Effect of sodium alginate supplementation on weight management and reproductive hormones in polycystic females

High-level production of a novel alginate lyase (FsAly7) from Flammeovirga sp. for efficient production of low viscosity soluble dietary fiber from sodium alginate

Sodium alginate is one of the most abundant sustainable gum source for dietary fiber production. However, the preparation efficiencies of low viscosity soluble dietary fiber from sodium alginate remain low. Here, a novel alginate lyase gene (FsAly7) from Flammeovirga sp. was identified and high-level expressed in Pichia pastoris for low viscosity soluble dietary fiber production. The highest enzyme production of 3050 U mL-1 was achieved, which is by far the highest yield ever reported. FsAly7 was used for low viscosity soluble dietary fiber production from sodium alginate, and the highest degradation rate of 85.5 % was achieved under a high substrate content of 20 % (w/v). The molecular weight of obtained soluble dietary fiber converged to 10.75 kDa. FsAly7 catalyzed the cleavage of glycosidic bonds in alginate chains with formation of unsaturated non-reducing ends simultaneously in the degradation process, thus altered the chemical structures of hydrolysates. The soluble dietary fiber exhibited excellent properties, including low viscosity, high oil adsorption capacity activity (2.20 ± 0.03 g g-1) and high emulsifying activity (60.05 ± 2.96 mL/100 mL). This investigation may provide a novel alginate lyase catalyst as well as a solution for the efficient production of low viscosity soluble dietary fiber from sodium alginate.

Therapeutic effect of sodium alginate on bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP)-induced reproductive toxicity by inhibiting nitro-oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

Impaired spermatogenesis and male infertility are common consequences of chemotherapy drugs used in patients with testicular cancer. The present study investigated the effects of sodium alginate (NaAL) on testicular toxicity caused by bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP). Rats in group 1 received normal saline, while groups 2 and 3 were treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg of NaAL, respectively. Group 4 was treated with a 21-day cycle of BEP (0.5 mg/kg bleomycin, 5 mg/kg etoposide, and 1 mg/kg cisplatin), and groups 5 and 6 received BEP regimen plus 25 and 50 mg/kg of NaAL, respectively. Then, sperm parameters, testosterone levels, testicular histopathology and stereological parameters, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the expression of apoptosis-associated genes including Bcl2, Bax, Caspase3, p53, and TNF-α were evaluated. Our findings revealed that NaAL improved sperm parameters, testosterone levels, histopathology, and stereology parameters in BEP-administrated rats. NaAL also improved testis antioxidant status by enhancing TAC and ameliorating MDA and NO. Further, modifications to the expression of Bcl2, Bax, Caspase3, p53, and TNF-α suggested that NaAL alleviated BEP-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Collectively, NaAL protects rats' testes against BEP-evoked toxicity damage through the modulation of nitro-oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.

Phytochemical-Based Study of Ethanolic Extract of Saraca asoca in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Female Adult Rats

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic and endocrine disorder which affects women of reproductive age. It is a condition in which ovaries produce an excessive amount of androgen (the male sex hormone). Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. is a plant of the Fabaceae family. This plant has been traditionally used as a uterine tonic in leucorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to its various pharmacological activities. In this study, the ethanolic extract of S. asoca (EESA) was evaluated for its potential to be used for the management of PCOS. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents: kaempferol, rutin, (-)-epicatechin, salicylic acid, and gallic acid. For PCOS induction, 30 adult female rats were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n = 5) and the PCOS group (n = 25). Letrozole (1 mg/kg/day) was administered per orally (p.o.) for a period of 7 weeks for the induction of disease. Weekly body weight measurements and daily vaginal cytology examinations were performed for disease confirmation. After disease induction, the PCOS group was further divided into five groups (n = 5), that is, disease control, metformin, and EESA (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) groups, respectively, and given treatment doses for next 5 weeks. After the treatment period, all animals were weighed and euthanized humanly. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assays, lipid profiles, and liver function tests. For histological assessment of ovarian cysts, ovaries were dissected. Livers were preserved to evaluate EESA's antioxidant properties. Histopathology analysis revealed that EESA reduced body weight and the number of cystic follicles. Furthermore, it also lowered the elevated levels of serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, insulin, and malonaldehyde in PCOS rats while increasing the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and other antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase. It can be concluded that EESA exhibited beneficial effects in normalizing the perturbed hormonal profile and improved the ovary status by decreasing the cystic follicle and improving the ovulation status in a dose-dependent manner.

Pharmacological and toxicological evaluation of methyl 4-hydroxy-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxylate 1,1-dioxoide against haloperidol induced Parkinson like symptoms in animal model: In-vitro and in-vivo studies

In Parkinson's disease (PD), degradation of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra causes striatal deficiency of dopamine, which results in tremors, bradykinesia with instability in posture, rigidity and shuffled gait. Prevalence of PD increases with age as from 65 to 85 years. In an attempt to devise targeted safe therapy, nanoparticles of methyl 4-hydroxy-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxylate 1,1-dioxide (MBD) (MBDN), were prepared and their acute toxicity and safety was evaluated. Thirty-six healthy albino mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6): normal control, diseased control, standard (levodopa/carbidopa (100/25 mg/kg) and the remaining three groups were administered 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg MBDN during 21 days study. Except control, all mice, were injected haloperidol (1 mg/ kg i.p.) 1-h prior to treatment to induce PD. Acute toxicity test showed, no effect of MBDN on lipid profile, brain, renal and liver function and histoarchitecture of kidney, liver and heart, except decreased (p < 0.05) platelet count. Behavioral studies showed significant improvement (p < 0.001) in motor function and reduction of oxidation status in a MBDN in a dose dependent manner. Thus, the study findings revealed significance of MBDN as a selective MAO-B inhibitor for the improvement of Parkinson's symptoms in animal model.

Dose Dependent Effects of Aqueous Extract of Garcinia cambogia Desr. Against Letrozole Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Female Adult Rats With Possible Mechanisms Exploration

Background

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine metabolic disorder of women.

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the potential of aqueous extract of Garcinia cambogia Desr. (AEGC) in PCOS.

Methodology

The HPLC was used to determine the phytoconstituents present in Garcinia cambogia. Thirty adult female albino rats were divided into 6 groups: Normal control (NC) disease Control (PCOS; letrozole 1 mg/kg), plant extract (AEGC 100, 300, 500 mg/kg) and standard (metformin; 20 mg/kg). Disease was confirmed by vaginal smear cytology. After 10 weeks, animals were euthanized, ovaries dissected for histopathology, blood collected for hormonal and biochemical analysis.

Results

HPLC analysis showed the presence of phenolic contents; chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, coumaric acid while flavonoid contents were quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin. After treatment, there was dose dependent reduction of weight, ovarian cysts, improvement of follicle growth. DPPH radical scavenging percentage was 67.89%. Hormonal analysis showed a significant improvement (P < .05) in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and progesterone while a reduction in testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin level. Antioxidant enzymatic markers were significantly (P < .05) increased. Lipid profile and LFTs were also improved.

Conclusions

The study validated the potential of Garcinia cambogia in the management of PCOS.

Therapeutic Investigation of Standardized Aqueous Methanolic Extract of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) for Its Potential against Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Experimental Animals’ Model: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an heterogenous, endocrine, metabolic, and multidisciplinary disorder of reproductive-aged females that aggravates insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, obesity, menstrual irregularities, and infertility. Bitter melon is consumed as vegetable in various parts of the world. The purpose of this study was to provide the rationale for the folkloric uses of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) in reproductive abnormalities. HPLC analysis of standardized aqueous methanolic extract of bitter melon revealed the presence of various phytochemicals such as quercetin, gallic acid, benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid. Twenty-five Swiss albino adult female rats (120–130 g) were acquired and divided into two groups (5 + 20). Letrozole (1 mg/kg p.o.) was used for four weeks to induce PCOS in twenty rats. Disease induction was confirmed by vaginal smear cytology analysis under the microscope. Animals were further divided into four groups, with one group as PCOS group, and the remaining three are treated with standardized extract of bitter melon (500 mg/kg p.o.), bitter melon plus metformin (500 mg/kg p.o.), and metformin alone for the period of next four weeks. After four weeks, the rats were euthanized at diestrus stage. Ovaries of the experimental animals were removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and blood samples were obtained from direct cardiac puncture and stored. Ovaries histopathological analysis showed cystic follicles (9–10) in PCOS group, while, in all the treatment groups, we found developing and mature follicles. Similarly, hormone analysis showed significant (p < 0.001) reduction of LH surge, insulin, and testosterone levels and improvement in FSH levels. Lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes status were also significantly (p < 0.001) improved. In conclusion, the study validates the bitter melon potential as an insulin sensitizer and ovulation enhancer and authenticates its potential in PCOS management.

Dose Dependent Effects of Breynia cernua Against the Paraquat Induced Parkinsonism like Symptoms in Animals' Model: In Vitro, In Vivo and Mechanistic Studies

The aims and objectives of the study were to evaluate the antiParkinson's (PD) potential of B cernua (BCE). B cernua (Poir.) Müll. Arg. (B cernua) is a member of the Phyllanthaceae family. HPLC revealed the presence of various phytochemicals. Study was conducted for 40 days. After PD induction by paraquat behavioural studies were carried out. Biochemical parameters such as DPPH, NO-scavenging, Ferrous reducing power, MDA, GSH, CAT, SOD, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), neurotransmitter estimation and TNF-α and IL-6 levels were determined. DPPH, NO-scavenging and Ferrous reducing power assays showed 78.02%, 48.05% and 71.45% inhibitions, respectively. There was significant improvement in motor functions and coordination in a dose-dependent manner (50 < 250 < 500 mg/kg) in PD rat model. Biochemical markers; SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH showed significant restoration (P < .001) while MDA showed significant decrease (P < .05). The AChE level was significantly reduced (P < .05) at 500 mg/kg while neurotransmitters were significantly improved (P < .001) in a dose-dependent fashion. The ELISA results showed significant (P < .001) down-regulation of IL-6 and TNF-α level. In conclusion, it is suggested that BCE has the potential to reduce the symptoms of PD.