roselle (WR) varieties grown in Sudan. Three aqueous extracts obtained by maceration, infusion, and decoction, in addition to the methanolic one, were prepared from the two roselle varieties. Results showed that the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents of RR were obtained from the extracts prepared by infusion (28.40 mg GAE/g) and decoction (7.94 mg RE/g) respectively, while those from the WR were recorded from the methanolic extract (49.59 mg GAE/g and 5.81 mg RE/g respectively). Extracts of RR were mainly characterized by high accumulation of chlorogenic acid (6502.34-9634.96 mg kg-1), neochlorogenic acid (937.57-8949.61 mg kg-1), and gallic acid (190-4573.55 mg kg-1). On the other hand, neochlorogenic acid (1777.05-6946.39 mg kg-1) and rutin (439.29-2806.01 mg kg-1) were the dominant compounds in WR. All extracts from RR had significant (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity than their respective WR except in their metal chelating power, where the methanolic extract of the latter showed the highest activity (3.87 mg EDTAE/g). RR extracts prepared by infusion recorded the highest antioxidant values (35.09, 52.17, 65.62, and 44.92 mg TE/g) in the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays, respectively. All aqueous extracts from the WR exerted significant (p < 0.05) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity (3.42-4.77 mg GALAE/g; GALAE = galantamine equivalents), while only one extract, obtained by maceration, from RR exerted AChE inhibitory activity (4.79 mg GALAE/g). All extracts of the RR showed relatively higher BChE (butyrylcholinesterase) inhibitory activity (3.71-4.23 mg GALAE/g) than the WR ones. Methanolic extracts of the two roselle varieties displayed the highest Tyr (tyrosinase) inhibitory activity (RR = 48.25 mg KAE/g; WR = 42.71 mg KAE/g). The methanolic extract of RR exhibited the highest amylase (0.59 mmol ACAE/g) and glucosidase (1.46 mmol ACAE/g) inhibitory activity. Molecular docking analysis showed that delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside, rutin, isoquercitrin, hyperoside, and chlorogenic acid exerted the most promising enzyme inhibitory effect. In conclusion, these findings indicated that the chemical profiles and biological activity of roselle varied according to the variety, extraction solvent, and technique used. These two roselle varieties can serve as a valuable source for the development of multiple formulations in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Screening of Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Metabolomics Analysis of Endophytic Fungal Extracts; Identification and Characterization of Perylenequinones and Terpenoids from the Interesting Active Alternaria Endophyte

Patients suffering from inflammatory chronic diseases are classically treated with anti-inflammatory drugs but unfortunately are highly susceptible to becoming resistant to their treatment. Finding new drugs is therefore crucial and urgent and research on endophytic fungi is a promising way forward. Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that colonize healthy plants and live within their intercellular tissues. They are able to produce a large variety of secondary metabolites while allowing their host to stay healthy. A number of these molecules are endowed with antioxidant or antimicrobial as well as cytotoxic properties, making them very interesting/promising in the field of human therapy. The aim of our study was to investigate whether extracts from five endophytic fungi isolated from plants are endowed with anti-inflammatory activity. Extracts of the endophytic fungi Alternaria alternata from Calotropis procera leaves and Aspergillus terreus from Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds were able to counteract the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pro-inflammatory effect on THP-1 cells differentiated into macrophages. Moreover, they were able to induce an anti-inflammatory state, rendering them less sensitive to the LPS pro-inflammatory stimulus. Taken together, these results show that these both endophytic fungi could be interesting alternatives to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. To gain more detailed knowledge of their chemical richness, phytochemical analysis of the ethyl acetate extracts of the five endophytic fungi studied was performed using HPTLC, GC-MS and LC-MS with the Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) platform and the MolNetEnhancer tool. A large family of metabolites (carboxylic acids and derivatives, steroid derivatives, alkaloids, hydroxyanthraquinones, valerolactones and perylenequinones) were detected. The purification of endophytic fungus extract of Alternaria alternate, which diminished TNF-α production of 66% at 20 µg/mL, incubated one hour before LPS addition, led to the characterization of eight pure compounds. These molecules are altertoxins I, II, III, tricycloalternarenes 3a, 1b, 2b, anthranilic acid, and o-acetamidobenzoic acid. In the future, all these pure compounds will be evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity, while altertoxin II has been shown in the literature as the most active mycotoxin in terms of anti-inflammatory activity.

Understanding the Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Different Extracts of Secamone afzelii Leaves: A Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds for the Food Industry

Secamone afzelii (Roem. & Schult.) K. Schum (family Asclepiadaceae) is a creeping woody climber used to treat ailments in many traditional medicine systems. The present study aims to examine the antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities of S. afzelii leaf using different compositions of methanol-water mixture as an extraction solvent. The extracts were characterized by HPLC-ESI-MSⁿ in terms of chemical compounds. The in silico results show that compound 23 (quercitrin) has the higher docking scores among the selected substances and the MD simulation revealed that the interactions with the enzymatic pocket are stable over the simulation time and strongly involve the tyrosinase catalytic Cu atoms. All together the results showed that both 80% and 100% methanolic extracts contained significantly (p < 0.05) the highest total phenolics content while the highest content of total flavonoids was significantly (p < 0.05) extracted by 100% methanol. About 26 compounds were tentatively identified by HPLC-ESI-MSⁿ and 6 of them were quantified using standards. Results showed that the extracts were rich in flavonoids with a relatively high abundance of two kaempferol glycosides comprising 60% of quantified compounds. The 100% and 80% methanol extracts recorded significantly (p < 0.05) the highest total antioxidant, DPPH and ABTS activity as well as tyrosinase and ⍺-amylase inhibitory activities. The best significant (p < 0.05) cholinesterase inhibitory activity and reducing capacity of Fe⁺⁺⁺ and Cu⁺⁺ was recorded from the 80% methanolic extract while 100% ethanolic extract gave the highest significant (p < 0.05) butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The best glucosidase activity was observed in the 50% and 80% methanolic extracts. Although the water extract displayed the least total phenolics and flavonoids content and consequently the lowest antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activity, it displayed significantly (p < 0.05) the highest chelating power. In conclusion, these results demonstrated the richness of S. afzelii leaf as a potential source of bioactive compounds for the food industry, for the preparation of food supplements and functional foods.

Medicinal Plants Used Traditionally in Sudan to Treat Viral Infections Related to the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Background:

The rapid global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic urged scientists to search for effective and safe anti-coronavirus drugs from natural resources. Through centuries, traditional medicinal plants have been providing cure for diseases and general health care worldwide.

Objective:

The main aim of this review was to explore and summarize the research works on the different plants used traditionally in Sudan to treat signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases, characterizing their antiviral activities and exploring the different phytochemicals present in these plants.

Method:

The current review was carried out in line with the recommendations of the PRISMA 2020 statement. Information on plants traditionally used in Sudan to treat the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases was obtained from traditional medicine books and published articles, as well as the daily practice by ordinary people.

Results:

This article illustrated the use of 27 plant species belonging to 15 families in Sudanese traditional medicine to treat signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases. Leguminosae/Fabaceae was found to be the most represented family (7 species), followed by Combretaceae (3 species) and Capparidaceae and Malvaceae (2 species each). From these plants, about 11 plant species were studied for their antiviral activity against at least one virus, and 5 plants, namely Adansonia digitata, Boscia senegalensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Nigella sativa, and Mangifera indica, were tested for their antiviral activity against influenza viruses. The phytoconstituents of the listed plants were summarized, and the antiviral activity of their isolated bioactive compounds was highlighted.

Conclusion:

The review could provide an in-depth theoretical basis and valuable data for designing future studies.

Essential Oils Composition and Biological Activity of Chamaecyparis obtusa, Chrysopogon nigritanus and Lavandula coronopifolia Grown Wild in Sudan

Generally, there are scant data about the constituents and eventually the biological activity of essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants that grow naturally in Sudan. The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition, and antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of EO extracted from the fruit of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold and Zucc.) Endl. (family Cupressaceae), root of Chrysopogon nigritanus (Benth.) Veldkampis (family Poaceae) and aerial part of Lavandula coronopifolia Poir (family Lamiaceae). The fruit of C. obtusa contained only monoterpenes, mainly hydrogenated ones, with α-pinene (69.07%) as the major component. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes comprised the highest content of the C. nigritanus root EO with cedr-8-en-15-ol (28.69%) as the major constituent while aerial parts of L. coronopifolia contained both monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes and the oxygenated monoterpene lavandulol (26.56%) as dominant compounds. The EO of the root of C. nigritanus significantly displayed (p < 0.05) the highest anti-DPPH radical, Fe³⁺- and Cu²⁺-reducing and metal-chelating activities, while that of C. obtusa fruit significantly exerted (p < 0.05) the best anti-ABTS radical and total antioxidant activity. The two EOs significantly exhibited (p < 0.05) the highest anti-acetylcholinesterase and -butyrylcholinesterase activities, respectively, while EO of L. coronopifolia was the only oil to show a considerable inhibitory effect against the tyrosinase and α-glucosidase enzymes. In conclusion, EOs from these three plants could be natural agents with promising functional properties for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications.

Evaluating the Antagonistic Potential of Actinomycete Strains Isolated From Sudan’s Soils Against Phytophthora infestans

Soil microorganisms play crucial roles in soil fertility, e.g., through decomposing organic matter, cycling nutrients or through beneficial interactions with plants. Actinomycetes are a major component of soil inhabitants; they are prolific producers of specialized metabolites, among which many antibiotics. Here we report the isolation and characterization of 175 Actinomycetes from rhizosphere and bulk soil samples collected in 18 locations in Sudan. We evaluated the strains’ metabolic potential for plant protection by testing their ability to inhibit the mycelial growth of the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, which is one of the most devastating plant pathogens worldwide. Most strains significantly reduced the oomycete’s growth in direct confrontational in vitro assays. A significant proportion of the tested strains (15%) were able to inhibit P. infestans to more than 80%, 23% to 50%–80%, while the remaining 62% had inhibition percentages lesser than 50%. Different morphologies of P. infestans mycelial growth and sporangia formation were observed upon co-inoculation with some of the Actinomycetes isolates, such as the production of fewer, thinner hyphae without sporangia leading to a faint growth morphology, or on the contrary, of clusters of thick-walled hyphae leading to a bushy, or “frozen” morphology. These morphologies were caused by strains differing in activity levels but phylogenetically closely related with each other. To evaluate whether the isolated Actinomycetes could also inhibit the pathogen’s growth in planta, the most active strains were tested for their ability to restrict disease progress in leaf disc and full plant assays. Five of the active strains showed highly significant protection of potato leaves against the pathogen in leaf disc assays, as well as substantial reduction of disease progress in full plants assays. Using cell-free filtrates instead of the bacterial spores also led to full protection against disease on leaf discs, which highlights the strong crop protective potential of the secreted metabolites that could be applied as leaf spray. This study demonstrates the strong anti-oomycete activity of soil- and rhizosphere-borne Actinomycetes and highlights their significant potential for the development of sustainable solutions based on either cell suspensions or cell-free filtrates to safeguard potatoes from their most damaging pathogen.

Chemical Profile, Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Activities of Natural Saudi Sidr and Talh Honeys

Honey is used since ancient time as a food and to cure many diseases. The present study investigated the chemical constituents, antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities of natural Saudi Sidr (SH) and Talh (TH) honeys. Beside entire honey samples, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water extracts were prepared. The total polyphenolic content of SH, TH and their extracts was in the range of 2.86-7.21 and 3.80-17.33 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, respectively and the total flavonoids content was in the range of 0.05-1.17 and 0.18-2.38 mg rutin equivalents/g, respectively. Out of the 53 standards analyzed by HPLC, 27 compounds were detected with highest number of compounds identified in the ethyl acetate extract of TH (45 %, 24/53) and SH (26 %, 14/53), respectively. Quinic acid was dominant compound identified in all honey samples with the highest content determined in TH ethanol extract (4454 μg/g). The majority of tested samples possessed considerable anti-radicals and reducing ions capacity with the ethyl acetate extract from TH exerted significantly (p<0.05) the highest activity. All honey samples did not show chelating iron metal property. Honey samples revealed variable enzyme inhibition activity with TH (entire and/or ethyl acetate extract) showed significantly (p<0.05) the highest acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase and α-amylase inhibition activity. In conclusion, ethyl acetate is the best solvent for extraction of bioactive molecules from the two honey types. Moreover, the dark-colored TH contained the highest number of molecules and consequently exerted the best antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities in most assays.

Early and chronic phased local coagulative responses following bioresorbable-polymer drug-eluting stent implantation

Background

Neointimal maturation after bioresorbable-polymer (BP) drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation will not be complete in the absorption phase of the polymer. We have previously reported local persistent hypercoagulation after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation by measuring local plasma prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) levels. The aim of this study is to examine time-dependent local coagulative response after BP-DES implantation.

Methods

Sixty-four patients who were treated about ten months earlier with coronary angioplasty, with no evidence of restenosis, were studied [durable-polymer (DP)-DES {SES; Cypher®: 26pts and everolimus-eluting stent (EES); Xience®: 16pts} and BP-DES (BP-EES; Synergy®: 10pts and BP-SES; Ultimaster®: 12pts)]. We measured plasma levels of F1+2 sampled in coronary sinus (CS) and sinus of Valsalva (V) at the early (2±1 months) and chronic (10±2 months) phases. The transcardiac gradient (Δ) was defined as CS level minus V level.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the percent diameter stenosis between the DP- and BP- DES groups (11.5±15.5 vs 14.1±11.9%). The ΔF1+2 was significantly lower in the BP-DES group than in the DP-DES group at the chronic phase (7.5±16.1 vs 16.4±17.1pmol/l, p&lt;0.05). In the BP-DES group, the ΔF1+2 did not differ significantly between the early and chronic phases (7.0±14.1 vs 7.5±16.1pmol/l, NS).

Conclusion

Lower local coagulative response was observed at the chronic phase after BP-DES implantation compared to DP-DES implantation, and local hypercoagulation after BP-DES implantation was not observed at the early phase compared to the chronic phase. These findings might lead to the possibility of shorter dual antiplatelet therapy after BP-DES implantation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Toll-like receptor 9 is a novel therapeutic target to prevent atrial fibrillation

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. Recent studies suggest that inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of AF. On the other hand, several evidence suggests that toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 recognizes bacterial DNA, activating innate immunity, whereas it also provokes inflammation in response to fragmented DNA released from mammalian cells. Recently, we have reported that TLR 9 plays a pivotal role in the development of vascular inflammation and atherogenesis through proinflammatory activation of macrophages.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess whether TLR9 contributes to the AF arrhythmogenesis.

Methods

TLR9 deficient (TLR9−/−) and wild-type mice were infused with angiotensin II (Ang II) or vehicle via an osmotic minipump for 4 weeks. Blood pressure and body weight were measured serially. Then, we examined AF inducibility by intracardiac electrophysiological study and the inflammation-induced atrial remodeling by biochemical analysis after 4 weeks of Ang II infusion.

Results

There was no significant difference in blood pressure and pulse rate between TLR9−/− and wild-type mice both before and after Ang II infusion. Ang II-treated TLR9−/− mice showed lower incidence of AF compared with wild-type mice treated with Ang II. Genetic deletion of TLR9 significantly reduced the interstitial fibrosis in atrium of Ang II-treated mice. TLR9−/− mice also showed less mRNA expressions of inflammatory and fibrosis-related biomarkers (TNF-α, interleukin-6, TGF-β, collagen-1, collagen-3) in atrium compared with wild-type mice.

Conclusions

TLR9 might contribute to the AF arrhythmogenesis associated with atrial inflammation. TLR9 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for AF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Swelling of Doubly Magic ^{48}Ca Core in Ca Isotopes beyond N=28

Interaction cross sections for ^{42-51}Ca on a carbon target at 280  MeV/nucleon have been measured for the first time. The neutron number dependence of derived root-mean-square matter radii shows a significant increase beyond the neutron magic number N=28. Furthermore, this enhancement of matter radii is much larger than that of the previously measured charge radii, indicating a novel growth in neutron skin thickness. A simple examination based on the Fermi-type distribution, and mean field calculations point out that this anomalous enhancement of the nuclear size beyond N=28 results from an enlargement of the core by a sudden increase in the surface diffuseness of the neutron density distribution, which implies the swelling of the bare ^{48}Ca core in Ca isotopes beyond N=28.

Chemical profile, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition activities and docking studies of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. and Cymbopogon nervatus (Hochst.) Chiov. from Sudan

Essential oils from the inflorescence of Cymbopogon schoenanthus and C. nervatus growing in Northern Sudan were examined for their chemical composition, antiproliferative activity against human breast carcinoma and human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines, antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdenum, antiradical, reducing power, and ferrous chelating), and enzyme inhibition activity against acetylcholinesterase butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase. In silico study on the inhibition of tyrosinase and α-amylase was also performed. Piperitone (59.1%) and isomers of para-menthadienols (35.3%) were the main compounds in C. schoenanthus and C. nervatus oils, respectively. Oil from C. nervatus possessed higher antioxidant activity than that from C. schoenanthus except for its metal chelating ability. Both oils showed high antiproliferative activity. In silico study showed that trans-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol and piperitone (both isomers) revealed the best docking scores for α-amylase and tyrosinase, respectively. In conclusion, oils from these two Cymbopogon species could be new natural agents with functional properties for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Recently, there is a growing tendency to replace synthetic oils by natural ones in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical products. In this context, we investigated the chemical characterization and biological activities of two Cymbopogon species essential oils (C. schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. and C. nervatus). Antioxidant capacity, enzyme inhibition, and antiproliferative effects were tested for biological activities. Chemical characterization was identified by GC-MS. Based on our findings, the Cymbopogon species may be utilized as sources of natural bioactive agents in food industries.

P2813The improvement of chronic local coagulative response according to the progress of drug eluting stent

Background

We have previously reported local persistent hypercoagulation after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation by measuring local plasma prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) levels. The aim of this study is to examine chronic local coagulative response after each generation- drug eluting stent (DES) implantation.

Methods

Ninety-five patients who were treated about eight months earlier with coronary angioplasty, with no evidence of restenosis, were studied [1stgeneration durable polymer (DP)-DES {SES; Cypher®: 26pts, paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES); Taxus®:16pts}, 2ndgeneration DP-DES {everolimus-eluting stent (EES); Xience®:15pts, zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZES); Endeavor®:15pts}, and 3rdgeneration biodegradable polymer (BP)-DES {BP-biolimus-eluting stent (BES); Nobori®: 11pts and BP-SES; Ultimaster®: 12pts}]. We measured plasma levels of F1+2 sampled in coronary sinus (CS) and sinus of Valsalva (V). The transcardiac gradient (Δ) was defined as CS level minus V level.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the percent diameter stenosis among 1st, 2nd, and 3rd DES groups (12.5±15.5 vs 16.1±12.9 vs 13.1±11.9%). The ΔF1+2 was significantly lower in the 2nd and 3rd DES groups than in the 1st DES group (9.0±15.4 and 10.0±17.4 vs 27.3±23.8pmol/l, p<0.05, respectively). The ΔF1+2 was significantly lower in the BP-DES groups (BP-BES and BP-SES) than in the DP-DES groups (DP-SES, DP-PES, DP-ZES, and DP-EES) (10.0±17.4 vs 18.1±19.5pmol/l, p<0.05). The ΔF1+2 was significantly lower in the thin strut-DES groups (BP-SES, DP-ZES, and DP-EES) than in the thick strut-DES groups (DP-SES, DP-PES, and BP-BES) (8.4±15.4 vs 21.7±18.5pmol/l, p<0.05). In the BP-DES groups, the ΔF1+2 was lower in the BP-SES group than in the BP-BES group (8.0±16.1 vs 12.7±18.1pmol/l, p=0.08).

Conclusions

The improvement of chronic local coagulative response was observed according to the progress of DES. These findings might be associated with lower strut thickness and faster polymer resorption in the newer-generation DES.

P3437Impact of epicardial adipose tissue on global longitudinal strain: a study in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) locates anatomically and functionally contiguous to the myocardium and coronary arteries. It has been suggested that EAT accumulation is associated with cardiac remodeling and impaired cardiac performance. However, its role in left ventricular (LV) wall strain remains unclear.

Purpose

In this study, we aimed to clarify: whether EAT accumulation is related to global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (CS) and radial strain (RS); and if so, in which extent or by which amount of EAT are required to deteriorate these strain.

Methods

Total 180 patients who had no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on conventional echocardiography were recruited. Cardiac CT was used to quantify EAT volume (EATV) and echocardiographic speckle tracking was used to measure the GLS, CS and RS. EATV index (EATV/Body surface area) was determined as: EAT volume, the sum of the EAT area from the base to the apex of the heart (cm3)/body surface area (m2). Adipose tissue was determined as the density range between −190 and −30 Hounsfield unit. According to the median value (68 cm3/m2), patients were divided into lower and higher EATV index two groups.

Results

In higher EATV index group (95±19 cm3/m2), mean age, body mass index (BMI), prevalence of hyperlipidemia and prevalence of CAD were larger than in lower EATV index group (48±14 cm3/m2). Male gender, hypertension, diabetes, smoking and LV mass index were comparable between two groups. Patients in higher EATV index had lower GLS than those in lower EATV index (−19.4±1.2% vs. −18.8±1.3%, p=0.002). However, there were no significant difference between two groups regarding to the CS and RS. Linear regression analysis showed that there was strong correlation between EATV index and GLS (R=0.216, p=0.004); whereas, both RS and CS were strongly associated with the interventricular septum thickness (RS: R=0.248, p=0.003; CS: R= −0.192, p=0.023) and relative wall thickness (RS: R=0.178, p=0.036; CS: R= −0.184, p=0.030) but not with EATV; on multiple regression analysis, EATV was a predictor of GLS independent of age, male gender, BMI, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and CAD (Adjusted R2=0.238, p<0.001).

Conclusion

EATV is independently associated with GLS despite the preserved LVEF and lacking of obstructive CAD, and may play a significant role in estimating impaired longitudinal LV performance.

P2867Vildagliptin reduces inducibility of atrial fibrillation in hypertensive rats complicated with diabetes mellitus

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice, increasing the incidence of ischemic stroke. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a predictor of stroke and thromboembolism, and it was reported to be an independent risk factor for AF. A recent study has shown that, in obese mice with diabetes, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor prevents myocardial fibrosis, active oxygen stress, weight loss and improves myocardial hypertrophy. However, the effects of DPP-4 inhibitors on atrial remodeling associated with diabetes and atrial fibrillation have not yet been clarified.

Purpose

This study was performed to assess whether a DPP-4 inhibitor (vildagliptin) ameliorates atrial remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Methods

Rats were divided into 3 groups: SHR without DM, SHR with DM treated with vehicle and SHR-DM treated with vildagliptin (3mg/kg/day; intragastric gavage). For each group, blood pressure, blood glucose level and body weight were measured serially. Cardiac function was also evaluated by echocardiography. Then, we examined AF inducibility by intracardiac electrophysiological study and the inflammation-induced atrial remodeling by biochemical analysis after 4 weeks of treatment.

Results

There was no significant difference in blood pressure and blood gucose level between vehicle and vildagliptin groups. Administration of vildagliptin significantly reduced AF inducibility compared with rats with vehicle. In DM rats treated with vehicle, rapid atrial pacing promoted the gene expression of inflammatory and fibrosis-related biomarkers (TNF-α, MCP-1, collagen-1) in atrium. Vildagliptin reduced these gene expression levels. In addition, administration of vildagliptin significantly reduced the interstitial fibrosis in atrium.

Conclusions

DPP-4 inhibitor, vildagliptin. could prevent atrial inflammation and reduce the AF inducibility in SHR complicated with DM.

P3111Empagliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor, attenuates endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis by inhibiting inflammatory responses in the vasculature and adipose tissue in diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient

Background

Inflammation and oxidative stress associated with hyperglycemia are major causes of vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular complications in diabetes. Recent studies reported that cardioprotective effects of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, however underlying mechanisms are still obscure.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether empagliflozin attenuates atherogenesis and endothelial dysfunction in diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice and investigated underlying mechanisms.

Methods

ApoE−/− mice were injected with streptozotocin (75 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days. One week after last injection, a western type diet and administration of empagliflozin (20 mg/kg/day) or vehicle via oral gavage were started. Atherosclerotic plaque area was examined by en face Sudan IV staining. Lipid deposition and inflammatory features of atherosclerotic plaques was examined on lesions in the aortic root by immunohistochemical analysis. Vascular function was assessed by isometric tension recording. mRNA or protein expression level was examined by quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) or western blot analysis, respectively. In in vitro experiments, murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, was used.

Results

Treatment with empagliflozin for 12 weeks significantly decreased atherosclerotic plaque size in the aortic arch compared with untreated group (p<0.01). Empagliflozin reduced blood glucose (p<0.001) and plasma lipid levels. Results of histological analyses revealed that empagliflozin decreased lipid deposition, macrophage accumulation, and the expression of inflammatory molecules in the aortic root. Empagliflozin treatment for 8 weeks significantly attenuated endothelial dysfunction as determined by vascular response to acetylcholine. qPCR results demonstrated that empagliflozin reduced the expression of inflammatory molecules such as MCP-1 (p<0.05), ICAM-1 (p<0.05) and Nox-2 (p<0.05), a major NADPH oxidase subunit, in the aorta compared with the untreated group. Furthermore, empagliflozin significantly mitigated the expression of these inflammatory molecules in fat tissues around the aortic arch as determined by qPCR. In in vitro studies, methylglyoxal (MGO), a precursor of AGEs, increased the expression of inflammatory molecules (e.g., MCP-1, IL-1b and TNF-a (p<0.05, respectively)) in RAW264.7 cells. MGO also significantly induced activation of JNK and p38 MAP kinase (p<0.001, respectively) in this cell-type.

Conclusions

Empagliflozin attenuated endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis in diabetic ApoE−/− mice. Reduction of inflammation in the vasculature and peri-vascular adipose tissues may have a role as underlying mechanisms at least partially.

3306Endothelial cell senescence accelerates atherosclerosis by enhancing monocyte recruitment via hyper-reactivity to inflammatory stimuli

Background

Ageing is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic diseases. Vascular senescence has been considered to play an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis; however, it remains unclear whether endothelial cell (EC) senescence is causally involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to elucidate a causative role of senescent EC in the progression of atherosclerosis.

Methods

Telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2) plays a central role in telomere maintenance and protection against end-to-end fusion of chromosome. We previously reported that overexpression of TRF2-dominant negative mutant (TRF2DN) induced premature senescence in EC. We recently generated EC-specific progeroid mice by overexpressing TRF2DN specifically in EC (TRF2DN-Tg), and then generated ApoE-KO/TRF2DN-Tg mice to analyze a role of EC senescence in atherosclerosis. These mice were fed with a high cholesterol-diet, and atherosclerosis was assessed by en face analysis of whole aorta and histological analysis of aortic sinus. In vitro studies to analyze the underlying mechanisms were performed using replicative senescent HUVECs.

Results

En face analysis of aorta revealed that atherosclerotic lesions were significantly increased in ApoE-KO/TRF2DN-Tg mice comparing with that in ApoE-KO mice at as early as 2 weeks after high-cholesterol diet. Histological analysis of aortic sinus also exhibited accelerated atherosclerosis in ApoE-KO/TRF2DN-Tg mice in association with increased macrophage infiltration. Mechanistically, we found that the induction of adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin in response to low-grade inflammatory stimuli was substantially augmented in senescent ECs comparing with that in young ECs. As a result, monocyte adhesion was significantly enhanced in senescent ECs. Of note, eNOS inhibition did not affect the hyper-reactivity of senescent EC to inflammation, while antagonizing NF-kB abolished it. Nuclear translocation of NF-kB in response to inflammation was not different between young and senescent ECs, suggesting that NF-kB transcriptional activity might be enhanced in senescent ECs.

Conclusion

We revealed a causative role of EC senescence in the progression of atherosclerosis in vivo using unique EC-specific progeroid mice. Our findings revealed that EC senescence is a bona fide risk for atherosclerosis, and thus senescent ECs are attracting pharmacotherapeutic targets for the prevention and/or treatment of atherosclerotic disease in elderly population.

P5304Adipose tissue surrounding the kidney and its impact on coronary artery disease

Background

Growing evidence suggests that visceral adipose tissue has systemic and local impact for the development of cardiovascular disease. Previously, we reported that epicardial adipose tissue, as one of visceral fat, was a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the association between another visceral adiposity kidney fat and CAD remains unclear.

Purpose

In this study we aimed to clarify whether there exists link between adipose tissue surrounding the kidney and CAD among patients.

Method

The study population consisted of 201 consecutive patients who underwent 320-slice multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography. Study subjects were divided into the CAD (≥1 coronary artery stenosis of ≥50%) and non-CAD groups. Adipose tissue surrounding the kidney were quantified by the computed tomography and peri-renal fat volumetric measurements were performed on axial views by manually placing the Region of Interest (ROI) on the renal fascia. The peri-renal fat area of each slice was summed and multiplied by the slice thickness and number of slices to determine the total peri-renal fat volume. Adipose tissue was determined as the density range was −190 to −30 Hounsfield unit. Peri-renal fat volume were indexed by body surface area (BSA).

Results

The mean age was higher in CAD group than those in non-CAD (66±11 vs. 71±10 years, p=0.005). The diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia were significantly prevalent in CAD comparing to non-CAD group. BSA adjusted Peri-renal fat volume was significantly larger in CAD than those in non-CAD (43±27 vs. 60±39 ml/m2). Linear regression analysis showed that BSA adjusted peri-renal fat volume was significantly correlated with visceral fat area (VFA) (R=0.729, p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis for estimating CAD showed that BSA adjusted peri-renal fat volume was a predictor of CAD after adjusting for confounding factors which including age, gender, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and VFA (Adjusted R2=0.201, p<0.001); In addition, in the above traditional risk factors model even when the VFA was replaced by the eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73m2, the BSA adjusted peri-renal fat volume still keep a significance for predicting the CAD in the multivariate analysis (Adjusted R2=0.198, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Peri-renal fat volume might be a predictor of CAD. Kidney fat at least partially may contributes to the development of CAD by impaired kidney function.

P722Glycemic control with canagliflozin, a SGLT-2 inhibitor, attenuates atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in diabetic apolipoprotein e-deficient mice

Background

Canagliflozin is a SGLT-2 inhibitor, a novel type of drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. Recent studies have shown that SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce cardiovascular events, although the mechanism is still unknown.

Purpose

The aim of our study was to examine the effect of canagliflozin on vascular endothelial cell.

Method

Eight-week-old apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice were treated with streptozotocin (STZ, 75 mg/kg/day) in three consecutive days by intraperitoneal injection to induce diabetes. Diabetic ApoE−/− mice were treated with canagliflozin (30 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 12 weeks or 8 weeks to examine its effect on atherosclerosis or endothelial function, respectively.

Results

Canagliflozin significantly decreased blood glucose level (P<0.001), triglyceride level (P<0.05), and total cholesterol level (P<0.05). Sudan IV staining on the aortic arch showed that canagliflozin decreased atherosclerotic lesion progression (P<0.05). Histological analyses using atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root showed that canagliflozin reduced lipid disposition (P<0.01), macrophage accumulation (P<0.001, and expression of adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 (P<0.01, and P<0.05 respectively). Canagliflozin also attenuated the development of endothelial dysfunction as determined by acetylcholine-dependent vasodilation (P<0.05), and reduced the expression of inflammatory molecules, such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 (P<0.01), also MCP-1, F4/80, IL6, and iNOS (P<0.05) in the aorta. Canagliflozin reduced oxidative stress as determined by the reduction of the expression of NOX2, NOX4, p22phox, p47phox in the aorta and by the urinary excretion of 8-OHdG. In in vitro experiment using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), methylglyoxal (MGO), a precursor of advanced glycation end products, significantly increased the expression of inflammatory molecules such as ICAM-1, MCP-1, and p22phox in (P<0.05, respectively). MGO also decreased the phosphorylation of eNOSser1177 and Akt, and increased phosphorylation of P38 MAPK in HUVEC.

Conclusion

Glucose lowering effect by canagliflozin attenuates the development of endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis in diabetic ApoE−/− mice. Anti-inflammatory effect due to the reduction of glucose toxicity on endothelial cells might be one of the mechanisms.

Cytotoxicity of cucurbitacin E from Citrullus colocynthis against multidrug-resistant cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Cucurbitacin E (CuE) is an oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoid isolated from the fruits of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.

PURPOSE

This study outlines CuE's cytotoxic activity against drug-resistant tumor cell lines. Three members of ABC transporters superfamily, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and ABCB5 were investigated, whose overexpression in tumors is tightly linked to multidrug resistance. Further factors of drug resistance studied were the tumor suppressor TP53 and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

METHODS

Cytotoxicity assays (resazurin assays) were used to investigate the activity of Citrullus colocynthis and CuE towards multidrug resistant cancer cells. Molecular docking (In silico) has been carried out to explore the CuE's mode of binding to ABC transporters (P-gp, BCRP and ABCB5). The visualization of doxorubicin uptake was done by a Spinning Disc Confocal Microscope. The assessment of proteins expression was done by western blotting analysis. COMPARE and hierarchical cluster analyses were applied to identify, which genes correlate with sensitivity or resistance to cucurbitacins (CuA, CuB, CuE, CuD, CuI, and CuK).

RESULTS

Multidrug-resistant cells overexpressing P-gp or BCRP were cross-resistant to CuE. By contrast, TP53 knock-out cells were sensitive to CuE. Remarkably, resistant cells transfected with oncogenic ΔEGFR or ABCB5 were hypersensitive (collateral sensitive) to CuE. In silico analyses demonstrated that CuE is a substrate for P-gp and BCRP. Immunoblot analyses highlighted that CuE targeted EGFR and silenced its downstream signaling cascades. The most striking result that emerged from the doxorubicin uptake by ABCB5 overexpressing cells is that CuE is an effective inhibitor for ABCB5 transporter when compared with verapamil. The COMPARE analyses of transcriptome-wide expression profiles of tumor cell lines of the NCI identified common genes involved in cell cycle regulation, cellular adhesion and intracellular communication for different cucurbitacins.

CONCLUSION

CuE represents a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of certain types of refractory tumors. To best of our knowledge, this is the first time to identify CuE and verapamil as inhibitors for ABCB5 transporter.

Trans-3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid from Geigeria alata Benth. & Hook.f. ex Oliv. & Hiern with beneficial effects on experimental diabetes in animal model of essential hypertension

Geigeria alata Benth. & Hook.f. ex Oliv. & Hiern (Asteraceae) is used in Sudanese folk medicine for treatment of diabetes. The study aimed to estimate the acute oral toxicity of trans-3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA) from G. alata roots and to assess its antihypeglycemic, antioxidant and antihypertensive effects on chemically-induced diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The structure of 3,5-diCQA was established by NMR and HRMS spectra. Type 2 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. 3,5-diCQA was slightly toxic with LD₅₀ = 2154 mg/kg. At 5 mg/kg 3,5-diCQA reduced significantly (p < 0.05) the blood glucose levels by 42%, decreased the blood pressure by 22% and ameliorated the oxidative stress biomarkers reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, and serum biochemical parameters. The beneficial effect on antioxidant enzymes was evidenced by the elevated glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase activitiy in the livers of diabetic animals. 3,5-diCQA prevents the histopathological changes related to diabetes and hypertension. 3,5-diCQA was more potent α-glucosidase inhibitor (IC₅₀ 27.24 μg/mL) than acarbose (IC₅₀ 99.77 μg/mL). The antihyperglycemic action of the compound was attributed to the α-glucosidase inhibition. The beneficial effects of 3,5-diCQA on streptozotocin-induced diabetic hypertensive rats support the traditional use of G.alata for the management of diabetes.

Crude extracts of Sesamum Indicum roots used as anthraquinone source effect on pulping with sodium hydroxide of Sudanese bagasse

The objectives

The work was carried out for extraction of natural anthrasesamones from roots of Sesamum Indicum using different organic solvents and utilization of extracts as catalyst in pulping with sodium hydroxide for a by-product of sugar industry (Sudanese bagasse).

Results

Sesamum Indicum roots when extracted with ethanol, it gave the highest extracts yield % (0.964), followed by ethyl acetate, chloroform, dichloromethane and petroleum ether extracts. The chemical pulping of Bagasse was done by using of sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide with anthraquinone, and sodium hydroxide with extract instead of anthraquinone keeping constant conditions at temperature 160 °C and applied sodium oxide 10.9% and time was 120 min, gave promising screened yield between 49.84 and 53.68%, bleachable kappa number between 15.57 and 8.26 for sodium hydroxide only and cooking with sodium hydroxide with anthraquinone. Cooking with sodium hydroxide of bagasse with anthrasesamones gave good pulping yields and kappa number.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-019-4075-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura After Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Report of the First Case

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitis affecting the small vessels that mainly presents in children and young adults. It is characterized by tissue deposition of immunoglobulin A (IgA) immune complexes with the classic manifestations of purpura, arthritis, arthralgia, and gastrointestinal and renal involvements. We report a case of HSP nephritis that occurred 2 years after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). After pulse steroid administration, the patient's symptoms disappeared and blood markers normalized. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first HSP case to be reported in a liver transplant recipient.

Ethnobotanical investigation on medicinal plants in Algoz area (South Kordofan), Sudan

BACKGROUND

The inhabitants of western Sudan use traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments due to lack of medical doctors and unaffordable prices of pharmaceutical products. The present study is the first documentation of the traditional plant knowledge on medicinal uses of plants by healers in Algoz (South Kordofan), Sudan.

METHOD

Ethnobotanical data were collected over a period from March to November 2015 using semi-structured interviews with 30 healers (24 male and 6 female) living in the investigated area. Quantitative indices such as use categories, use value (UV) and informant consensus factor (ICF) were intended to evaluate the importance of medicinal plant species.

RESULTS

A total of 94 medicinal plants, which belong to 45 families and 81 genera, were recorded in the study area. The most represented families are Leguminosae with 20 species followed by Combretaceae (6 species), Rubiaceae (5 species) and Asteraceae (4 species). The reported species were belonging to herbs (43%), trees (28%), shrubs (22%), climbers (4%) and parasites (3%). Root and stem (21% each) were the most plant parts used. A majority of remedies are administered orally (67%) where infusion (36%) and maceration (32%) are the most used methods. The highest ICF (0.87) was reported for poisonous animal bites followed by urinary system diseases (0.89), blood system disorders (0.88) and gynaecological diseases (0.87). Anastatica hierochuntica, Ctenolepis cerasiformis, Echinops longifolius, Cleome gynandra, Maerua pseudopetalosa, Martynia annua, Oldenlandia uniflora, Opuntia ficus-indica, Solanum dubium, Sonchus cornutus, Tribulus terrestris and Drimia maritima were reported for the first time in this study.

CONCLUSION

The number of medicinal plants reported in this paper reflects evidence that Algoz area had a high diversity of medicinal plants which will continue to play an important role in the healthcare system in the study area.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of 18 Plants from the Erkowit Region, Eastern Sudan

We investigated the antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity towards human CCRF-CEM leukemia cells of 57 extracts obtained from 18 plants collected in the Erkowit region, eastern Sudan. The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the radical scavenging effects against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendiamine (DMPD), metal-chelation capacity, ferric-reducing (FRAP) and phosphomolibdenum-reducing antioxidant power (PRAP) methods using ELISA microtiter assays. Total phenol and flavonoid amounts of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. Cytotoxicity towards CCRF-CEM cells was evaluated by the resazurin reduction assay. Geranium favosum followed by Kalanchoe glaucescens, Malva parviflora, Aizoon canariense, and Coleus barbatus, respectively, possessed the highest antioxidant activity among the studied plants. Chrozophora oblongifolia and K. glaucescens exerted considerable cytotoxicity against CCRF-CEM leukemia cells. These plants may serve as source for the further development of natural antioxidant and antitumor agents.

Coexistent End-stage Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Colon Cancer: Should We Do Liver Transplantation?

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer accompanying decompensated liver cirrhosis is a rare clinical condition. Usually, treatment of colon cancer is prioritized, with cirrhosis dealt with later.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of end-stage liver disease due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis evaluated for living donor liver transplant. During the pretransplant examination, an ascending colon cancer was detected. Liver function was too poor to perform colon resection first. Simultaneous living donor liver transplant and colonic resection were carried out. The patient developed left lung metastasis at 2 different times during the first postoperative year, and both of them were resected. The patient received the standard chemoradiotherapy. Now, the patient is alive at 42 months postprocedure and recurrence-free at 31 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous liver transplantation and colon resection are possible with acceptable long-term outcomes. Immunosuppressive therapy after transplantation increases the risk for cancer recurrence. So the patient should undergo close surveillance.

HPLC-UV and LC-MS Analyses of Acylquinic Acids in Geigeria alata (DC) Oliv. & Hiern. and their Contribution to Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Capacity

INTRODUCTION

Geigeria alata is a traditional plant used in Sudanese folk medicine for treatment of diabetes, cough, epilepsy and intestinal complaints.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze phenolic acids in Geigeria alata roots and leaves and to evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

METHODOLOGY

Phenolic acids in the aqueous-methanol extracts were identified by LC-MS. Major compounds were isolated using low-pressure liquid chromatography. The quantitative analysis of phenolic acids was performed by a validated HPLC-UV method with limits of detection ranging from 0.04 to 0.57 μg/mL. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazine-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods were used for antioxidant activity evaluation. In addition, the minimal inhibitory concentration and the minimal bactericidal concentration against a panel of pathogenic bacteria and fungi were determined by the broth microdilution test.

RESULTS

For the first time protocatechuic, caffeic, p-coumaroylquinic, caffeoylsinapoylquinic, caffeoylferuloylquinic, three feruloylquinic, six caffeoylquinic acids, and a caffeic acid hexoside were detected in Geigeria alata roots by LC-MS. HPLC-UV analyses showed that 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (25.96 ± 2.08 mg/g dry weight (DW)) was the most abundant phenolic acid in roots, while 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (8.99 ± 0.56 mg/g DW) was the main compound present in leaves. 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid demonstrated stronger radical scavenging activity and reducing power compared with the crude extracts and the positive control 5-caffeoylquinic acid. 3,4,5-Tricaffeoylquinic acid revealed the highest antibacterial potential against the penicillin sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, as well as methicillin-resistant S. aureus.

CONCLUSION

The caffeoylquinic acids content of up to 6.22% in Geigeria alata roots establishes this species as a new source rich in these bioactive molecules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.