ISSN 2736-1756
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2017
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2017 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Effect of experimental Schistosomiasis mansoni infection on serum levels of iron, zinc and copper in the olive baboon (Papio anubis)
Mungatana N. W. K.1,2, Ngure R. M.2, Shitandi A. A.2*, Mungatana C. K.2 and Yole D. S.1
1Institute of Primate Research, P. O. Box 24481, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
2Department of Biochemistry, Egerton University, P. O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya.
Accepted 20 February, 2017
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoniasis is a disease of grave concern due to its high morbidity and mortality in parts of the world. This study aimed at providing insight into the pathogenesis of S. mansoniasis as an aid in the development of effective control methods. Iron, zinc and copper concentrations were spectro-photometrically measured in sequential serum specimens obtained from baboons throughout the course of acute S. mansoni infection, following curative treatment with praziquantel and following post-treatment challenge with a second cercarial infection. The initial infection resulted in a two-fold increase in copper concentrations by Day 102 post-infection. Iron concentrations fell to almost half of pre-infection concentrations by Day 123 post-infection, while those of zinc fell to a third of pre-infection concentrations by Day 81 post-infection. These changes were seen to recover several weeks following treatment, though pre-infection concentrations were never achieved. Haptoglobin, a sensitive bio-marker in the acute phase response of S. mansoni, was also measured at all sampling points. Haptoglobin changes were in concordance with those of the cations. The findings demonstrate that iron, zinc and copper are reactants in the acute phase response of S. mansoni in the nonhuman primate model, Papio anubis. Furthermore, these reactants are modulated in challenge infections and may be important in the immunopathology of the disease.
Key words: Acute phase response, Schistosomiasis mansoni, serum iron, serum zinc, serum copper.
Mungatana C. K and Yole D. S, Ngure R. M, Mungatana N. W. K, Shitandi A. A*
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2017
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2017 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Effects of curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin on diabetes induced endothelial dysfunction
Natchaya Wongeakin1, Pattarin Sridulyakul2, Amporn Jariyapongskul3, Apichart Suksamrarn4 and Suthiluk Patumraj4*
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
2Faculty of Science, Srinakharintaraviroj University, Bangkok, Thailand.
3Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharintaraviroj University, Bangkok, Thailand.
4Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkamhang University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Accepted 17 April, 2017
Abstract
Diabetes- induced endothelial dysfunction has been well recognized for its underlining causes of oxidative stress. Therefore, several studies have worked on testing active antioxidant agents such as vitamin C and E against diabetes induced oxidative stress to preserve endothelial cells. In the present study, we assessed the effects of plant-derived antioxidant, curcumin and its analog, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) and also its preventive qualities. Using an animal model, assessment for endothelial-dependent vasodilatation and the behavior of leukocytes were accomplished by using streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats and its mesenteric microcirculation parameters. The results indicated that both antioxidants, curcumin and THC, could significantly inhibit those abnormalities typically seen in endothelial dysfunctions (P < 0.05) in relation to their hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Unfortunately, curcumin has a poor absorption quality and as a result of this, a higher dose is needed to prevent abnormal endothelial functions. On the other hand, THC was found to be a more potent antioxidant and good therapeutic agent for diabetic patients in preventing diabetes vascular abnormalities.
Key words: Curcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, endothelial dysfunction, diabetes.
Amporn Jariyapongskul, Apichart Suksamrarn and Suthiluk Patumraj*, Pattarin Sridulyakul, Natchaya Wongeakin
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2017
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2017 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Epidemiological and biochemical studies of human lymphatic filariasis and associated parasitoses in Oguta, South-Eastern, Nigeria
Okey A. Ojiako* and G. O. C. Onyeze
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Accepted 10 March, 2017
Abstract
Possible organ infections associated with human filariasis, helminthiasis and malaria in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, South-Eastern Nigeria were investigated. Blood, urine and stool samples were collected in appropriate containers from 200 male and female respondents aged 31 – 85 years. Parasitological studies were carried out on blood samples for malaria and/or microfilariae parasites while stool samples were tested for the presence of some intestinal parasites. The study showed a prevalence of intestinal protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica), Wuchereria bancrofti, the intestinal helminthes Ascaris lumbricoides and Hookworms. Biochemical parameters of liver integrity were also studied across the various infection cohorts among the respondents. Results obtained show that these parasitic infections depressed the hematological parameters relative to ‘normal’ respondents. Comparative biochemical analyses showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in some liver function parameters obtained for infected respondents relative to those not infected. There was also a positive correlation between age brackets with highest filarial infection (with no malarial co infection) and age groups with elevated markers of liver dysfunction. This study can be of immense diagnostic value in the clinical management of the filariases especially in malaria-endemic and resource-poor areas.
Key words: Filariasis, co-parasitoses, Nigeria, prevalence patterns, liver dysfunction.
G. O. C. Onyeze, Okey A. Ojiako*
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2017
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2017 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Effects of sodium ion and water hyacinth extract in the production of Curvularia pallescens in culture media
Okunowo Wahab Oluwanisola1* and Ogunkanmi Liasu Adebayo2
1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos. P. M. B. 12003. Lagos. Nigeria.
2Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos Akoka, Lagos. Nigeria.
Accepted 23 April, 2017
Abstract
An investigation was conducted on the pH, nutritional and cost benefit of the use of different substrates for the production of Curvularia pallescens Boedijn. The growth of the organism was examined at pH range between 5.5 and 8.6 and on different growth media, potato carrot agar (PCA), potato dextrose agar (PDA), sabouraud agar (SA), tap water agar (TWA), water hyacinth agar (WHA) and Czapek-Dox agar (ZA). Also, the growth of the organism was examined on different enrichment media “Czapek-Dox” with its sodium nitrate substituted with equal amount of different nitrogen sources (ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, glutamine and sodium glutamate). WHA produced significantly (P < 0.001) highest amount of mycelial growth (84.95 ± 0.05 mm) on day 6 than other media types. The spore concentration was highest, 6.6 E06 ± 3.33 E05 spores/ml with TWA. The colony size was significantly (P < 0.001) highest, 84.9 ± 0.1 mm on day 10 with sodium glutamate compared with other nitrogen sources. Spore count was only observed on ammonium chloride (1.67E06 ± 3.33E05 spores/ml), the optimal growth pH was 5.5. The cost of production of the organism per culture plate on WHA was 61.3 and 82% lesser than on PDA and SA respectively. The formulated water hyacinth agar medium appeared most economically feasible for the mycelial production of C. pallescens Boedijn.
Key words: Curvularia pallescence Boedjin, growth measurement, pH measurement.
Ogunkanmi Liasu Adebayo, Okunowo Wahab Oluwanisola*
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2017
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2017 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Effect of traditionally designed nutraceutical on stress induced immunoglobulin changes at Antarctica
P. Bansal1*, R. Sannd2, N. Srikanth3 and G. S. Lavekar4
1Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, National Institute of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Research, Moti Bagh Road, Patiala, Punjab, India.
2National Institute of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Research, Moti Bagh Road, Patiala, Punjab, India.
3Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India.
4Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India.
Accepted 20 January, 2017
Abstract
This study was conducted to establish the effect of a traditionally designed nutraceutical on stress related changes in selected immunoglobulin levels in the body. The nutraceutical was prepared from different potent herbs described in Ayurveda using standard operative procedures and were tested for heavy metal and microbial load. Initially, 21 subjects were selected in addition to 7 volunteers for control group who did not consume nutraceutical. Sampling was done at zero days and at fortnightly intervals. The levels of selected immunoglobulin IgG, IgA and IgM were estimated with turbidity metric immunoassay at different time intervals. The concentration of immunoglobulin IgA was 146±15.96 at zero day stage. The levels of these immunoglobulins were lower at all stages as compared to the concentration at zero day in trial group subjects whereas the concentration was significantly higher (t stat.>t critic. at p<0.05) in control group subjects. The concentration of IgG was very high to the tune of 3091±705 at zero day stage. The level of IgG was lower in trial subjects as compared to control subjects at all stages except at the 6th week stage where it was higher in trial subjects. Concentration of immunoglobulin IgM was 80.75±30.39 (t stat.>t critic. at p<0.05) at zero day followed by a decrease in both groups at the 2nd week, however the concentration was almost 1/3rd in trial drug subjects as compared to the levels in control subjects followed by an abrupt increase at the 4th week. The levels increased to 106±8.94 at the 4th week stage and 115±9.35 at the 6th week stage in control subjects (even higher than at zero day) whereas the values were 46.15±11.39 and 55.38±15.34 (t stat.>t critic. at p<0.05) at respective stages in trial drug subjects. On the whole the pattern of fall and rise in levels of IgM were similar in the control as well as treatment group subjects at all stages. Studies revealed that the components of the nutraceutical tended to exert significant (t stat.>t critic. at p<0.05) anti-stress effect against stress related changes in immunoglobulin in the body due to the battery of stresses encountered at Antarctica.
Key words: Rasayana, immunoglobulins, Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Chlorophytum arundinaceum, Piper longum, Prunus amygdalus, Antarctica, stress.
N. Srikanth and G. S. Lavekar, P. Bansal*, R. Sannd
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2017
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2017 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
In vitro effects of four heavy metals on glyphosate utilization by some bacteria isolated from rice fields
Okpala N. Gloria* and A. N. Moneke
Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Accepted 4 August, 2017
Abstract
The effect of heavy metals (zinc, cadmium, chromium and lead) at concentrations 50, 100 and 500 g/ml of the heavy metal salts on glyphosate utilization by some bacterial species isolated from rice fields were studied, the addition of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) to the glyphosate mineral salt medium used in growing the Acetobacter sp. significantly (P < 0.05) increased the rate of glyphosate utilization as indicated by the increase in the growth of the organism and could be attributed to easy uptake of the metal-glyphosate complex by the organism. The growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens was enhanced in the presence of zinc in the glyphosate medium, when compared to its growth in the medium without the heavy metals. This was followed by lead, cadmium and chromium, respectively.
Key words: Glyphosate herbicide, utilization, metal-glyphosate complex.
Okpala N. Gloria*, A. N. Moneke
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