Curcumin, the major component of food flavour turmeric, reduces mucosal injury in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis

1 Inflammmatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by oxidative and nitrosative stress, leucocyte infiltration and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we have investigated the protective effects of curcumin, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant food derivative, on 2,4,6- trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis in mice, a model for IBD. 2 Intestinal lesions (judged by macroscopic and histological score) were associated with neutrophil infiltration (measured as increase in myeloperoxidase activity in the mucosa), increased serine protease activity (may be involved in the degradation of colonic tissue) and high levels of malondialdehyde (an indicator of lipid peroxidation). 3 Dose-response studies revealed that pretreatment of mice with curcumin (50 mg kg(-1) daily i.g. for 10 days) significantly ameliorated the appearance of diarrhoea and the disruption of colonic architecture. Higher doses (100 and 300 mg kg(-1)) had comparable effects. 4 In curcumin-pretreated mice, there was a significant reduction in the degree of both neutrophil infiltration (measured as decrease in myeloperoxidase activity) and lipid peroxidation (measured as decrease in malondialdehyde activity) in the inflamed colon as well as decreased serine protease activity. 5 Curcumin also reduced the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and O(2)(-) associated with the favourable expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and inducible NO synthase. Consistent with these observations, nuclear factor-kappaB activation in colonic mucosa was suppressed in the curcumin-treated mice. 6 These findings suggest that curcumin or diferuloylmethane, a major component of the food flavour turmeric, exerts beneficial effects in experimental colitis and may, therefore, be useful in the treatment of IBD.

Protection from experimental colitis by theaflavin-3,3'-digallate correlates with inhibition of IKK and NF-kappaB activation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) involved in regulating the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and proinflammatory cytokine genes. As theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TFDG), the most potent anti-oxidant polyphenol of black tea, down-regulates NF-kappaB activation, we investigated if TFDG is beneficial in colonic inflammation by suppressing iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The in vivo efficacy of TFDG was assessed in mice with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Both mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines and iNOS were analyzed in colon tissue treated with or without TFDG. NF-kappaB activation was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and levels of NF-kappaB inhibitory protein (IkappaBalpha) were analyzed by Western blotting.

KEY RESULTS

Oral administration of TFDG (5 mg kg(-1) daily i.g.) significantly improved TNBS-induced colitis associated with decreased mRNA and protein levels of TNF-alpha, IL-12, IFN-gamma and iNOS in colonic mucosa. DNA binding and Western blotting revealed increase in NF-kappaB activation and IkappaBalpha depletion in TNBS-treated mice from Day 2 through Day 8 with a maximum at Day 4, which resulted from increased phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and higher activity of IkappaB kinase (IKK). Pretreatment with TFDG markedly inhibited TNBS-induced increases in nuclear localization of NF-kappaB, cytosolic IKK activity and preserved IkappaBalpha in colon tissue.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

TFDG exerts protective effects in experimental colitis and inhibits production of inflammatory mediators through a mechanism that, at least in part, involves inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.

Removal of arsenic from groundwater using low cost ferruginous manganese ore

A low cost ferruginous manganese ore (FMO) has been studied for the removal of arsenic from groundwater. The major mineral phases present in the FMO are pyrolusite and goethite. The studied FMO can adsorb both AS(III) and As(V) without any pre-treatment, adsorption of As(III) being stronger than that of As(V). Both As(II) and As(V) are adsorbed by the FMO in the pH range of 2-8. Once adsorbed, arsenic does not get desorbed even on varying the pH in the range of 2-8. Presence of bivalent cations, namely, Ni2+, Co2+ Mg2+ enhances the adsorption capability of the FMO. The FMO has been successfully used for the removal of arsenic from six real groundwater samples containing arsenic in the range of 0.04-0.18 ppm. Arsenic removals are almost 100% in all the cases. The cost of the FMO is about 50-56 US$ per metric tonne.

Bioconversion of fish solid waste into PHB using Bacillus subtilis based submerged fermentation process

Currently, one of the major problem affecting the world is solid waste management, predominantly petroleum-based plastic and fish solid waste (FSW). However, it is very difficult to reduce the consumption of plastic as well as fish products, but it is promising to convert FSW to biopolymer to reduce eco-pollution. On account of that, the bioconversion of FSW extract to polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) was undertaken by using Bacillus subtilis (KP172548). Under optimized conditions, 1.62 g/L of PHB has been produced by the bacterium. The purified compound was further characterized by advanced analytical technologies to elucidate its chemical structure. Results indicated that the biopolymer was found to be PHB, the most common homopolymer of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). This is the first report demonstrating the efficacy of B. subtilis to utilize FSW extract to produce biopolymer. The biocompatibility of the PHB against murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 demonstrated that, it was comparatively less toxic, favourable for surface attachment and proliferation in comparison with poly-lactic acid (PLA) and commercially available PHB. Thus, further exploration is highly indispensable to use FSW extract as a substrate for production of PHB at pilot scale.

Role of glutathione in the antiulcer effect of hot water extract of black tea (Camellia sinensis)

The role of a hot water extract of black tea (Camellia sinensis (L). O. Kuntze Theaceae) in the gastric cytoprotective mechanisms was studied using gastric mucosal lesions produced by various ulcerogens in rats as an experimental model. Prior oral administration of black tea extract (BTE) at 20 ml/kg, i.g. once a day for 7 days significantly reduced the incidence of gastric erosions and severity induced by ethanol, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) and diethylmaleate (DEM). This treatment also favorably altered the changes in acid and peptic activity of gastric juice in these ulcerogen-treated animals. Singular administration of succimer (60 mg/kg, i.g.), the standard sulfhydryl containing antiulcer drug used as a reference drug, was also effective. The levels of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase were significantly decreased after treatment with ethanol, DDC and DEM, and this decrease was prevented by BTE pretreatment in the aforesaid manner. Other major features of BTE-induced reversal of ulcerogenic agents include a significant decrease in the protein content and a marked increase in hexosamine and sialic acid content. These results suggest a major role for glutathione, an endogenous antioxidant, in the cytoprotection against ulceration afforded by BTE.

Evaluation and standardisation of a simple HG-AAS method for rapid speciation of As(III) and As(V) in some contaminated groundwater samples of West Bengal, India

A simple HG-AAS technique has been evaluated and standardised for rapid speciation of As(III) and As(V) in a number of contaminated groundwater samples of West Bengal, India. Citric acid has been used for selective hydride formation of As(III). The sensitivity of the evaluated HG-AAS method is 7.91 mg(-1)l, standard deviation, 0.001 and detection limit, 0.4 microg l(-1). As(III) sensitivity remains constant in the sample pH range of 2.3-10.6. Concomitant mineral matrix of the water samples did not interfere with arsenic determination. Eight out of ten groundwater samples analysed for As(IlI)and As(V) contain more As(III), which lies in the range of 54-350 ppb. As(III) estimation in drinking water along with total arsenic should be invoked as a policy for a realistic risk assessment of the contaminated water.

High-performance liquid chromatographic detection of hydroxylated benzoic acids as an indirect measure of hydroxyl radical in heart: its possible link with the myocardial reperfusion injury

The present report describes a method suitable for the indirect assay of hydroxyl radical (OH.), which is likely to be produced during reperfusion of ischemic myocardium. Isolated rat heart perfused by the Langendorff technique was subjected to 30 min of ischemia, followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Salicylic acid (2 mM) was added to the perfusion circuit to trap any OH. radical generated during the experiment. 2,5- and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acids (hydroxylated products of salicylic acid) were identified by authentic standards as well as by pure OH.-generating system using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. In addition to serving as a chemical trap for the detection of OH., salicylate attenuated myocardial reperfusion injury as evidenced by reduced formation of creatine kinase, decreased lipid peroxidation, and improved myocardial contractile functions during reperfusion. These results thus provide direct evidence for the presence of OH. in heart and link it to the myocardial reperfusion injury.

Anti-ulcer effect of the hot water extract of black tea (Camellia sinensis)

The effect of the hot water extract of black tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, Theaceae) on ulceration induced by various ulcerogens and by cold restraint stress (CRS) was investigated in albino rats. While prior administration of tea extract for 7 days significantly reduced the incidence of ulcer, ulcer number and ulcer index produced by aspirin, indomethacin, ethanol, reserpine and CRS, it failed to inhibit the ulcers induced by serotonin and histamine. Tea extract also favourably altered the changes in acid and peptic activity of gastric secretion induced by aspirin, indomethacin, ethanol, reserpine and CRS. The observations suggest that the hot water extract of black tea possesses anti-ulcer activity, probably mediated through prostaglandins.

Oxygen-derived free radicals and hemolysis during open heart surgery

Reperfusion injury occurs during open-heart surgery after prolonged cardioplegic arrest. Cardiopulmonary bypass also is known to cause hemolysis. Since reperfusion of ischemic myocardium is associated with the generation of oxygen free radicals, and since free radicals can attack a protein molecule, it seems reasonable to assume that hemolysis might be the consequence of free radical attack on hemoglobin protein. The results of this study demonstrated that reperfusion following ischemic arrest caused an increase in free hemoglobin and free heme concentrations, simultaneously releasing free iron and generating hydroxyl radicals. In vitro studies using pure hemoglobin indicated that superoxide anion generated by the action of xanthine oxidase on xanthine could release iron from the heme ring and cause deoxygenation of oxyhemoglobin into ferrihemoglobin. This study further demonstrated that before the release of iron from the heme nucleus, oxyhemoglobin underwent deoxygenation to ferrihemoglobin. The released iron can catalyze the Fenton reaction, leading to the formation of cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (OH.). In fact, the formation of OH. in conjunction with hemolysis occurs during cardiac surgery, and when viewed in the light of the in vitro results, it seems likely that oxygen-derived free radicals may cause hemolysis during cardiopulmonary bypass and simultaneously release iron from the heme ring, which can catalyze the formation of OH..

Transcriptional control mechanisms for the expression of type I collagen genes

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A study on arsenic adsorption on polymetallic sea nodule in aqueous medium

A detailed study on As(III) and As(V) adsorption on polymetallic sea nodule in aqueous medium has been reported. Elemental composition of sea nodule comprises primarily, iron, manganese and silicon with trace quantities of aluminium, copper, cobalt and nickel. As(V) adsorption on sea nodule is dependent on pH while As(III) is insensitive to it. Adsorption data broadly follow Langmuir isotherm. Kinetic data follow a pseudo-second-order model for both As(III) and As(V). Arsenic loading on sea nodule is dependent on initial arsenic concentration. Optimum As(III) loading is 0.74 mg/g at 0.34 mg/L and for As(V) it is 0.74 mg/g at 0.78mg/L. As(III) adsorption is broadly independent of ionic environment. Except for PO(4)(3-), As(III) adsorption is not influenced by anions but cations influence it significantly. As(V) adsorption, on the other hand, is influenced by anions and not by cations. Experimental evidence indicates an inner sphere complex for As(III) and partial inner and partial outer sphere complex for As(V). Both As(III) and As(V) adsorptions are marked with very little desorption in the pH range of 2-10. Sea nodule can speciate As(III) and As(V) in groundwater at or above pH 6. Sea nodule was successfully tested as an adsorbent for the removal of arsenic from six contaminated groundwater samples of West Bengal, India, containing arsenic in the range 0.04-0.18mg/L.

Removal of lead from contaminated water bodies using sea nodule as an adsorbent

Adsorption of water soluble lead on polymetallic sea nodule has been studied in detail. Complete decontamination of lead is possible by appropriate sea nodule dosing. Adsorption is also dependent on pH and best adsorption is achieved at pH 6. Beyond pH 6, the desorption of lead from sea nodule surface is practically zero. Residual metal concentrations in the filtrate after adsorption is negligible. Both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms may reasonably explain adsorption of lead on sea nodule. Chemically bound moisture plays a very crucial role in lead adsorption. Lead adsorptive capability of sea nodule is practically destroyed when calcined at a temperature of 900 degrees C. Lead loading capacity of sea nodule has been estimated at 440 mg of lead per gram of sea nodule. The performance of sea nodule as a lead adsorbent has been successfully tested over six simulated lead contaminated water systems. Lead loading capacity of sea nodule compares favorably with other adsorbents like activated carbon, ion exchange resin, anionic clay, granulated blast furnace slag and natural and treated zeolites.

Metal contents in the groundwater of Sahebgunj district, Jharkhand, India, with special reference to arsenic

A detailed study has been presented on groundwater metal contents of Sahebgunj district in the state of Jharkhand, India with special reference to arsenic. Both tubewell and well waters have been studied separately with greater emphasis on tubewell waters. Groundwaters of all the nine blocks of Sahebgunj district have been surveyed for iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc in addition to arsenic. Normal distribution statistic, exploratory data analysis and robust Z-score analysis have been employed to find out the distribution pattern, localisation of data, outliers and other related information. Groundwaters of three blocks of Sahebgunj, namely, Sahebgunj, Rajmahal and Udhawa have been found to be alarmingly contaminated with arsenic present at or above 10 ppb. Arsenic distribution patterns in these blocks are highly asymmetric in nature with the common feature of increasing width from first to fourth quartile. A very broad fourth quartile in each case represents a long asymmetric tail on the right of the median. Tubewell waters of at least two more blocks require regular monitoring to identify the outbreak of arsenic at the onset. Groundwaters of Sahebgunj district in general contain high iron and manganese. It is by and large soft in nature. Well waters have been found to be better with regard to arsenic but iron and manganese contents do not vary significantly. Normal distribution analysis (NDA), box and whisker (BW) plot and Z-score analysis together can provide a reasonably complete statistical picture of metal contents in Sahebgunj district groundwaters.

Comparative analysis of PHAs production by Bacillus megaterium OUAT 016 under submerged and solid-state fermentation

In view of risk coupled with synthetic polymer waste, there is an imperative need to explore biodegradable polymer. On account of that, six PHAs producing bacteria were isolated from mangrove forest and affilated to the genera Bacillus & Pseudomonas from morpho-physiological characterizations. Among which the potent PHAs producer was identified as Bacillus megaterium OUAT 016 by 16S rDNA sequencing and in-silico analysis. This research addressed a comparative account on PHAs production by submerged and solid-state fermentation pertaining to different downstream processing. Here, we established higher PHAs production by solid-state fermentation through sonication and mono-solvent extraction. Using modified MSM media under optimized conditions, 49.5% & 57.7% of PHAs were produced in submerged and 34.1% & 62.0% in solid-state fermentation process. Extracted PHAs was identified as a valuable polymer PHB-co-PHV and its crystallinity & thermostability nature was validated by FTIR, ¹H NMR and XRD. The melting (Tm) and thermal degradation temperature (Td) of PHB-co-PHV was 166 °C and 273 °C as depicted from DTA. Moreover, FE-SEM and SPM surface imaging indicated biodegradable nature, while FACS assay confirmed cytocompatibility of PHB-co-PHV.

Role of phospholipases A2 and C in myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury

We investigated the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and phospholipase C (PLC) in myocardial phosholipid degradation and cellular injury during reperfusion of ischemic myocardium. For this purpose, isolated rat hearts were perfused with isotopic arachidonic acid to label its membrane phospholipids. Hearts preperfused with antiphospholipase A2 (anti-PLA2) retained a significantly higher amount of radiolabel in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol and a corresponding lower amount of radiolabel in lysophosphatidylcholine and nonesterified fatty acids (P less than 0.05) after 30 min of reperfusion following 30 min of normothermic global ischemia compared with hearts preperfused with nonimmune immunoglobulin G. In similar experiments, antiphospholipase C (anti-PLC)-treated hearts were associated with significantly (P less than 0.05) higher radiolabel in all phospholipids and lower radiolabel in diacyglycerol compared with nonimmune immunoglobulin G-treated hearts. Measurement of phospholipase activity in subcellular organelles of these hearts showed decreased PLA2 activity in cytosol, mitochondria, and microsomes of anti-PLA2-treated hearts and decreased PLC activity of microsomes in anti-PLC-treated hearts. Furthermore, both the antiphospholipases attenuated the release of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase into perfusate and increased contractility as well as coronary flow in the reperfused hearts. Results of this study suggest that both PLA2 and PLC are involved in the degradation of phospholipids and cellular injury that occur during reperfusion of ischemic myocardium.

Role of reduced glutathione and nitric oxide in the black tea extract-mediated protection against ulcerogen-induced changes in motility and gastric emptying in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of the role of hot water extract of black tea [Camellia sinensis (L). O. Kuntze Theaceae] in normalizing the changes in intestinal transit and gastric emptying induced by various ulcerogenic agents in experimental rats. Intestinal transit as well as gastric emptying were significantly reduced in rats treated with glutathione (GSH) depleting agents, diethyl maleate (DEM), indoacetamide (IDA) and N-ethyl maleimide (NEM). Prior oral administration of black tea extract (BTE) at 20 ml/kg of a 10% solution, i.g. once a day for 7 days significantly increased the intestinal transit and gastric emptying with restoration of serum GSH level. Singular administration of succimer (60 mg/kg, i.g.), the standard sulfhydryl containing antiulcer agent used as a reference drug, was also effective. Increase in intestinal transit caused by BTE was reversed both by N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (25 mg/kg, i.p.) and N-omega-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) (25 mg/kg, i.p.), but not with N-omega-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester (D-NAME) (25 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, restoration of intestinal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was found to be associated with BTE treatment. These results provide evidence that nitric oxide may play a role in BTE-mediated improvement of intestinal motility changes and gastric emptying induced by DEM, IDA and NEM.

Cytogenetic studies in human populations exposed to gas leak at Bhopal, India

Frequencies of chromosomal abnormalities, sister chromatid exchanges, and replicative index were assessed following peripheral lymphocyte culture in 129 individuals from Bhopal, India. Of these, 83 persons (40 male and 43 female) had been exposed directly to the methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas after the accident at the Union Carbide plant on December 2 and 3, 1984. The remaining 46 samples were taken from age-matched unexposed persons in the same city. Chromosome aberrations were recorded at first cycle metaphase (M1) and sister chromatid exchanges, at second cycle metaphase (M2), following standard schedule. The frequency of chromosomal aberrations was, in general, higher in individuals from the exposed populations, with the females showing a higher incidence. Nondisjunction of chromosomes or laggard was rare. The frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges and depression in mitotic and replicative indices could not be related to exposure or sex. The persistence of chromosomal abnormalities in the form of replicating minutes and exchange configurations, even 1114 days after exposure to the gas, may indicate a residual effect on T-cell precursors.

Protection from nonfreezing cold injury by quinacrine, a phospholipase inhibitor

A recent study from our laboratory indicated additional tissue injury during rewarming of a cooled rabbit leg. Oxygen-derived free radicals were believed to play a role in such "rewarming injury." Since free radicals may attack membrane phospholipids, we analyzed the phospholipid composition in the leg tissue during cooling and rewarming. Our results indicated significant breakdown of membrane phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, with a corresponding accumulation of lysophosphatidylcholine and nonesterified fatty acids. Quinacrine, a phospholipase inhibitor, was able to preserve membrane phospholipids during rewarming of the cooled leg. Rewarming of cooled tissue was also accompanied by additional tissue injury, as evidenced by the increased release of lactic acid dehydrogenase and creatine kinase, as well as enhanced lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by increased malonaldehyde formation. Quinacrine reduced the release of these intracellular enzymes and decreased lipid peroxidation, suggesting its efficacy as a therapeutic agent against hypothermic injury.