Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology

Published by De Gruyter

Volume 25 Issue 2

Issue of Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology

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Contents
Journal Overview

Publicly Available April 24, 2014

Frontmatter

Page range: i-iv

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Review

February 7, 2014

Cerebral stroke injury: the role of cytokines and brain inflammation

Antonio Siniscalchi, Luca Gallelli, Giovanni Malferrari, Domenico Pirritano, Raffaele Serra, Ermenegildo Santangelo, Giovambattista De Sarro

Page range: 131-137

Abstract

Stroke represents the most frequent cause of permanent disability in adults worldwide. Cerebral ischemia triggers the pathological pathways of the ischemic cascade and causes irreversible neuronal injury in the ischemic core within minutes of the onset. Elements of the immune system are involved in all stages of ischemic cascade from acute intravascular events triggered by the interruption of blood supply, to the parenchymal processes leading to brain damage and to the ensuing tissue repair. In this review, we will provide a brief overview of current understanding of the role of cytokines and brain inflammation during acute ischemic stroke.

Cardiovascular-Pulmonary Interactions

November 21, 2013

Gene functional dynamics: environment as a trigger?

Eliyahu G. Stoupel

Page range: 139-142

Abstract

Recent decades have seen the deciphering of the human genome and, also, progress in studies related to the effects of space-weather on humans. The progress in genetics allows us to connect many human pathologies with specific gene abnormalities. Concomitantly it has been shown that many congenital and adherent diseases, and the timing of death are connected with space factors such as solar activity (SA), geomagnetic activity (GMA), cosmic ray activity (CRA), and space neutron and proton flux. Here arises the question to what extent gene expression is affected by the aforementioned space physical activity parameters. This is the motto of this hypothetical paper. In conclusion, the space-weather-related timing of many medical events invites presumption that gene activity is a changing phenomenon and space weather components may be playing a regulatory role in these changes.

October 11, 2013

Arrhythmogenesis after acute myocardial necrosis with and without preceding ischemia in rats

Theofilos M. Kolettis, Marianthi Kontonika, Mesele-Christina Valenti, Agapi D. Vilaeti, Giannis G. Baltogiannis, Apostolos Papalois, Zenon S. Kyriakides

Page range: 143-153

Abstract

Background: The relative role of acute myocardial ischemia and infarction in ventricular arrhythmogenesis is incompletely understood. We compared the arrhythmia pattern after ischemia/infarction to that observed after direct myocardial necrosis without preceding ischemia in rats. Methods: Coagulation necrosis was induced in Wistar rats (n=20, 280±3 g) by radiofrequency current application (for 15 s) from a 4-mm-tip ablation catheter. Myocardial infarction was induced by coronary artery ligation with (n=10) or without (n=10) reperfusion. Using 24-h telemetry recording, we examined ventricular arrhythmias, voluntary motor activity and indices of sympathetic activation. Results: The coagulation-necrosis volume was 24.4%±0.6%, comparable to the infarct size in the absence of reperfusion. Acute left ventricular failure and sympathetic activation were similar in the three groups. Coagulation necrosis induced ventricular fibrillation immediately, followed by a second peak after ∼1 h. Reperfusion decreased ventricular arrhythmias, whereas a second arrhythmogenic period (between the third and the eight hour) was noted in non-reperfused infarcts (mainly monomorphic ventricular tachycardia). Conclusions: Distinct arrhythmia patterns occur after myocardial infarction (with or without reperfusion) and after direct necrosis. They are not produced by differences in sympathetic activation and are likely related to the evolution of myocardial injury. The necrosis rat model may be useful in studies of arrhythmogenesis.

October 11, 2013

Measuring cardiopulmonary parameters during dual-task while walking

Einat Kodesh, Rachel Kizony

Page range: 155-160

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the present study was to examine the metabolic cost of dual-task performance of a cognitive task while walking under two conditions: comfortable and fast gait speed. Methods: Twenty-five healthy young adults (25.7±3.05 years) walked over-ground at a comfortable self-selected speed and on a treadmill at a fast speed with and without performing a cognitive task. Cardiopulmonary parameters were measured by the metabolic K4b 2 system, gait parameters were measured with GaitRite and cognitive performance was expressed as percentage of correct answers to a set of riddles. Results and conclusions: During rest, cognitive load resulted in a metabolic cost indicated by a significant increase in VO 2 (p<0.01). Breathing rate increased significantly during dual-tasking in both walking conditions (p<0.01 for both). Fifty-two percent of the participants decreased gait speed during the dual-task condition while walking over-ground, accompanied by a significant decrease in tidal volume (p<0.01) without a decrease in breathing and heart rates. More than 70% of the participants improved or maintained their cognitive performance while walking (over-ground, 72% and treadmill, 75%), independently from the alterations in gait speed. The current findings confirm that mental processing increases energy demands while sitting. In addition, the results contribute new insight into dual-task paradigm research, by showing that breathing rate is sensitive to an additional cognitive load while walking, even in young healthy adults. Moreover, the participants were able to adjust the strategy they used to cope with cognitive load while walking over-ground when gait speed was imposed.

October 14, 2013

Calcium-dependent mechanisms mediate the vasorelaxant effects of Tridax procumbens (Lin) aqueous leaf extract in rat aortic ring

Hussein M. Salahdeen, Gbolahan O. Idowu, Omoniyi K. Yemitan, Babatunde A. Murtala, Abdul-Rasak A. Alada

Page range: 161-166

Abstract

Background: Tridax procumbens leaf extract has a folk reputation as an antihypertensive agent in Nigeria. Evidence suggests that it has a relaxant effect on smooth muscles. The present study was designed to investigate the role of calcium in the vasorelaxant effect of this extract. Methods: Concentration-response studies with noradrenaline (NA), KCl and CaCl 2 were carried out in rat aortic rings with and without the extract in physiological salt solution (PSS) (n=6 each). Also, the role of intracellular calcium mobilization was studied by measuring the phasic response to NA in Ca 2+ -free N,N -ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) PSS (n=6). Results: The results showed that the contractile responses to either NA or KCl were attenuated (p<0.05) in the presence of the extract. Also, the extract attenuated the contractile response to CaCl 2 in the presence of NA or KCl (p<0.05) in the Ca 2+ -free EGTA PSS, while the phasic response to NA was significantly (p<0.05) diminished. Conclusions: These results suggest that the vasorelaxant effect of T. procumbens leaf extract may be mediated by a non-specific, non-competitive inhibition of Ca 2+ influx as well as by inhibition of Ca 2+ mobilization from intracellular stores. This implies that it may contain vasorelaxant agents that may have calcium antagonistic potential.

Inflammation

August 2, 2013

Effects of cyclosporine and phenytoin on biomarker expressions in gingival fibroblasts of children and adults: an in vitro study

Surena Vahabi, Bahareh Nazemi Salman, Fahimeh Rezazadeh, Mahshid Namdari

Page range: 167-173

Abstract

Background: Both phenytoin (PhT) and cyclosporine (CsA) have been related to gingival overgrowth, but the presence and incidence of cytokines in gingival tissues are associated with different mechanisms. On the basis of a few epidemiologic data, children are more prone to have gingival overgrowth than adults and there is no obvious plausibility to justify this difference. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PhT and CsA on the some biological marker expression and compare it among adults and children. Methods: Gingival fibroblasts that had been harvested from adults and children with normal gingiva were incubated with CsA and PhT and then cultured for 48 h. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP), collagen (CoL), elastin (Eln), lysyl oxidase (Lysyl), cathepsin (Cat) L and B, and mRNA levels in culture were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The amounts of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: CsA and PhT stimulated TGF-β and Cat B production and inhibited expression of MMP-1 by fibroblasts. CsA suppressed TIMP in children, but PhT stimulated its expression. In adults, both CSA and PHT increased TGF-β, Lysyl, and EGF levels. CsA reduced Eln level, whereas PhT increased it. Conclusions: The results suggest that CsA and PhT have different effects on biogene marker expression in adults and children, or drug-induced gingival overgrowth is affected by different cellular pathways in children in contrast to that in adults. It seems that in children the MMP-1/TIMP system, and in adults the Lysyl/Eln pathway, plays an important role in impaired CoL metabolism.

July 26, 2013

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the methanol leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus in some laboratory animals

Sunday Oluwaseun Ofuegbe, Adeolu Alex Adedapo, Abiodun Adegoke Adeyemi

Page range: 175-180

Abstract

Background: Phyllanthus amarus is used in Nigeria and other parts of the world as a medicinal plant. The plant has a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2000 years as well as a wide variety of traditional applications. It is being evaluated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential because these phenomena have assumed a worldwide dimension as a result of their implications in a variety of diseases. Methods: The methanol extract of the leaves of P. amarus was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in Wistar strain albino rats and mice using carrageenan-induced inflammation as well as histamine-induced edema. The analgesic effect was determined using acetic acid writhing method and formalin-induced paw lick test. Standard phytochemical analysis was carried out to determine the active constituents responsible for biological effects. Results: The extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced significantly (p<0.05) the formation of edema induced by histamine and carrageenan. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract showed good analgesic activity characterized by a significant reduction in the number of writhes with 100 and 200 mg/kg doses used when compared to the control group. In the formalin-induced paw lick test, the extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses exhibited good analgesic activity characterized by a significant reduction in the number of paw licks at both the early and the late phases of the induced pain when compared with the untreated control group. Ibuprofen at 10 mg/kg served as the reference drug in all these tests. Conclusions: Results suggested that methanol extract of the leaves of P. amarus has great anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. These biological effects exhibited by the extract of this plant may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and other phenols contained therein.

Oxidative Stress

October 11, 2013

Ameliorative effect of diallyl trisulphide on arsenic-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes and DNA damage in lymphocytes

Selvaraj Milton Prabu, Naorem Chanu Sumedha

Page range: 181-197

Abstract

Background: Arsenic (As) is a naturally occurring semimetallic element that is classified as a toxicant and a human carcinogen. Diallyl trisulphide (DATS), an organosulphur compound, is an antioxidative substance that is extracted from garlic ( Allium sativum ). Erythrocytes are very expedient models to understand the susceptibility of membrane to oxidative damage induced by different xenobiotic compounds. Arsenic has been reported to induce oxidative stress to erythrocytes due to lipid peroxidation and alteration in defence mechanism as erythrocytes are the first target that arsenic compounds attack in the body after systemic absorption. In the light of this fact, the purpose of this study is to characterise the ameliorative effect of DATS on arsenic-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes. Methods: Experimental rats were randomly divided into four groups and treated orally for 28 days: control, As [5 mg/kg body weight (BW)] treated, As+DATS (80 mg/kg BW) treated, DATS (80 mg/kg BW) treated and As+vitamin C (100 mg/kg BW) treated. Oxidative stress in erythrocytes was recorded by estimating plasma marker enzymes, plasma and erythrocyte membrane oxidative stress markers, erythrocyte membrane antioxidant enzymes and non-antioxidant enzymes, etc. Results: Oral administration of arsenic at 5 mg/kg BW per day elevated the levels of plasma marker enzymes, namely, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and γ-glutamyl transferase (γGT) (U/L) with significantly increased lipid peroxidation markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxides (LH), conjugated dienes (CD), and protein carbonyl (PC) contents were also elevated in As-treated rat plasma and erythrocytes. The levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione, vitamins C and E) and enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S -transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) were also decreased in As-treated rats. The toxic effect of As significantly decreased the activities of membrane-bound ATPases (Na +/ K + -ATPase, Mg 2+ -ATPase, and Ca 2+ -ATPase), with a significant increase in% tail DNA of rat lymphocytes measured by means of a single-cell gel electrophoresis assay. Administration of DATS for 28 days significantly reduced the levels of plasma markers. The levels of TBARS, MDA, LH, CD, and PC were significantly decreased and there was a significant increase in ATPase activities and non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants on treatment with DATS in a dose-related manner. Conclusions: All these changes were supported by reduction of DNA damage in lymphocytes with DATS treatment. DATS at a dose of 80 mg/kg BW was found to be most effective and the results revealed the same. The results of the study showed that DATS shows a protective effect against As-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes and lymphocytes.

August 2, 2013

Anticholinesterase and antioxidative properties of water-extractable phytochemicals from some citrus peels

Ayokunle Olubode Ademosun, Ganiyu Oboh

Page range: 199-204

Abstract

Background: Aqueous extracts from citrus peels are used in many rural communities in Nigeria in treating various degenerative conditions, although the scientific basis for its use has not been well established. This study sought to investigate the anticholinesterase and antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts from some citrus peels [orange ( Citrus sinensis ), grapefruit ( Citrus paradisii ), and shaddock ( Citrus maxima )]. Methods: The effects of the extracts on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, as well as Fe 2+ -induced malondialdehyde (MDA) production in vitro, were investigated. The total phenolic, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activities as typified by 1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging ability and hydroxyl (OH) radicals scavenging abilities were also investigated. Results: The results revealed that orange peels had the highest total phenol content followed by grapefruit peels, whereas shaddock peels had the least. The extracts inhibited AChE activity in a dose-dependent manner, although there is no significant difference (p>0.05) in their inhibitory abilities of the peels. The extracts exhibited antioxidant activities as typified by their radical (DPPH· and OH·) scavenging abilities as well as the inhibition of Fe 2+ -induced lipid peroxidation in rat’s brain in vitro. Conclusions: The anticholinesterase activity and inhibition of MDA production by the aqueous extracts of the peels, as well as other antioxidant activities, could make the peels a good dietary means for the management of oxidative-mediated neurodegenerative disorders.

Immune Response

October 11, 2013

Temporal expression of IL-1β and IL-10 in rat skin, muscle, small bowel, and colon wounds: a correlative study

Mohammed A. Alzoghaibi, Abdullah I. Al-Oraini, Ali I. Al-Sagheir, Ahmad M. Zubaidi

Page range: 205-210

Abstract

Background: Cytokines play a major role in coordinated wound healing events. We hypothesized that rapid intestinal healing is due to an early upregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), followed by increases in the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Methods: We characterized the time course of IL-1β and IL-10 release at four wounds (skin, muscle, small bowel, and colonic anastomosis) after surgery on 38 juvenile male Sprague-Dawley rats. The tissue samples of each site were harvested at 0 (control), 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days postoperatively (n=6–8 per group) and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits for IL-1β and IL-10. Results: IL-1β expression peaked at days 5 and 7 in small bowel and colonic wounds when compared to skin or muscle. Similarly, IL-10 showed high expression in these time points in small bowel and colonic wounds. However, IL-10 showed the same expression in all time points in muscle and skin tissues except at day 1. Conclusions: The high expression in IL-1β and IL-10 levels in small bowel and colon might explain the accelerated healing process in these wounds in comparison to skin and muscle tissues. Additional studies are required to determine whether IL-1β and IL-10 expression is the major factor defining site-specific differences in healing rates in different tissues. Understanding cytokine action in the wound healing process could lead to novel and effective therapeutic strategies.

October 16, 2013

Augmented primary humoral immune response and decreased cell-mediated immunity by Murraya koenigii in rats

Inderjit Kaur, Sneh Bhatia, Yogendra Bhati, Vinay Sharma, Pramod K. Mediratta, Swapan K. Bhattacharya

Page range: 211-215

Abstract

Background: Murraya koenigii (Rutaceae) (curry patta: Hindi) of the family Rutaceae is used in the traditional Indian system of medicine for its immunomodulatory properties. The essential oil of the leaves of M. koenigii possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, and pesticidal activities and is used for the treatment of amebiasis, diabetes, and hepatitis. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of M. koenigii on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in rats. Methods: Aqueous extract of M. koenigii leaves was administered orally in a dose of 350 mg/kg. Cell-mediated immunity was assessed by measuring foot pad thickness following sensitization by injection of keyhole limpet hemocyanin and subsequent challenge by the same. Humoral immunity was assessed by measurement of hemagglutination titer to sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). Results: In the humoral immune response, the administration of M. koenigii [350 mg/kg per os (p.o.)] from day 1 to day 7 after sensitization with SRBC on day 0 caused a significant increase in the primary anti-SRBC titer. However, the secondary immune response was decreased significantly (p<0.05) as shown by a decrease in secondary anti-SRBC titer measured on day 11 following a booster dose of antigen on day 8. In the delayed-type hypersensitivity test, M. koenigii (350 mg/kg, p.o.), when administered for 14 days, produced a significant (p<0.05) decrease in foot pad thickness when compared with the control group. Conclusions: Thus, these results suggest that oral administration of M. koenigii augments primary humoral immune response and decreases cell-mediated immunity.

November 7, 2013

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and heme biomineralization inhibitory properties of Entada africana ethanol leaf extract with antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum

Ifeoma C. Ezenyi, Lalasoanirina Ranarivelo, Salawu A. Oluwakanyinsola, Martins Emeje

Page range: 217-223

Abstract

Background: Entada africana (EA) is a medicinal plant used in West Africa for the treatment of malaria fever, but its efficacy against malaria is yet to be scientifically validated. Our study explores the antimalarial potential of the ethanol leaf extract of EA. Methods: The antiplasmodial activity of EA against chloroquine-sensitive (HB3) and chloroquine-resistant (FcM29) Plasmodium falciparum was determined as well as its peripheral antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. The effect of the extract on human monocytic (THP-1) cells was recorded as a measure of cytotoxicity, whereas the inhibitory effect on heme detoxification was evaluated as a possible mechanism of antiplasmodial activity. Results: At a concentration of 100 μg/mL, EA was noncytotoxic and displayed moderate antiplasmodial activity against HB3 and FcM29 (IC 50 =26.36 and 28.86 μg/mL, respectively). It also exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of synthetic heme (IC 50 =16 mg/mL). The extract (200 mg/kg body weight) showed significant (p<0.05) inhibition of paw inflammation, and significantly (p<0.01, 0.05) reduced the number of abdominal writhes induced by acetic acid (58.62%–65.51%), which was higher compared to that of diclofenac (50%, p<0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that peripheral antinociceptive effects and parasiticidal activity of EA contribute to its antimalarial properties and it can be further explored as effective therapy against malaria infection.

Hematological Profile

October 11, 2013

Hematological profile in neonatal jaundice

Jyoti Prakash Mishra, Jayanti Mishra, Rajesh Kumar Padhi, Soumya Mishra, Magna Manjareeka

Page range: 225-228

Abstract

Background: Neonatal morbidity due to neonatal jaundice is an alarming situation, which needs to be detected and managed at the earliest possible. Many different etiologies come into play together, and at times, it is difficult to isolate the cause of neonatal jaundice. Certain diagnostic tests such as hemoglobin levels, reticulocyte count, leukocyte count, and blood grouping might hasten the diagnosis. This study analyzes the different parameters of hematological profile and how they influence the various etiologies of neonatal jaundice. Methods: One hundred jaundiced neonates admitted to the pediatric care unit of MKCG Medical Hospital, Odisha, were considered as subjects for this study. Blood tests were done, and accordingly, the neonates were grouped into three depending on the leukocyte count, reticulocyte count, and hemoglobin levels. Blood grouping of mother and baby was done to see the pattern of ABO incompatibility. Results: Physiological jaundice cases showed no significant variations in hematological profile, while jaundice due to ABO incompatibility, septicemia, Rh incompatibility, intracranial hemorrhage, and G6PD deficiency had anemia, reticulocytosis, and leukocytosis. Conclusions: The results can be used for early and simple investigation method for the diagnosis of neonatal jaundice.

November 23, 2013

Effects of blood lead level on biochemical and hematological parameters in children with neurological diseases of Western Maharashtra, India

Shilpa A. Pratinidhi, Arun J. Patil, Manaskumar Behera, Maya Patil, Dnyaneshwari P. Ghadage, Asha K. Pratinidhi

Page range: 229-233

Abstract

Background: Lead is found in small but appreciable quantities in air, soil, drinking water, and food. Exposure to such amounts of lead does not lead to acute lead toxicity but produces subtle effects particularly in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of blood lead level on biochemical and hematological parameters in children with neurological diseases in Western Maharashtra, India, and to estimate the blood lead level by liver and kidney function tests and hematological parameters in children with neurological disorders admitted to the pediatric ward and compare them with healthy controls. Methods: In this study, 30 children with various neurological disorders admitted to the pediatric ward of Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, were compared with 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Four milliliters of venous blood was collected for estimation of blood lead level, and biochemical and hematological parameters were determined using standard methods. Results: Blood lead level was significantly increased in the study group (p<0.01, 65.38%) compared to that in the control group. When different neurological conditions were grouped into three groups according to blood lead levels, there was a significant difference between the groups. All other biochemical and hematological parameters were not significantly altered in the study group as compared to the control group. Conclusions: Neurologically challenged children are more vulnerable to lead intoxication. It is imperative for the parents to take extra care of their children’s food habits and limit hand-to-mouth activities to prevent lead intoxication.

Phytotherapy

December 19, 2013

Antipsychotic property of solvent-partitioned fractions of Lonchocarpus cyanescens leaf extract in mice

Ismot T. Arowona, Mubo A. Sonibare, Solomon Umukoro

Page range: 235-240

Abstract

Background: This study was carried out to evaluate the antipsychotic property of solvent-partitioned fractions of the leaf extract of Lonchocarpus cyanescens (LC), a reputable medicinal plant used in folk medicine for the treatment of mental illnesses in Nigeria. Methods: The n -hexane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), and aqueous ethanol fraction (AEF) of LC were tested for antipsychotic property based on the antagonism of stereotypy induced by apomorphine (APO). Antagonism of hyperactivity and lethality in aggregated mice induced by amphetamine (AMPH) were further employed for screening the antipsychotic effect of the fractions. EAF was tested for catalepsy utilising the horizontal plane paradigm. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was used to screen EAF for the presence of secondary metabolites. Results: AEF (100–400 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) suppressed stereotypy induced by APO (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [IP]) in comparison with control, suggesting antipsychotic activity. However, EAF (200 mg/kg, IP) was most potent in inhibiting the stereotypic effect of APO. EAF was also the most active in antagonising AMPH-induced hyperactivity and in protecting against death caused by AMPH in grouped mice. However, in contrast to haloperidol, EAF did not produce cataleptic behaviour in the horizontal plane paradigm. The TLC analysis revealed that EAF contains several compounds, with some of them having R f values similar to that of haloperidol, which suggests the presence of active substances with the same chemical structural identity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that EAF contains the major active constituent(s) mediating the antipsychotic property of LC and further support its use for the management of psychosis in traditional medicine.

December 18, 2013

Aphrodisiac effect of aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides in sexually impaired rats

Taofeek O. Ajiboye, Quadri O. Nurudeen, Musa T. Yakubu

Page range: 241-248

Abstract

Background: The phytochemical constituents of the aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides Planch. Ex Bth. and its aphrodisiac activity on male rat sexual behavior and reproductive hormones in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction were evaluated. Methods: The extract was screened for the presence of phytochemicals. The extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight) and the reference herbal drug PowmaxM (7.14 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male rats, once daily for 5 days, and their sexual behavior parameters were monitored and computed. The serum hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone) were determined at the end of treatment period. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, phenolics, saponins, and tannins. Mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculatory frequency (EF), and testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone concentrations were reduced significantly (p<0.05) in paroxetine-treated rats. Administration of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides significantly (p<0.05) reversed the paroxetine-mediated alterations in MF, IF, EF, mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculatory latency (EL), postejaculatory interval (PEI), and testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone concentrations dose-dependently. The reversal of the male sexual behavior parameters by the extract compared well (p<0.05) with the PowmaxM-treated animals. Conclusions: Data obtained from this study revealed that the aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides restored sexual competence in sexually impaired rats possibly by increasing sexual drive through enhanced reproductive hormones concentration, particularly testosterone, thus supporting the folkloric claim of the plant for the management of sexual disorder in males.

November 28, 2013

Virgin coconut oil protects against liver damage in albino rats challenged with the anti-folate combination, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

Chiagoziem A. Otuechere, Gbemisola Madarikan, Tinuala Simisola, Olubukola Bankole, Adeleke Osho

Page range: 249-253

Abstract

Background: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. However, its use is associated with toxic reactions. Virgin coconut oil (VCO), derived from coconut, has been widely used throughout history for its medicinal value. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial actions of VCO against TMP-SMX-induced alterations in serum biochemical end points. Methods: Twenty rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 (control) received no drug, whereas group 2 received TMP-SMX (8/40 mg/kg) twice daily for 7 days. Group 3 was administered coconut oil at a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight per day. The last group was treated with TMP-SMX (8/40 mg/kg) and coconut oil (600 mg/kg) simultaneously. Blood samples were collected from all groups on the 8th day of the experiment for measurement of serum biochemical parameters. Organ weights and coefficients were also evaluated. Results: TMP-SMX caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of serum total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase by 192%, 67%, and 41%, respectively, relative to controls. This was followed by a significant reduction in triglyceride and relative kidney weight by 40% and 7%, respectively. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the activities of serum aminotransferases, total acid phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, uric acid, cholesterol, albumin, and urea levels. Supplementation of VCO ameliorated TMP-SMX-induced effects by restoring the levels of total bilirubin, alkaline phospahatase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that the active components of coconut oil had protective effects against the toxic effects induced by TMP-SMX administration, especially in the liver of rats.

Metabolism

October 14, 2013

Evaluation of in vitro aldose reductase inhibitory potential of alkaloidal fractions of Piper nigrum, Murraya koenigii, Argemone mexicana, and Nelumbo nucifera

Sakshi Gupta, Nirmal Singh, Amteshwar Singh Jaggi

Page range: 255-265

Abstract

Background: Aldose reductase is primarily involved in development of long-term diabetic complications due to increased polyol pathway activity. The synthetic aldose reductase inhibitors are not very successful clinically. Therefore, the natural sources may be exploited for safer and effective aldose reductase inhibitors. Methods: In the present study, the aldose reductase inhibitory potential of hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of Piper nigrum , Murraya koenigii , Argemone mexicana , and Nelumbo nucifera was evaluated. The hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of the selected plants were prepared. The different concentrations of hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of these plants were evaluated for their goat lens aldose reductase inhibitory activity using dl -glyceraldehyde as substrate. The aldose reductase inhibitory potential of extracts was assessed in terms of their IC 50 value. Results: Amongst the hydroalcoholic extracts, the highest aldose reductase inhibitory activity was shown by P. nigrum (IC 50 value 35.64±2.7 μg/mL) followed by M. koenigii (IC 50 value 45.67±2.57 μg/mL), A. mexicana (IC 50 value 56.66±1.30 μg/mL), and N. nucifera (IC 50 value 59.78±1.32 μg/mL). Among the alkaloidal extracts, highest inhibitory activity was shown by A. mexicana (IC 50 value 25.67±1.25 μg/mL), followed by N. nucifera (IC 50 value 28.82±1.85 μg/mL), P. nigrum (IC 50 value 30.21±1.63 μg/mL), and M. koenigii (IC 50 value 35.66±1.64 μg/mL). Conclusions: It may be concluded that the alkaloidal extracts of these plants possess potent aldose reductase inhibitory activity and may be therapeutically exploited in diabetes-related complications associated with increased activity of aldose reductase.

About this journal

Objective
The Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology (JBCPP) is a peer-reviewed bi-monthly published journal in experimental medicine. JBCPP publishes novel research in the physiological and pharmacological sciences, including Emergency Medicine, Oncology, Hematology and Coagulation disorders, Vascular Medicine, Gastroenterology, Liver Disease, Neurology and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Gender Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart Failure, Respiratory Disease, Geriatrics, Immunology and Rheumatology.

Moreover, Manuscripts regarding basic and laboratory sciences will be very welcome.

As the borders between physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry become increasingly blurred, we also welcome papers using cutting-edge techniques in cellular and/or molecular biology to link descriptive or behavioral studies with cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the integrative processes.　

Topics

Emergency Medicine
Oncology
Hematology and Coagulation disorders
Vascular Medicine
Gastroenterology
Liver Disease
Neurology and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Gender Medicine
Endocrinology
Diabetology and Metabolism
Cardiovascular Diseases
Heart Failure
Respiratory Disease
Geriatrics
Immunology
Rheumatology

Article formats
Research Articles, Reviews and Mini Reviews, Short Communications, Editorials and Letters to the Editor