Characterization of phenolic compounds in some Indian mango cultivars

Mangoes (Mangifera indica) are rich in phenolic acids as detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. The phenolics have prominent medicinal properties. Among six important commercial mango cultivars (Deshi, Langra, Chausa, Mallika, Dashahari and Amrapali) tannic acid was maximal in Mallika, while gallic acid was maximal in Chausa and all other varieties. Caffeic acid was maximal in Langra followed by Chausa and Amrapali. Many of the pharmacological properties attributed to mango might be due to the presence of phenolic acids in fairly significant amounts.

Leptin-signaling inhibition results in efficient anti-tumor activity in estrogen receptor positive or negative breast cancer

Introduction

We have shown previously that treatment with pegylated leptin peptide receptor antagonist 2 (PEG-LPrA2) reduced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 (VEGFR2) and growth of 4T1-breast cancer (BC) in syngeneic mice. In this investigation, PEG-LPrA2 was used to evaluate whether the inhibition of leptin signaling has differential impact on the expression of pro-angiogenic and pro-proliferative molecules and growth of human estrogen receptor-positive (ER⁺) and estrogen receptor-negative (ER^-) BC xenografts hosted by immunodeficient mice.

Methods

To test the contribution of leptin signaling to BC growth and expression of leptin-targeted molecules, PEG-LPrA2 treatment was applied to severe immunodeficient mice hosting established ER⁺ (MCF-7 cells; ovariectomized/supplemented with estradiol) and ER^- (MDA-MB231 cells) BC xenografts. To further assess leptin and PEG-LPrA2 effects on ER⁺ and ER^- BC, the expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 (protein and mRNA) was investigated in cell cultures.

Results

PEG-LPrA2 more effectively reduced the growth of ER⁺ (>40-fold) than ER^- BC (twofold) and expression of pro-angiogenic (VEGF/VEGFR2, leptin/leptin receptor OB-R, and IL-1 receptor type I) and pro-proliferative molecules (proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D₁) in ER⁺ than in ER^- BC. Mouse tumor stroma in ER⁺ BC expressed high levels of VEGF and leptin that was induced by leptin signaling. Leptin upregulated the transcriptional expression of VEGF/VEGFR2 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells.

Conclusions

These results suggest that leptin signaling plays an important role in the growth of both ER⁺ and ER^- BC that is associated with the leptin regulation of pro-angiogenic and pro-proliferative molecules. These data provide support for the potential use of leptin-signaling inhibition as a novel treatment for ER⁺ and ER^- BC.

CXCR4-gp120-IIIB interactions induce caspase-mediated apoptosis of prostate cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth

CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) has been implicated in prostate cancer metastasis and this receptor also acts as a coreceptor for HIV-1 120-kDa glycoprotein variant IIIB (gp120-IIIB). The interaction between CXCR4 and gp120-IIIB has been shown to mediate apoptosis of both immune and endothelial cells. In this study, we have examined the effects of gp120-IIIB on hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells (PC3 and DU145) in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Normal prostatic epithelial (PrEC) and prostate cancer cell lines were treated with gp120-IIIB with or without anti-CXCR4 antibody. Caspase expression was evaluated by real-time PCR and active caspase assays. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. gp120-IIIB treatment correlated with active caspase-3 and -9 expression and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells but not PrEC cells. This effect was significantly inhibited after CXCR4 blockade. PC3 and DU145 tumor-bearing mice received intraperitoneal injections of gp120-IIIB and controls received bovine serum albumin in PBS. PC3 and DU145 tumor sizes were measured over time and excised tumors were evaluated for CD44, CD34, lymphatic endothelial cell marker LYVE-1, active caspase-3, and active caspase-9 expression by immunohistochemistry. The tumor size in mice receiving gp120-IIIB was significantly smaller than compared with tumors in control mice. This regression was associated with significant decreases in CD44, CD34, and LYVE-1 and increases in active caspase-3 and -9 expression. These results suggest that gp120-IIIB induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells and reduced tumor-associated lymphoendothelial cells.

CXCL10 blockade protects mice from cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

Background

Alterations in serum CXCR3 ligand levels were examined in interstitial cystitis (IC) patients; similar expression patterns in serum as well as CXCR3, CXCR3 ligands, and cytokines expressed by peripheral and local leukocyte subpopulations were characterized during cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced acute cystitis in mice.

Results

Serum levels of monokine-induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (MIG/CXCL9), IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10/CXCL10), and IFN-γ-inducible T cell α chemoattractant (I-TAC/CXCL11) were elevated in patients with IC. These clinical features closely correlated with CYP-induced cystitis in mice. Serum levels of these CXCR3 ligands and local T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines were also increased. We demonstrate that CXCR3 as well as CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 mRNA were significantly expressed by urinary bladder lymphocytes, while CXCR3 and CXCL9 transcripts were significantly expressed by iliac lymph node leukocytes following CYP treatment. We also show that the number of CD4⁺ T cells, mast cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and NKT cells were increased at systemic (spleen) and mucosal (urinary bladder and iliac lymph nodes) sites, following CYP-induced cystitis in mice. Importantly, CXCL10 blockade attenuated these increases caused by CYP.

Conclusion

Antibody (Ab)-mediated inhibition of the most abundant serum CXCR3 ligand, CXCL10, in mice decreased the local production of CXCR3 ligands as well as Th1 cytokines expressed by local leukocytes, and lowered corresponding serum levels to reduce the severity of CYP-induced cystitis. The present study is among the first to demonstrate some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of chemokines in cystitis and may represent new drug target for this disease.

Chemotaxonomic variability in Zizyphus mouritiana varieties and its pharmacological properties in relation to human health

Twenty varieties of ber (Zizyphus mouritiana), namely umaran, katha, bilayati, kaithli, ZG-3, gola, safeda rohtak, takadi, tikari, banarasi karaka, seo, sonaur-2, sonaur-3, ilaichi, mundia murahra, pathan, kakrola gola, seb, golden yellow and chhuhara, were investigated for the presence of phenolic acids in stem bark, leaves and fruits using high performance liquid chromatograph. Results indicated the presence of tannic (retention time (Rt.) 2.76 min), gallic (Rt. 2.86 min), caffeic (Rt. 3.12 min), vanillic (Rt. 3.26 min), ferulic (Rt. 3.42 min), chlorogenic (Rt. 4.16 min) and cinnamic acids (Rt. 4.45 min) in varying amounts in different parts in of these varieties. In fruits of seven varieties, namely, kaithly, sonaur-2, sonaur-3, mundia murahra, pathan, golden yellow and chhuhara, oxalic acid (Rt. 3.00 min) was also detected. Pharmacological properties of phenolic acids of fruits in relation to human health and the possible implications of different phenolic acids in chemotaxonomy of different varieties of ber are discussed.

CCL5 regulation of mucosal chlamydial immunity and infection

Background

Following genital chlamydial infection, an early T helper type 1 (Th1)-associated immune response precedes the activation and recruitment of specific Th1 cells bearing distinct chemokine receptors, subsequently leading to the clearance of Chlamydia. We have shown that CCR5, a receptor for CCL5, is crucial for protective chlamydial immunity. Our laboratory and others have also demonstrated that CCL5 deficiencies found in man and animals can increase the susceptibility and progression of infectious diseases by modulating mucosal immunity. These findings suggest the CCR5-CCL5 axis is necessary for optimal chlamydial immunity. We hypothesized CCL5 is required for protective humoral and cellular immunity against Chlamydia.

Results

The present study revealed that CCR5 and CCL5 mRNAs are elevated in the spleen, iliac lymph nodes (ILNs), and genital mucosa following Chlamydia muriduram challenge. Antibody (Ab)-mediated inhibition of CCL5 during genital chlamydial infection suppressed humoral and Th1 > Th2 cellular responses by splenic-, ILN-, and genital mucosa-derived lymphocytes. Antigen (Ag)-specific proliferative responses of CD4⁺ T cells from spleen, ILNs, and genital organs also declined after CCL5 inhibition.

Conclusion

The suppression of these responses correlated with delayed clearance of C. muriduram, which indicate chlamydial immunity is mediated by Th1 immune responses driven in part by CCL5. Taken together with other studies, the data show that CCL5 mediates the temporal recruitment and activation of leukocytes to mitigate chlamydial infection through enhancing adaptive mucosal humoral and cellular immunity.

Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 has anti-inflammatory properties and ameliorates colitis in mice by driving effector T cell apoptosis

Ulcerative colitis is a dynamic, chronic inflammatory condition of the colon associated with an increased colon cancer risk. Ginkgo biloba is a putative antioxidant and has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. The aim of this study was to test whether the standardized G.biloba extract, EGb 761, is an antioxidant that can be used to prevent and treat colitis in mice. Here, we show that EGb 761 suppresses the activation of macrophages and can be used to both prevent and treat mouse colitis. Markers of inflammation (iNOS, Cox-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and inflammatory stress (p53 and p53-phospho-serine 15) are also downregulated by EGb 761. Furthermore, we show that EGb 761 reduces the numbers of CD4+/CD25-/Foxp3- effector T cells in the colon. Interestingly, EGb 761 drives CD4+ effector T cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, providing a mechanistic explanation to the reduction in numbers of this cell type in the colon. This current study is in agreement with previous studies supporting a use of EGb 761 as a complementary and alternative strategy to abate colitis and associated colon cancer.

Hydrogen-bonding and π-π stacking inter-actions in tris-(1,10-phenanthroline-κN,N')nickel(II) bis-{[1-tert-butyl-imidazole-2(3H)-thione-κS]trichloridonickelate(II)} acetonitrile disolvate

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, [Ni(C₁₂H₈N₂)₃][NiCl₃(C₇H₁₂N₂S)]₂·2CH₃CN, consists of one anion, one-half of a cation and one acetonitrile mol­ecule. The Ni^II atom in the [Ni(phen)₃]²⁺ cation (phen is 1,10-phenanthroline) lies on an inversion centre in an octa­hedral environment, whereas in the [NiCl₃(tm)]⁻ anion [tm is 1-tert-butyl­imidazole-2(3H)-thione], the geometry is distorted tetra­hedral. In the crystal structure, inter­molecular C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking inter­actions (centroid–centroid distance = 3.52 Å) lead to the formation of a three-dimensional framework. One of the methyl groups of the tert-butyl group of N-tert-butyl-2-thio­imidazole is disordered between two equally populated positions.

CXCL10+ T cells and NK cells assist in the recruitment and activation of CXCR3+ and CXCL11+ leukocytes during Mycobacteria-enhanced colitis

Background

The role of Mycobacteria in the etiology of Crohn's disease (CD) has been a contentious subject for many years. Recently, our laboratory showed that spontaneous colitis in IL-10^-/- mice is driven in part by antigens (Ags) conserved in Mycobacteria. The present study dissects some of the common cellular and molecular mechanism that drive Mycobacteria-mediated and spontaneous colitis in IL-10^-/- mice.

Results

We show that serum from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients contain significantly higher levels of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis-specific IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies (Abs), serum amyloid A (SAA) as well as CXCR3 ligands than serum from healthy donors. To study the cellular mechanisms of Mycobacteria-associated colitis, pathogen-free IL-10^-/- mice were given heat-killed or live M. avium paratuberculosis. The numbers of mucosal T cells, neutrophils, NK/NKT cells that expressed TNFα, IFN-γ, and/or CXCL10 were significantly higher in mice that received live Mycobacteria than other groups. The numbers of mucosal CXCR3⁺, CXCL9⁺, CXCL11⁺ and/or IFN-γ⁺ dendritic cells (DCs) were also significantly higher in M. avium paratuberculosis-challenged mice, than compared to control mice.

Conclusion

The present study shows that CD and UC patients mount significant Mycobacteria-specific IgG1 > IgG2 and CXCR3 ligand responses. Several cellular mechanisms that drive spontaneous colitis also mediate Mycobacteria-enhanced colitis in IL-10^-/- mice. Similar to IL-10^-/- mice under conventional housing, we show that Mycobacteria-challenge IL-10^-/- mice housed under otherwise pathogen-free conditions develop colitis that is driven by CXCR3- and CXCR3 ligand-expressing leukocytes, which underscores another important hallmark and molecular mechanism of colitis. Together, the data show that Mycobacteria-dependent host responses, namely CXCL10⁺ T cells and NK cells, assist in the recruitment and activation of CXCR3⁺ and CXCL11⁺ leukocytes to enhance colitis of susceptible hosts.

Antifungal Activity of Securinine against Some Plant Pathogenic Fungi

The alkaloid securinine was assessed against spore germination of some plant pathogenic and saprophytic fungi (Alternaria alternata, Alternaria brassicae, Alternaria brassicicola, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia maculans, Curvularia pallenscens, Colletotrichum musae, Colletotrichum sp., Erysiphe pisi, Helminthosporium echinoclova, Helminthosporium spiciferum, Heterosporium sp.). Spore germinations of all the tested fungi were inhibited. Alternaria brassicicola, C. lunata, C. pallenscens and H. spiciferum were highly sensitive as complete inhibition of spore germination was observed at very low concentrations (200 ppm).

Azide-selective sensor based on tripodal iron complex for direct azide determination in aqueous samples

A potentiometric azide-selective sensor based on the use of iron(III) hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate acetylacetonate chloride [Tp(Me2)Fe(acac)Cl] as a neutral carrier for an azide-selective electrode is reported. Effect of various plasticizers, viz. o-nitrophenyloctyl ether (o-NPOE), dioctylphthalate (DOP), dibutylphthalate (DBP), and benzylacetate (BA), and an anion excluder, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB), with [Tp(Me2)Fe(acac)Cl] complex in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) were studied. The best performance was obtained with a membrane composition of [Tp(Me2)Fe(acac)Cl]/HTAB/DOP/PVC in a ratio of 5:2:190:100 (w/w). The sensor exhibits significantly enhanced selectivity toward azide ions over the concentration range 6.3 x 10(-7) to 1.0 x 10(-2) M with a lower detection limit of 3.8 x 10(-7) M and a Nernstian slope of 59.4 +/- 1.1 mV decade(-1). Influences of the membrane composition, pH and possible interfering anions were investigated on the response properties of the electrode. Fast and stable response, good reproducibility, long-term stability and applicability over a wide pH range (3.5-9.0) are demonstrated. The sensor has a response time of 14 s and can be used for at least 45 days without any considerable divergence in the potential response. The proposed electrode shows fairly good discrimination of azide from several inorganic and organic anions. It was successfully applied to the direct determination of azide in orange juice, tea extracts and human urine samples.

CXCL10-producing mucosal CD4+ T cells, NK cells, and NKT cells are associated with chronic colitis in IL-10(-/-) mice, which can be abrogated by anti-CXCL10 antibody inhibition

We have shown previously that there is a temporal increase in the levels of CXCL10 and CXCR3 mRNA during spontaneous murine colitis. We now show that CXCL10 is significantly expressed by mucosal CD4+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and NKT cells, but not by dendritic cells (DCs), during chronic murine colitis. CXCL10 blockade alleviated chronic colitis and attenuated the associated increase in serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin-12 (IL-12)p40, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-1 alpha, and IL-1 beta levels as well as in the number of CD4+ T, NKT, and NK cells that express CXCL10 and CXCR3, compared with groups treated with control antibody (Ab). After CXCL10 blockade, the number of CXCR3+ DCs in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and Peyer's patches (PPs) were increased to levels found before the onset of colitis. In contrast, the numbers of splenic and intestinal lamina propria (LP) CXCR3+ DCs were reduced after anti-CXCL10 Ab treatment, compared with controls. Ex vivo antigen and CXCL10 stimulation of mucosal cells caused an increase in MHC class II, CD40, and CD86 as well as a decrease in CD30 ligand (CD30L) expression by DCs. This study provides insights into CXCL10 expression during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the cellular and molecular mechanisms of CXCL10-mediated colitis. Our data also support the premise that CXCL10 blockade can attenuate chronic colitis by preventing the activation and recruitment of CXCR3+ leukocytes during IBD.

Control of Erysiphe pisi Causing Powdery Mildew of Pea (Pisum sativum) by Cashewnut (Anacardium occidentale) Shell Extract

The effect of methanolic extract of cashewnut (Anacardium occidentale) shell extract was seen on conidial germination of Erysiphe pisi and powdery mildew development in pea (Pisum sativum). Maximum conidial germination inhibition of E. pisi on glass slides was observed at 300 ppm. Similar effect on floated pea leaves was observed after 48 h at the same concentration. Conidial germination on intact untreated pea leaves was also assessed on II and IV nodal leaves while IV and II nodal leaves were treated with the extract and vice versa. There was tremendous reduction in conidial germination on all the nodal leaves. The disease intensity of pea powdery mildew was significantly reduced by methanolic extract of cashewnut shells. Maximum reduction was observed with 200 ppm where 39% disease intensity was recorded in comparison to 96.53% in the control. The phenolic acid content of pea leaves following treatments with this extract varied and no definite pattern was observed. Out of several phenolic compounds, namely, gallic, ferulic, chlorogenic, and cinnamic acids, only gallic acid was found to be present consistently in all the treatments with varied amounts.

Changes in serum leptin, insulin, androstenedione and luteinizing hormone during ovarian cycle in the bat, Taphozous longimanus

Detailed reproductive pattern and associated endocrine characteristics have been documented in only a few species of order Chiroptera. The aim of the present study was to examine the changes in body weight, serum insulin, leptin, androstenedione and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations during annual ovarian cycle in the sheath-tailed bat, Taphozous longimanus. Bats were sampled over three years. Leptin, a satiety hormone produced primarily by adipose tissue, provides information to feeding center of the brain about nutritional status, fat mass, appetite and energy expenditure. The circulating concentration of leptin begins to increase from October and attains a peak in December. The peak serum leptin concentration coincides with body weight in November before winter dormancy in December. The serum leptin levels dissociate from body weight during December. The other peaks of serum leptin levels coincide with late stages of the two successive pregnancies. The serum insulin concentration begins to increase from September and attains a peak during December. The insulin concentration remains low from January to August. The circulating androstenedione concentration begins to increase in October, reaching a peak in December. This increase in androstenedione concentration correlated with the period of heavy accumulation of abdominal fat and increase in body weight. There was a sharp decline in androstenedione concentration and body weight in January. The serum LH shows peaks, in November, coinciding with the peaked body weight, the other peaks in January and May, coinciding with ovulation for the two successive pregnancies. The high leptin and insulin levels might be responsible for the maintenance of reproductive response and gonadal function during adverse environmental condition in the winter, while high androstenedione, and associated body weight along with LH might be responsible for maintaining basal gonadal function. We conclude that high leptin, androstenedione and insulin serve, as signal for the reproductive functions in that sufficient body fat are available to meet the caloric demands and maintain normal function during adverse winter conditions.

Foliar Application of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Increases Antifungal Compounds in Pea (Pisum sativum) Against Erysiphe pisi

Systemic effect of two plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains,viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf4) and P. aeruginosa (Pag), was evaluated on pea (Pisum sativum) against the powdery mildew pathogen Erysiphe pisi. Foliar spray of the two PGPR strains was done on specific nodal leaves of pea and conidial germination of E. pisi was observed on other nodal leaves,distal to the treated ones. Conidial germination was reduced on distant leaves and at the same time,specific as well as total phenolic compounds increased in the leaves distal to those applied with PGPR strains,thereby indicating a positive correlation. The strains induced accumulation of phenolic compounds in pea leaves and the amount increased when such leaves were get inoculated with E. pisi conidia. Between the two strains, Pag was found to be more effective than Pf4 as its effect was more persistent in pea leaves. Foliar application of PGPR strains for the control of powdery mildew of pea is demonstrated in vitro while correlating it with the increased accumulation of plant phenolics.

Inhibitive Effect of Fuyuziphine isolated from Plant (Pittapapra) (Fumaria indica) on Spore Germination of Some Fungi

The alkaloid fuyuziphine was isolated from the whole plant of Fumaria indica. It had inhibitive effect against spore germination of some plant pathogenic fungi (Collectotrichum sp., C. gloeosporioides, C. falcatum, Curvularia maculans, C. lunata, Erysiphe cichoracearum, Helminthosporium pennisetti, Oidium erysiphoides, Ustilago cynodontis, Alternaria chieranthi, A. melongenae, A. brassicicola and A. solani). Curvularia lunata, Oidium erysiphoides, Alternaria brassicicola and A. solani did not germinate at 750 and 1000 ppm and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, C. falcatum, Curvularia maculans were inhibited at 1000 ppm for 24 hr incubation. Germination of most fungi was significantly inhibited at 100~750 ppm.