Pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiling of 4-(methylthio)butyl isothiocyanate with special reference to pre-clinical safety assessment studies

4-(methylthio)butyl isothiocyanate (4-MTBITC) also called erucin is abundantly present in the seeds of Eruca sativa plant closely related to cruciferous vegetables rich in isothiocyanates. We have previously reported the molecular targets of 4-MTBITC, but no acute, subacute and subchronic toxicity studies have been carried out to evaluate its safety. The non-everted gut sac method was used to study intestinal absorption and it revealed the highest absorption of 4-MTBITC in the jejunum. Dose-dependent pharmacokinetic parameters were observed in rats given 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg oral doses of 4-MTBITC. At the highest dose of 40 mg/kg, C_max was 437.33 μg/ml and T_max was 30 min, suggesting quick absorption and delayed elimination with elimination constant, 0.0036 ± 0.0002min^-1. In a 14 days toxicity study, the mean LD₅₀ of 4-MTBITC was 500 mg/kg body weight. After 28 and 90 days of treatment with 4-MTBITC (2.5, 10, 40 mg/kg/day), significant increases were observed in SGOT, cholesterol, and antioxidant enzymes. The levels of glycine, alanine and lysine were markedly increased in the liver tissue, thereby indicating that the liver was the target organ of 4-MTBITC induced toxicity in female animals. The histopathological examination of liver, kidney, and lung tissues revealed little focal necrosis, apoptosis, and reduction in the levels of amino acids involved in cellular metabolic pathways, indicating the anti-proliferative potential of 4-MTBITC against rapidly growing cells.

Is testing of aspartate aminotransferase necessary along with every alanine aminotransferase for health check in elderly individuals?

OBJECTIVE

This study is to evaluate whether Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is necessary to screen for liver function in apparently healthy elderly individuals.

METHODS

We derived the proportions of elevated ASTs that would not be measured based on 2018-year of paired Chinese elderly (Age ≥ 65 years old) check-up. Defined as AST > 40U/L is elevated. The relationship between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and AST was analyzed by using Pearson's approach. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of ALT for abnormal AST.

RESULTS

52,857 pairs of ALT and AST were analyzed. Serum AST was found to be positively correlated with serum ALT, r = 0.81, p < 0.01 for the entire cohort. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of ALT for predicting positive AST is 0.918. The optimal threshold for ALT is 28 U/L with the sensitivity of 82.6%, and specificity of 86.8%. At the threshold, below 0.7% of subjects with positive AST were missed, but approximately 83% of the AST tests were eliminated.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that tests of AST were not necessary along with every ALT test for health check in elderly individuals. An estimated 84.5% of subjects were not needed for AST tests which could have saved about CN¥ 815 million (USD$115 million or EURO$100 million) every year.

Effect of Phaleria Macrocarpa Flesh Fruits Extract on MDA Level, SGOT and SGPT Activity in Serum of Experimental Rats Contaminated by Cd (II) Ion

BACKGROUND:

Cd (II) ion is a heavy metal that has a toxic ability in the human body. P. macrocarpa has been used as anticancer, Diabetes Mellitus and antimicrobe because it consists of flavonoid, steroid, and tannin.

AIM:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of P. macrocarpa fruits extract as an antidote for the toxicity of Cd (II) in the liver of experimental rats.

METHODS:

The experimental laboratory was done by using 9 female of Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) that divided into 3 groups with the age between 2.5-3 months and weight between 133-160 grams. The first group was a control given distilled water and a normal diet. The second group was given antidote 5 mL of P. macrocarpa fruit extract x BW/200 g dosage for 7 days and induced by 1000 mg/L of Cd (II) ion with dosage of 1 mL x BW/200 g. The third group was given 1000 mg/L Cd (II) ion only of 1 mL x BW/200 g. After 5 hours, the blood sample was taken for analysis of MDA, SGOT, and SGPT.

RESULTS:

As the result of experimental rats exposed with Cd (II) ion, there are significant decreasing of all the observed parameters including MAD, SGOT and SGPT with percentage 71.5%, 72.1%, and 93.6% respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The rats given with the antidote of Phaleria macrocarpa flesh fruit were able to protect the liver from damage due to exposure to Cd (II) as seen from the decrease in liver function enzyme parameters namely SGOT and SGPT.

Detection of the Incidence of Infections and Acute Biochemical Changes in Diffused Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients Treated with Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine and Prednisone (CHOP) with and without Rituximab

BACKGROUND

Acute biochemical changes, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and frequency of infections are common in diffuse large B-cell Lymphoma patients undergoing Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Oncovin (Vincristine) Prednisone (CHOP) and Rituximab plus CHOP chemo cycles. Eventually, it leads to prolonging hospital stay and suspending the next chemotherapy cycles.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The objectives of our study were to determine the changes in biochemical disturbances induced by CHOP or RCHOP and second objective was to compare the effect of CHOP with or without rituximab on the incidence of the infections such as (Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus and Varicella-Zoster virus), bacterial infections and tuberculosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Files were prospectively reviewed during the tenure of 2014-2016. Participants aged greater than or equal to 18 years old with a known case of DLBCL undergoing CHOP or RCHOP chemotherapy were allowed to be included in the study. Baseline and posttreatment patients profile of blood chemistry, liver functions test was collected and compared with the Common Terminology Criteria for adverse events v3.0 2009 CTCAE 2009 and the data regarding infection of Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus and Vericella-Zoster virus, bacterial infections and tuberculosis were drawn from the participant's profile.

RESULTS

Patients treated with CHOP therapy showed a significant difference of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) (p-value 0.009), direct bilirubin (p-value 0.034) and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (p-value 0.004). Bacterial Pneumonia was only 1 (5%) and 1 (5%) CMV reported positive after the R-CHOP.

CONCLUSION

We propose that liver profile including (bilirubin, SGOT and SGPT) Urea, Creatinine and electrolytes should strictly be considered if found deranged before every treatment cycle and suspend chemotherapy in case of moderate or severe toxicity.

Uranium (238U) bioaccumulation and its persuaded alterations on hematological, serological and histological parameters in freshwater fish Pangasius sutchi

The early biomarkers for the hematological, serological and histological alterations due to the effect of ½ and ¼ LC₅₀ of ²³⁸U in different organs in freshwater fish Pangasius sutchi for water-borne ²³⁸U accumulation was investigated. The toxicological data due to ²³⁸U accumulation on the hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and hematocrit (Hct) to evaluate the oxygen carrying capacity has been indicated as the secondary response of the organisms. The biomarkers of liver damage were determined as by Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), γ-Glutamyl Transferase (γ-GT). Similarly, the renal biomarkers of kidney damage were accessed by creatinine, uric acid, triglycerides, and cholesterol. The decrease in hemoglobin in the experimental group due to disturbed synthesis of hemoglobin was directly proportional to the concentration and exposure duration of ²³⁸U. The histological studies proved that liver and gills are the target organ for ²³⁸U toxicity. The extensive histological lesions were observed in various tissues due to oxidative stress by the accumulation of ²³⁸U, and the ²³⁸U toxicity in the organs was in the order of Gills<liver<brain<muscle. This study can be useful indicators of ²³⁸U toxicity to assess fish health in Uranium (²³⁸U) biomonitoring programs.

Investigation of hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Terminalia paniculata bark in diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Terminalia paniculata bark (AETPB) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Acute toxicity was studied in rats after the oral administration of AETPB to determine the dose to assess hypoglycemic activity. In rats, diabetes was induced by injection of STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) and diabetes was confirmed 72 h after induction, and then allowed for 14 days to stabilize blood glucose level. In diabetic rats, AETPB was orally given for 28 days and its effect on blood glucose and body weight was determined on a weekly basis. At the end of the experimental day, fasting blood sample was collected to estimate the haemoglobin (Hb), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine, urea, serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and insulin levels. The liver and kidney were collected to determine antioxidants levels in diabetic rats.

RESULTS

Oral administration of AETPB did not exhibit toxicity and death at a dose of 2 000 mg/kg. AETPB treated diabetic rats significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.05) reduced elevated blood glucose, HbA1c, creatinine, urea, SGPT and SGOT levels when compared with diabetic control rats. The body weight, Hb, insulin and total protein levels were significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.05) increased in diabetic rats treated with AETPB compared to diabetic control rats. In diabetic rats, AETPB treatment significantly reversed abnormal status of antioxidants and lipid profile levels towards near normal levels compared to diabetic control rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Present study results confirm that AETPB possesses significant hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities in diabetic condition.

Hepatoprotective activity of Musa paradisiaca on experimental animal models

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of stem of Musa paradisiaca (M. paradisiaca) in CCl4 and paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity models in rats.

METHODS

Hepatoprotective activity of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of stem of M. paradisiaca was demonstrated by using two experimentally induced hepatotoxicity models.

RESULTS

Administration of hepatotoxins (CCl4 and paracetamol) showed significant biochemical and histological deteriorations in the liver of experimental animals. Pretreatment with alcoholic extract (500 mg/kg), more significantly and to a lesser extent the alcoholic extract (250 mg/kg) and aqueous extract (500 mg/kg), reduced the elevated levels of the serum enzymes like serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin levels and alcoholic and aqueous extracts reversed the hepatic damage towards the normal, which further evidenced the hepatoprotective activity of stem of M. paradisiaca.

CONCLUSIONS

The alcoholic extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. and aqueous extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg, p.o. of stem of M. paradisiaca have significant effect on the liver of CCl4 and paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity animal models.

Cytotoxicity evaluation and hepatoprotective potential of bioassay guided fractions from Feronia Limmonia Linn leaf

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective potentials of extracts, fractions or isolated compound from the leaves of Feronia limonia (F. limonia).

METHODS

Qualitative phytochemical analysis of extracts, fractions or compound was performed by means of thin layer chromatography and spectroscopic assays. The % purity of compound was measured by analytical HPLC. Extracts, fractions or compound have been individually evaluated for their cytotoxicity effects (10, 20, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1 000 µg/mL). Based on the inhibitory concentration (IC50) obtained from the cell viability assay, graded concentrations of extracts, fractions or isolated compound were assessed (10, 20, 50, 100, 200 µg/mL) for its hepatoprotective potential against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity by monitoring activity levels of serum glutamatic pyruvatic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT).

RESULTS

Results indicated that the methanol extract of F. limonia was non-toxic and hepatoprotective in nature as compared with the petroleum ether extract. The acetone fraction of methanolic extract also showed similar properties but the subsequent two fractions were cytotoxic. However, the pure compound isolated from the penultimate fraction of methanolic extract was non-toxic and hepatoprotective in nature. Biochemical investigations (SGOT, SGPT) further corroborated these cytological observations.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded from this study that F. limonia methanol extract, some fractions and pure isolated compound herein exhibit hepatoprotective activity. However, cytotoxicity recorded in the penultimate fraction and investigation of structural details of pure compound warrants further study.

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic activity of ethanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum Linn. leaf in alloxan induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic effect of ethanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum (M. malabathricum) Linn. leaf in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced in albino rats by administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg i.p). the ethanol extracts of M. malabathricum at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg of body weight were administrated at a single dose per day to diabetes induced rats for a period of 14 d. The effect of ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf extract on blood glucose, plasma insulin, creatinine, glycosylated haemoglobin, urea serum lipid profile [total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and phospholipid, serum protein, albumin, globulin, serum enzymes (serum glutamate pyruvate transaminases), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase] were measured in the diabetic rats.

RESULTS

In the acute toxicity study, ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf was non-toxic at 2 000 mg/kg in rats. The increased body weight, decreased blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and other biochemical parameters level were observed in diabetic rats treated with both doses of ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf compared to diabetic control rats. In diabetic rats, ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf administration, altered lipid profiles were reversed to near normal than diabetic control rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf possesses significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic activity in diabetic rats.

A novel chitosan based antimalarial drug delivery against Plasmodium berghei infection

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide that has attracted significant scientific interest during the last two decades and chitosan based nanodrug delivery systems seem to be a hopeful and viable strategy for improving disease treatment. This study aims to evaluate the potency of the polymer based nanochloroquine in application for attenuation of Plasmodium berghei infection in Swiss mice and effectiveness against the parasite induced oxidative stress and deoxyribo nucleic acid (DNA) damage in lymphocytes. Nanoparticle was prepared by ionotropic gelation between chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate. The chloroquine was treated by the actual drug content of effective nanochloroquine and the nanodrug was charged with its effective dose for fifteen days, after successive infection development in Swiss mice. Gimsa staining of thin smear and flow cytometry analysis was pursued to reveal the parasitemia. Different oxidative markers, inflammatory markers, antioxidant enzymes level and also lymphocytic deoxyribo nucleic acid damage study were performed. The present study reveals the potency of the nanodrug which has been found as more prospective than only chloroquine treatment to combat the parasite infection, oxidative stress as well as inflammation and DNA damage. From the study, we conclude this nanodrug may be applicable as potent therapeutic agent than only chloroquine.

Enzymatic, antimicrobial and toxicity studies of the aqueous extract of Ananas comosus (pineapple) crown leaf

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Various parts of the plant pineapple (Ananas comosus) are used in traditional medicine worldwide for treatment of a number of diseases and disorders. In folk medicine, pineapple leaf extract was used as an antimicrobial, vermicide, purgative, emmenagoogue, abortifacient, anti-oedema and anti-inflammatory agent. Compared to the fruit and stem extracts of pineapple, information about its leaf extract is limited. The potential of pineapple crown leaf extract as an ethno-medicine has been evaluated in terms of its enzymatic activities related to wound healing, antimicrobial property and toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Major protein components of the extract were revealed by 2-D gel electrophoresis followed by MS/MS analysis. Zymography, DQ-gelatin assay were performed to demonstrate proteolytic, fibrinolytic, gelatinase and collagenase activities. DNase and RNase activities were revealed from agarose gel electrophoresis. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated spectrophotometrically from growth inhibition. Sprague-Dawley rat model was used to measure acute and sub-acute toxicity of the extract by analyzing blood markers.

RESULT

The extract contains several proteins that were clustered under native condition. Proteomic studies indicated presence of fruit bromelain as major protein constituent of the extract. It showed nonspecific protease activity, gelatinolytic, collagenase, fibrinolytic, acid and alkaline phosphatase, peroxidase, DNase and RNase activities along with considerable anti-microbial property. The leaf extract did not induce any toxicity in rats after oral administration of acute and sub-acute doses.

CONCLUSION

Pineapple leaf extract is nontoxic, contains enzymes related to damage tissue repairing, wound healing and possibly prevents secondary infections from microbial organisms.

Calotropis gigantiea (L.) R. Br (Apocynaceae): a phytochemical and pharmacological review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Calotropis gigantiea (L.) R. Br (Apocynaceae) commonly called as "crown flower" or "giant milk weed" is a well-known weed to many cultures for treating various disorders related to central nervous system, skin diseases, digestive system, respiratory system, reproductive system etc. Indigenous groups made the plant as a part of their lives since they use the fruit fibre to make ropes, household items, for weaving clothes and flowers for garlands apart from usage for various indications. The study aims at far-reaching review on phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, ethnopharmacology, intellectual property transfer on pharmacological therapies, toxicity which aids to provide scientific evidence for the ethnobotanical claims and to identify gaps required to be conducted as a future research prerequisite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using different databases such as Scopus, Science direct, PubMed and Sciverse with no timeline limit set during the search. All the available abstracts and full text articles were included in the systematic review.

RESULTS

Most of the folkloric uses were validated by the scientific studies such as analgesic, anti-arthritic, anti-asthmatic, anti-bacterial, anti-convulsant, anti-pyretic, central nervous system disorders, contraceptive, anti-ulcer and wound healing. In addition other studies such as anti-diabetic, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-helminthic, anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, cardio-protective studies, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotectivity, fibrinolytic, mosquitocidal, nerve muscle activity, vasodilation and skeletal muscle activities were also reported for the plant. Isolated compounds such as calotropin, frugoside and 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl frugoside were tested for the cytotoxicity efficacy against both human and rat cell lines out of which calotropin showed potent activity (IC50-15 ng/ml). However there were no clinical trials reported on the plant which is one of the major lacunas.

CONCLUSIONS

This review article explores the ethnopharmacological, pharmacological activities phytochemistry and intellectual rights of Cg which gives the evidence of a potent and commercial drug which up on further research leads to the most viable drug for variety of treatments. However there is further need for in-vivo studies and clinical trials on isolated phytoconstituents which will help to commercialise.

Effect of calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (CaHMB) with and without resistance training in men and women 65+yrs: a randomized, double-blind pilot trial

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests CaHMB may impact muscle mass and/or strength in older adults, yet no long-term studies have compared its effectiveness in sedentary and resistance training conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of CaHMB supplementation and resistance training (3 d wk(-1)) or CaHMB supplementation only in ≥65 yr old adults.

METHODS

This double-blinded, placebo-controlled, trial occurred in two phases under ad libitum conditions. Phase I consisted of two non-exercise groups: (a) placebo and (b) 3 g CaHMB consumed twice daily. Phase II consisted of two resistance exercise groups: (a) placebo and resistance exercise and (b) 3 g CaHMB consumed twice daily and resistance exercise (RE). Strength and functionality were assessed in both phases with isokinetic leg extension and flexion at 60°·s(-1) and 180°·s(-1) (LE60, LF60, LE180, LF180), hand grip strength (HG) and get-up-and-go (GUG). Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure arm, leg, and total body lean mass (LM) as well as total fat mass (FM). Muscle Quality was measured for arm (MQ(HG)=HG/arm LM) and Leg (MQ60=LE60/leg LM) (MQ180=LE180/leg LM).

RESULTS

At 24 weeks of Phase I, change in LE60 (+8.8%) and MQ180 (+20.8%) for CaHMB was significantly (p<0.05) greater than that for placebo group. Additionally, only CaHMB showed significant (p<0.05) improvements in total LM (2.2%), leg LM (2.1%), and LE180 (+17.3%), though no treatment effect was observed. Phase II demonstrated that RE significantly improved total LM (4.3%), LE60 (22.8%), LE180 (21.4%), HG (9.8%), and GUG (10.2%) with no difference between treatment groups. At week 24, only CaHMB group significantly improved FM (-3.8%) and MQHG (7.3%); however there was no treatment main effect for these variables.

CONCLUSION

CaHMB improved strength and MQ without RE. Further, RE is an effective intervention for improving all measures of body composition and functionality.

A new pentacyclic triterpene with potent antibacterial activity from Limnophila indica Linn. (Druce)

A new pentacyclic triterpenoid constituent, characterized as 3-oxo-olean-12(13),18(19)-dien-29α-carboxylic acid (1) on the basis of detailed spectral studies, was isolated from the aerial parts and roots of Limnophila indica (Scrophulariaceae). Compound 1 exhibited considerable antibacterial activity against three Gram-positive bacteria viz. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes (MICs within a range of 25-30 μg/ml) and moderate activity against four Gram-negative bacteria Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Pantoea ananatis (MICs within a range of 30-100 μg/ml). The plant pathogenic bacterium P. ananatis and human pathogenic S. typhimurium responded at comparatively higher concentrations of the compound 1, which were 75 and 100 μg/ml respectively. The compound inhibited the growth of Gram-positive B. subtilis and Gram-negative P. aeruginosa completely with a clear bactericidal mode of action at their MIC values. The compound upon treatment on both B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa released substantial amount of nucleic acid in the external medium and also effected the change of morphology towards pleomorphicity, thereby indicating its probable action on cell membrane. Furthermore, the triterpenoid 1 was found not to inhibit a probiotic lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LABW4 under in vitro condition and to possess no toxicity in Swiss albino mice.

Sirolimus-loaded stealth colloidal systems attenuate neointimal hyperplasia after balloon injury: a comparison of phospholipid micelles and liposomes

Restenosis after angioplasty remains a serious complication in clinical cardiology. This study aims to investigate the stealth colloidal systems for local intra-arterial drug delivery. Micelles from polyethylene glycol conjugated with phosphatidylethanolamine and PEGylated liposomes loaded with sirolimus were prepared and characterized with regard to their loading efficiency, particle size distribution, zeta potential, morphology, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, drug release profile and stability. The antirestenotic effects of the sirolimus-loaded micelles (14 nm) and liposomes (90 nm) were evaluated and compared in the rat carotid injury model following local intravascular delivery. In comparison to control groups, treatment of balloon injured rats with drug loaded micelles and nanoliposomes significantly reduced vascular stenosis by 42% and 19%, respectively (P<0.05). In addition, the luminal area was significantly enlarged by 39% and 60% following treatment with sirolimus-loaded liposomes and micelles, respectively (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry revealed that sirolimus-loaded nanocarriers suppressed cell proliferation (Ki67-positive cells) as compared to control groups without affecting the density of smooth muscle actin staining. These results suggest that both colloidal nanocarriers could serve as effective intramural drug delivery systems for the treatment of restenosis; however, phospholipid based micelles provided better antirestenotic effects than PEGylated liposomes.

A novel manganese complex, Mn-(II) N-(2-hydroxy acetophenone) glycinate overcomes multidrug-resistance in cancer

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a significant problem for effective cancer chemotherapy. In spite of considerable advances in drug discovery, most of the cancer cases still stay incurable because of resistance to chemotherapy. We synthesized a novel, Mn (II) complex (chelate), viz., manganese N-(2-hydroxy acetophenone) glycinate (MnNG) that exhibits considerable efficacy to overcome drug resistant cancer. The antiproliferative activity of MnNG was studied on doxorubicin resistant and sensitive human T lymphoblastic leukemia cells (CEM/ADR 5000 and CCRF/CEM). MnNG induced apoptosis significantly in CEM/ADR 5000 cells probably through generation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, intraperitoneal (i.p.) application of MnNG at non-toxic doses caused significant increase in the life-span of Swiss albino mice bearing sensitive and doxorubicin resistant subline of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells.

Study of the Hepatoprotective Activity of Methanolic Extract of Feijoa sellowiana Fruits Against MDMA using the Isolated Rat Liver Perfusion System

liver injury induced by viruses, chemicals and drugs can be protected by different medicinal plants. Feijoa sellowiana (Myrtaceae) is an evergreen bush native to southern areas of South America, as well as Iran where the fruits are very popular. Feijoa has shown a potent antimicrobial effect. Morever, the antioxidant activity of total Feijoa extract has also been reported. MDMA or ecstasy is a ring-substituted amphetamine derivative which has been abused as a widespread recreational drug by the young generation. Liver is a target organ for MDMA toxicity. In fact, this sense MDMA is metabolized by cytochromes P4502D, 2B and 3Aand reactive metabolites are readily oxidized to the corresponding o-qiuinones and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study investigated whether methanilic Feijoa sellowiana fruits can produce biochemical changes using the Isolated Rat Liver Perfusion (IRLP) system. The, the liver was perfused with different concentrations of the extract (10, 20, 40, 50,100 mg/kg), added to the buffer and perfused within 2 h. During the perfusion we tried to find out the antioxidant activity or liver protective effect of Feijoa, by determinining amino-transferases activities (SGOT and SGPT ) and glutathione reductase (GSH) level in comparison with the positive and negative controls. Subsequently, sections of liver tissue were examined for any histopathological changes. The results revealed that the activities of SGOT and SGPT were seriously decreased and GSH level was significantly increased by the Feijoa extract. Overall, necrosis in the liver parenchyma was decreased. These findings revealed that Feijoa sellowiana is an effective hepatoprotective plant.