Anti-chikungunya activity of luteolin and apigenin rich fraction from Cynodon dactylon

OBJECTIVE

To obtain luteolin and apigenin rich fraction from the ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon (L.) (C. dactylon) Pers and evaluate the fraction's cytotoxicity and anti-Chikungunya potential using Vero cells.

METHODS

The ethanolic extract of C. dactylon was subjected to silica gel column chromatography to obtain anti-chikungunya virus (CHIKV) fraction. Reverse phase-HPLC and GC-MS studies were carried out to identify the major phytochemicals in the fraction using phytochemical standards. Cytotoxicity and the potential of the fraction against CHIKV were evaluated in vitro using Vero cells. Reduction in viral replication was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after treating the viral infected Vero cells with the fraction.

RESULTS

Reverse Phase-HPLC and GC-MS studies confirmed the presence of flavonoids, luteolin and apigenin as major phytochemicals in the anti-CHIKV ethanolic fraction of C. dactylon. The fraction was found to exhibit potent viral inhibitory activity (about 98%) at the concentration of 50 µg/mL as observed by reduction in cytopathic effect, and the cytotoxic concentration of the fraction was found to be 250 µg/mL. RT-PCR analyses indicated that the reduction in viral mRNA synthesis in fraction treated infected cells was much higher than the viral infected control cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Luteolin and apigenin rich ethanolic fraction from C. dactylon can be utilized as a potential therapeutic agent against CHIKV infection as the fraction does not show cytotoxicity while inhibiting the virus.

Androgen-regulated microRNA-135a decreases prostate cancer cell migration and invasion through downregulating ROCK1 and ROCK2

Androgen signaling, via the androgen receptor (AR), is crucial in mediating prostate cancer (PCa) initiation and progression. Identifying new downstream effectors of the androgens/AR pathway will allow a better understanding of these mechanisms and could reveal novel biomarkers and/or therapeutic agents to improve the rate of patient survival. We compared the microRNA expression profiles in androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells stimulated or not with 1 nM R1881 by performing a high-throughput reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR and found that miR-135a was upregulated. After androgen stimulation, we showed that AR directly activates the transcription of miR-135a2 gene by binding to an androgen response element in the promoter region. Our findings identify miR-135a as a novel effector in androgens/AR signaling. Using xenograft experiments in chick embryos and adult male mice, we showed that miR-135a overexpression decreases in vivo invasion abilities of prostate PC-3 cells. Through in vitro wound-healing migration and invasion assays, we demonstrated that this effect is mediated through downregulating ROCK1 and ROCK2 expression, two genes that we characterized as miR-135a direct target genes. In human surgical samples from prostatectomy, we observed that miR-135a expression was lower in tumoral compared with paired adjacent normal tissues, mainly in tumors classified with a high Gleason score (⩾8). Moreover, miR-135a expression is lower in invasive tumors, showing extraprostatic extension, as compared with intraprostatic localized tumors. In tumor relative to normal glands, we also showed a more frequently higher ROCK1 protein expression determined using a semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry analysis. Therefore, in tumor cells, the lower miR-135a expression could lead to a higher ROCK1 protein expression, which could explain their invasion abilities. The highlighted relationship between miR-135a expression level and the degree of disease aggressiveness suggests that miR-135a may be considered as a prognostic marker in human PCa.

Rapid green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Chrysanthemum indicum L and its antibacterial and cytotoxic effects: an in vitro study

The present work reports a simple, cost-effective, and ecofriendly method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Chrysanthemum indicum and its antibacterial and cytotoxic effects. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by color change, and it was further characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (435 nm). The phytochemical screening of C. indicum revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides, suggesting that these compounds act as reducing and stabilizing agents. The crystalline nature of the synthesized particles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, as they exhibited face-centered cubic symmetry. The size and morphology of the particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, which showed spherical shapes and sizes that ranged between 37.71-71.99 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy documented the presence of silver. The antimicrobial effect of the synthesized AgNPs revealed a significant effect against the bacteria Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, cytotoxic assays showed no toxicity of AgNPs toward 3T3 mouse embryo fibroblast cells (25 μg/mL); hence, these particles were safe to use.

Superoxide production pathways in aortas of diabetic rats: beneficial effects of insulin therapy and endurance training

Superoxide (O 2 (·-) ) overproduction, by decreasing the nitric oxide ((·)NO) bioavailability, contributes to vascular complications in type 1 diabetes. In this disease, the vascular O 2 (·-) can be produced by the NADPH oxidase (NOX), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and xanthine oxidase (XO). This study aimed to determine the contribution of each enzymatic pathway in hyperglycemia-induced O 2 (·-) overproduction, and the effects of an endurance training program and insulin therapy, associated or not, on the O 2 (·-) production (amount and related enzymes) in diabetic rats. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into diabetic (D), diabetic treated with insulin (D-Ins), diabetic trained (D-Tr), or diabetic insulin-treated and trained (D-Ins + Tr) groups. An additional healthy group was used as control. Insulin therapy (Glargine Lantus, Sanofi) and endurance training (treadmill run: 60 min/day, 25 m/min, 5 days/week) started 1 week after diabetes induction by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg), and lasted for 8 weeks. At the end of the protocol, the O 2 (·-) production in aorta rings was evaluated by histochemical analyses (DHE staining). Each production pathway was studied by inhibiting NOX (apocynin), NOS (L-Name), or XO (allopurinol) before DHE staining. Diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia-induced O 2 (·-) overproduction, resulting from NOX, NOS, and XO activation. Insulin therapy and endurance training, associated or not, decreased efficiently and similarly the O 2 (·-) overproduction. Insulin therapy reduced the hyperglycemia and decreased the three enzymatic pathways implicated in the O 2 (·-) production. Endurance training decreased directly the NOS and XO activity. While both therapeutic strategies activated different pathways, their association did not reduce the O 2 (·-) overproduction more significantly.

Physical inactivity, insulin resistance, and the oxidative-inflammatory loop

Epidemiological data indicate that physical inactivity, a main factor of global energetic imbalance, is involved in the worldwide epidemic of obesity and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance. Although the complex pathogenesis of insulin resistance is not fully understood, literature data accumulated during the past decades clearly indicate that the activation of the oxidative-inflammatory loop plays a major role. By activating the oxidative-inflammatory loop in insulin-sensitive tissues, fat gain and adipose tissue dysfunction likely contribute to induce insulin resistance during chronic and prolonged physical inactivity. However, in the past years, evidence has emerged showing that early insulin resistance also occurs after very short-term exposure to physical inactivity (1-7 days) without any fat gain or energetic imbalance. The possible role of liver disturbances or endothelial dysfunction is suggested, but further studies are necessary to really conclude. Inactive skeletal muscle probably constitutes the primary triggering tissue for the development of early insulin resistance. In the present review, we discuss on the current knowledge about the effect of physical inactivity on whole-body and peripheral insulin sensitivity, and how local inflammation and oxidative stress arising with physical inactivity could potentially induce insulin resistance. We assume that early muscle insulin resistance allows the excess nutrients to shift in the storage tissues to withstand starvation through energy storage. We also consider when chronic and prolonged, physical inactivity over an extended period of time is an underestimated contributor to pathological insulin resistance and hence indirectly to numerous chronic diseases.

Differential expression between PAX-6 and EN proteins in medulloblastoma

A collection of 28 medulloblastomas was analyzed for expression of the developmental control genes PAX-6 and EN by immunohistochemical staining. Sixteen medulloblastomas expressed both EN and PAX-6 but, when differentiation could be assessed in the positive areas, PAX-6 is expressed in the less differentiated cells. Since Drosophila en encodes a negative regulator, we overexpressed the chicken en-1 in retinal pigmented epithelium cells. This resulted in Pax-6 down regulation. These results suggest a regulatory loop between PAX-6 and EN, two molecular markers of medulloblastoma.

Synergistic effect of calcium stearate and photo treatment on the rate of biodegradation of low density polyethylene spent saline vials

The biodegradation of spent saline bottles, a low density polyethylene product (LDPE) by two selected Arthrobacter sp. under in vitro conditions is reported. Chemical and UV pretreatment play a vital role in enhancing the rate of biodegradation. Treated LDPE film exhibits a higher weight loss and density when compared to untreated films. Arthrobacter oxydans and Arthrobacter globiformis grew better in medium containing pretreated film than in medium containing untreated film. The decrease in density and weight loss of LDPE was also more for pretreated film when compared to untreated film indicating the affect of abiotic treatment on mechanical properties of LDPE. The decrease in the absorbance corresponding to carbonyl groups and double bonds that were generated during pretreatment suggest that some of the double bonds were cut by Arthrobacter species. Since Arthrobacter sp. are capable of degrading urea, splitting of urea group were also seen in FTIR spectrum indicating the evidence of biodegradation after microbial incubation. The results indicated that biodegradation rate could be enhanced by exposing LDPE to calcium stearate (a pro-oxidant) which acts as an initiator for the oxidation of the polymers leading to a decrease of molecular weight and formation of hydrophilic group. Therefore, the initial step for biodegradation of many inert polymers depends on a photo-oxidation of those polymers. The application in sufficient details with improved procedures utilizing recombinant microorganism with polymer degradation capacity can lead to a better plastic waste management in biomedical field. The present plastic disposal trend of waste accumulation can be minimized with this promising eco-friendly technique.

Larvicidal activity of Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) (Family: Rubiaceae) leaf extract against Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Aedes aegypti

Morinda citrifolia leaf extract was tested for larvicidal activity against three medically important mosquito vectors such as malarial vector Anopheles stephensi, dengue vector Aedes aegypti, and filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus. The plant material was shade dried at room temperature and powdered coarsely. From the leaf, 1-kg powder was macerated with 3.0 L of hexane, chloroform, acetone, methanol, and water sequentially for a period of 72 h each and filtered. The yield of extracts was hexane (13.56 g), chloroform (15.21 g), acetone (12.85 g), methanol (14.76 g), and water (12.92 g), respectively. The extracts were concentrated at reduced temperature on a rotary vacuum evaporator and stored at a temperature of 4°C. The M. citrifolia leaf extract at 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 ppm caused a significant mortality of three mosquito species. Hexane, chloroform, acetone, and water caused moderate considerable mortality; however, the highest larval mortality was methanolic extract, observed in three mosquito vectors. The larval mortality was observed after 24-h exposure. No mortality was observed in the control. The third larvae of Anopheles stephensi had values of LC(50) = 345.10, 324.26, 299.97, 261.96, and 284.59 ppm and LC(90) = 653.00, 626.58, 571.89, 505.06, and 549.51 ppm, respectively. The Aedes aegypti had values of LC(50) = 361.75, 343.22, 315.40, 277.92, and 306.98 ppm and LC(90) = 687.39, 659.02, 611.35, 568.18, and 613.25 ppm, respectively. The Culex quinquefasciatus had values of LC(50) = 382.96, 369.85, 344.34, 330.42, and 324.64 ppm and LC(90) = 726.18, 706.57, 669.28, 619.63, and 644.47 ppm, respectively. The results of the leaf extract of M. citrifolia are promising as good larvicidal activity against the mosquito vector Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus. This is a new eco-friendly approach for the control of vector control programs. Therefore, this study provides first report on the larvicidal activities against three species of mosquito vectors of this plant extracts from India.

Biolarvicidal and pupicidal activity of Acalypha alnifolia Klein ex Willd. (Family: Euphorbiaceae) leaf extract and Microbial insecticide, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) against malaria fever mosquito, Anopheles stephensi Liston. (Diptera: Culicidae)

The present study was to establish of Acalypha alnifolia leaf extract and microbial insecticide, Metarizhium anisopliae on larvicidal and pupicidal properties of against the malaria fever mosquito, Anopheles stephensi. The leaf extract showed larvicidal and pupicidal effects after 24 h of exposure; however, the highest larval and pupal mortality was found in the leaf extract of ethanol A. alnifolia against the 1st to 4th instar larvae and pupae of values LC(50) value of 1st instar was 5.388%, 2nd instar was 6.233%, 3rd instar was 6.884%, 4th instar was 8.594%, and pupae was 10.073%, respectively, and microbial insecticide, M. anisopliae against the 1st to 4th instar larvae and pupae of values LC(50) value of 1st instar was 7.917%, 2nd instar was 10.734%, 3rd instar was 17.624%, 4th instar was 26.590%, and pupae was 37.908%, respectively. Moreover, combined treatment of values of LC(50) value of 1st instar was 3.557%, 2nd instar was 4.373%, 3rd instar was 5.559%, 4th instar was 7.223%, and pupae was 8.542%, respectively. No mortality was observed in the control. The results that the leaves extract of A. alnifolia and microbial insecticide, M. anisopliae is promising as good larvicidal and pupicidal properties of against malaria fever mosquito, A. stephensi. This is an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of malarial vector, A. stephensi as a vector control programs. Therefore, this study provides first report on the combined effect of mosquitocidal efficacy of this plant extract and fungal pathogen of M. anisopliae against A. stephensi from Southern India.

Laboratory and field evaluation of medicinal plant extracts against filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae)

The present study explored the effects of Jatropha curcas, Hyptis suaveolens, Abutilon indicum, and Leucas aspera tested against third instar larvae of filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus. The dried plant materials were powdered by an electrical blender. From each sample, 500 g powder was macerated with 1.5 L of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol 8h, using Soxhlet apparatus, and filtered. The extracts were concentrated at reduced temperature on a rotary evaporator and stored at a temperature of 4°C. The yield of crude extract was 11.4, 12.2, 10.6, and 13.5 g in hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol, respectively. The hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extract of J. curcas with LC(50) values of 230.32, 212.85, 192.07, and 113.23 ppm; H. suaveolens with LC(50) values of 213.09, 217.64, 167.59, and 86.93 ppm; A. indicum with LC(50) values of 204.18, 155.53, 166.32, and 111.58 ppm; and L. aspera with LC(50) values of 152.18, 118.29, 111.43, and 107.73 ppm, respectively, against third instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus. The larval mortality was observed after 24 h of exposure. Maximum larvicidal activity was observed in the methanolic extract followed by ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hexane extract. No mortality was observed in the control. The observed mortality were statistically significant at P < 0.05 level. L. aspera showed the highest mortality rate against the mosquito larvae in laboratory and field. The larval density was decreased after the treatment of plant extracts at the breeding sites (sewage water), and hence, these plant extracts of the suitable alternatives of synthetic insecticides for the mosquito vector management. The present results suggest that the medicinal plants extract was an excellent potential for controlling filarial vector, C. quinquefasciatus.