Nanocubic copper cobaltite for methyl orange degradation through photocatalytic process.

In this study, cubic spinel structured CuCo2O4 (Copper cobaltite) nanospheres were fabricated by thermal decomposition method. The visible light degradation of organic contaminant methyl orange (MO) was focused in this study using the synthesized pure CuO, Co3O4 and CuCo2O4 with different weight ratios of raw materials (90:10, 75:25 and 50:50). It could be well realized that after the characterization techniques, the synthesized CuCo2O4 materials resembled cubic spinel structure as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation. Meanwhile, all the synthesized materials through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have showed cubic shaped particles and among the CuCo2O4 materials, CuCo2O4 (50:50) expressed not as much of crystallinity due to the agglomerated nanospheres. On the other hand, well crystalline CuCo2O4 (75:25) displayed higher surface area than the other materials when analysed through Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrum has evinced the formation of CuCo2O4 nanostructures. In addition, the cubic spinel structured CuCo2O4 provided positive results over visible light irradiation. Finally, the CuCo2O4 (75:25) sample has scored high as much of 85% MO degradation compared with others. This sample was progressed with repetitive recycling tests and presented the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency. The upgraded results of CuCo2O4 sample have been linked with the developed synergistic effects during the formation of binary metal oxides. Also, the interfacial electron-hole formation leads to the migration and hindering of charge carriers for visible light activity.

Electronic structure, vibrational spectral and intervening orbital interactions studies of NLO material: guanidinium 4-nitrobenzoate.

Single crystals of guanidinium 4-nitrobenzoate (GPNB) have been grown by slow evaporation method. Grown crystals were characterized by FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV-Vis absorption and UV-Vis transmission spectroscopies. Crystal defects and surface morphology were studied by etching method. Dielectric properties of the crystal such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC electrical conductivity as function of frequency (50 Hz-5 MHz) at two temperatures (35°C and 100°C) were measured. The frequency and temperature dependence of dielectric behaviour were investigated. The equilibrium geometry, vibrational spectral analysis, intramolecular charge transfer interactions using NBO method, first order hyperpolarizability, molecular electrostatic potential and frontier molecular orbital analysis for GPNB have been studied using density functional theory at B3LYP/cc-pVTZ level. Vibrational spectral study reveals the presence of moderate and weak N-H⋯O bonds in GPNB. NBO analysis also confirms the presence of intramolecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonding and investigates the stability as well as the intervening orbital interactions. The electronic absorption spectrum of the gas and water phases of GPNB were simulated using time dependent density functional theory and NBO transitions for the three lowest excited states were assigned and studied.

Growth, molecular structure, NBO analysis and vibrational spectral analysis of l-tartaric acid single crystal.

Single crystal of l-tartaric acid (LTA) has been grown by slow evaporation technique. The experimental and theoretical studies on molecular structure, vibrational spectra, electronic absorption spectra and non-linear optical property of the crystal are studied. The FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV-Vis-NIR experimental spectra of LTA crystal have been recorded in the range 400-4000cm(-1), 100-3700cm(-1) and 190-1100nm, respectively. Density functional theory calculations with B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis sets was used to determine ground state molecular geometries, vibrational frequencies, ICT interactions, Mulliken population analysis on atomic charge, HOMO-LUMO analysis, non-linear optical response properties and thermodynamic properties for LTA and the results were discussed. Vibrational analysis confirms the formation of intramolecular OH⋯O hydrogen bonding. The stability of the molecule has been analyzed using NBO analysis. The results of electronic absorptions in gas phase and water phase LTA were calculated using TD-DFT method. The third-order nonlinear absorption behaviour of LTA was studied using open aperture Z-scan technique, with 5ns laser pulses at 532nm and the nonlinear absorption coefficient of the grown crystal was measured. The predicted NLO properties, UV absorption and Z-scan studies indicate that LTA is an attractive material for laser frequency doubling and optical limiting applications.

Robinin modulates TLR/NF-κB signaling pathway in oxidized LDL induced human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

This study was designed to investigate whether robinin administration modulates toll-like receptor (TLR) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in oxidized LDL induced human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). The hPBMCs were isolated from healthy human volunteers and the cells were cultured in collagen coated plates at 37°C with 5% CO2 and RPMI as culture medium and were grouped as follows: Group I - control, group II - OxLDL treated and group III - OxLDL+robinin (6µg/ml). We measured mRNA expression of TLR2 and TLR4 by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and NF-κB transcription factor assay (ELISA), and western blotting studies were done for knowing expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP 1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). The result indicates that OxLDL that induces hPBMCs showed an upregulated expression of TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB, pro-inflammatory cytokines and VCAM-1. Robinin inhibited the ox-LDL induced TLR2 and TLR4 expression at mRNA level and inhibited the translocation of NF-κB p65 by modulating the TLR-NF-κB signaling pathway thereby inhibiting cytokine production and down regulated inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thus having protective effect against the ox-LDL induced inflammation stress in hPBMCs by inhibiting TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway.

Rutin ameliorates free radical mediated cataract by enhancing the chaperone activity of α-crystallin.

BACKGROUND: Cataract, the leading cause of blindness, is associated with oxidative damage and protein modification in the lens. The present study was carried out to assess the efficacy of rutin on rat-lens crystallins in selenite-induced in-vivo cataract models. METHODS: Eight-day-old Sprague-Dawley rat pups were grouped as control (G I), experimental (G II) and rutin-treated (G III). The rat pups in G II, and G III received a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (4 µg/g body weight) and G I received a single subcutaneous injection of sterile water on the 10th day. The treatment groups (G III) were administered with rutin (1 µg/g body weight) respectively from the 8th to 15th day. Cataract was visualized from the 16th day. Lens crystallins (α, ß, and γ) were isolated by size exclusion chromatography. Chaperone activity of isolated crystallins was measured by heat, DTT, and oxidation-induced aggregation and refolding assays. Concentration of total protein (soluble and insoluble) and SDS-PAGE analysis of soluble proteins were also done. RESULTS: Treatment with rutin prevented the loss of α crystallin chaperone property, and protein insolubilization prevailed during selenite-induced cataract. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the therapeutic potential of rutin, a bioflavonoid, against selenite-induced cataract, which has been reported in this paper for the first time. The work assumes significance, as this is a novel approach in modulating the chaperone activity of lens crystallins in selenite-induced cataract by a natural product.

Prevention of selenite induced oxidative stress and cataractogenesis by luteolin isolated from Vitex negundo.

Free radical mediated oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cataract and the present study was to determine the efficacy of luteolin in preventing selenite induced oxidative stress and cataractogenesis in vitro. Luteolin is a bioactive flavonoid, isolated and characterized from the leaves of Vitex negundo. Lenses were extracted from Sprague-Dawley strain rats and were organ cultured in DMEM medium. They were divided into three groups with eight lenses in each group as follows: lenses cultured in normal medium (G I), supplemented with 0.1mM sodium selenite (G II) and sodium selenite and 2 µg/ml luteolin (G III). Treatment was from the second to fifth day, while selenite administration was done on the third day. After the experimental period, lenses were taken out and various parameters were studied. The antioxidant potential of luteolin was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. In the selenite induced group, morphological examination of the lenses showed dense cortical opacification and vacuolization. Biochemical examinations revealed a significant decrease in activities of antioxidant enzymes and enzymes of the glutathione system. Additionally decreased glutathione level and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were observed. Luteolin treatment abated selenite induced oxidative stress and cataractogenesis by maintaining antioxidant status, reducing ROS generation and lipid peroxidation in the lens. These finding demonstrated the anticataractogenic effect of luteolin by virtue of its antioxidant property, which has been reported in this paper for the first time.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Passiflora foetida L.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Passiflora foetida (P. foetida) leaves. METHODS: Ethanol extract of P. foetida leaf was evaluated for analgesic action by acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate method in albino mice. The anti-inflammatory property of ethanolic leaf extract was tested by carrageenan induced acute paw edema and histamine induced acute paw edema in rats. RESULTS: The dose 200 mg/kg of P. foetida leaf extract exhibited highest significant analgesic activity [(13.50±0.43) min] at a reaction time of 20 min in hot plate method in mice. The ethanol extract of leaf dose 100 mg/kg produced a highly significant anti inflammatory effect [(1.302±0.079) mL] in rats. CONCLUSIONS: It is very clear that P. foetida also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities for the pharmaceuticals.

Analysis on the alterations of lens proteins by Vitex negundo in selenite cataract models.

PURPOSE: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness and is associated with oxidative damage and protein modification in the lens. In the present study, we have employed proteomic and microscopic approaches to investigate the attenuation of selenite cataract by the flavonoids from Vitex negundo (FVN). METHODS: To demonstrate this attenuation, Sprague-Dawley rat pups were divided into control (G I), selenite induced (G II), and selenite + FVN treated (G III). Cataract was induced by single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (4 mg/Kg bodyweight) on the 10th day and FVN (1 mg/Kg bodyweight) administered intraperitoneally from the 8th to the 15th day. RESULTS: Our study indicated that chaperone property of α-crystallin and soluble protein levels were reduced in the selenite induced group. Post translational modifications identified by two dimensional-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and immunoblot analysis revealed the loss of cytoskeletal proteins in selenite induced group. Damage of lenticular membrane and abnormal fiber structure were observed by electron microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that FVN modulated selenite induced cataractogensis in rat pups by preventing loss of chaperone property, various changes in lens proteins, and lens structure, further strengthening its protective role.

Amelioration of selenite toxicity and cataractogenesis in cultured rat lenses by Vitex negundo.

PURPOSE: Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development of cataract. The present study sought to evaluate the efficacy of flavonoid fraction of Vitex negundo (FVN) in preventing the toxicity induced by sodium selenite in vitro culture condition. METHODS: Enucleated rat lenses were maintained in organ culture containing DMEM medium alone (G I), supplemented with 0.1mM sodium selenite (G II), sodium selenite + 20 µg/ml quercetin (G III) and sodium selenite + 50 µg/ml FVN (G IV). Treatment was from the second to fifth day, while selenite administration was done on the third day. After the experimental period, lenses were taken out and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, Ca(2+) ATPase, levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), calcium, reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and sulfhydryl content were studied. RESULTS: Morphological examination revealed dense vacuolization and loss of cortical transparency in G II compared to control and treated group. The mean activities of the enzymes SOD, catalase and Ca(2+) ATPase, levels of GSH and sulfhydryl content were significantly reduced in lenses of G II compared to control. In addition, the mean levels of ROS, calcium and TBARS were elevated in G II compared to control. However, these changes were modulated by FVN treatment to further strengthen its protective role over selenite cataract. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that FVN treatment prevented selenite toxicity and cataractogenesis by maintaining antioxidant status, calcium homeostasis, protecting sulfhydryl group, and decreasing oxidative stress in lens, which may be due to its protective effects.

Moringa oleifera prevents selenite-induced cataractogenesis in rat pups.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of the flavonoid fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves (FMO) on selenite cataract in vivo. METHODS: Rat pups of Sprague-Dawley strain initially weighing 10­12 g on day 8 were used for the study and grouped as control (G I), selenite induced (G II), and FMO treated (G III). The rat pups in G II and G III received a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (4 µg/g body weight) on day 10 and G III was administered with FMO (2.5 µg/g body weight) from day 8 to 15. Cataract was visualized from day 16. The development of cataract was assessed and rat lenses were analyzed for the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase), generation of reactive oxygen species, reduced glutathione, protein oxidation, and lipid peroxidation. FMO was subjected to in vitro antioxidant assays (2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide scavenging assays). RESULTS: The total phenolic content of FMO was 4.4 mg of catechin equivalent/g dried plant material. The extract showed remarkable activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (IC50 36 µg/mL) and in superoxide radical (IC50 33.81µg/mL) scavenging assays. FMO effectively prevented the morphological changes and oxidative damage in lens. FMO maintained the activities of antioxidant enzymes and sulfhydryl content and prevented reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSIONS: FMO was effective in preventing cataractogenesis in selenite model by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzyme, reducing the intensity of lipid peroxidation, and inhibiting free radical generation.

Isorhamnetin-3-glucoside alleviates oxidative stress and opacification in selenite cataract in vitro.

Oxidative stress has long been recognized as an important mediator in the pathogenesis of cataract and the goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of isorhamnetin-3-glucoside (IR3G) in alleviating the toxicity induced by sodium selenite in in vitro culture condition. IR3G is the bioactive flavonoid isolated and characterized from the leaves of Cochlospermum religiosum. Enucleated rat lenses were maintained in organ culture containing M-199 medium alone (G-I), supplemented with 0.1 mM selenite (G-II) and selenite + 25 microg/ml IR3G (G-III). Treatment to G-III was from the second to fifth day while selenite administration to G-II & III was done on the third day. The antioxidant potential of the compound was assessed by Cu(2+) induced lipoprotein diene formation and superoxide scavenging assays. Morphological examination of the lenses also gave a supporting data. Antioxidant enzymes-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) were significantly lower, while TBARS showed an increase in G-II than that in G-III and G-I lenses. Activity of Ca(2+)-ATPase was decreased and level of calcium was increased in G-II than G-III and G-I lenses. These data suggest that IR3G is able to significantly retard selenite cataract in vitro by virtue of its antioxidant property.

Broccoli regulates protein alterations and cataractogenesis in selenite models.

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy of Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli) in the prevention of selenite induced biochemical changes and the incidence of cataractogenesis in vivo. METHODS: Eight day old Sprague-Dawley rat pups were divided into four groups: I-Control; II-Sodium selenite (4 mg/kg body weight) administered; III-Sodium selenite + quercetin; and IV-Sodium selenite + flavonoid fraction of broccoli (FFB). Treatment groups III and IV received quercetin and FFB intraperitoneally from 8th to 15th day at a concentration (2.0 mg/kg body weight). The development of cataract was assessed and graded by slit-lamp examination. Some relevant biochemical parameters-such as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, Ca(2+)ATPase, calpains, concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), levels of calcium, lipid peroxidation product-thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and SDS-PAGE analysis of lens water soluble proteins (WSF) were analyzed. RESULTS: FFB modulates selenite-induced biochemical changes in albino rats. Lenses of Group I rats were clear but in Group II, all lenses developed dense opacification (grade 5 and 6), whereas mild opacifications were observed in Group III and Group IV (grade 2). Group III and Group IV lenses exhibited significantly higher values of antioxidant enzymes, Ca(2+)ATPase, and GSH, whereas lower values were obtained for TBARS, calcium, and calpains compared to Group II. Lens protein profile of water soluble proteins showed normal levels of Group III and Group IV compared to Group II lenses. CONCLUSION: FFB prevents selenite-induced cataractogenesis in albino rat pups, possibly by maintaining antioxidant status and ionic balance through Ca(2+) ATPase pump, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, calpain activation, and protein insolubilization, which have been reported in this article for the first time.

Vitex negundo modulates selenite-induced opacification and cataractogensis in rat pups.

Recently, much interest has been generated in the search for phytochemical therapeutics, as they are largely free from adverse side effects and economical. The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of Vitex negundo in modulating the selenite-induced oxidative stress in vivo model. Sprague-Dawley rat pups of 8 days old were used for the study and divided into control (G I), selenite induced (G II), and selenite + V. negundo treated (G III). Cataract was induced by the single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (4 mg/kg body weight) on the tenth day and V. negundo (2.5 mg/Kg body weight) administered intraperitoneally from eighth to 15th day. Morphological examination of the rat lenses revealed no opacification in G I and mild opacification in G III whereas dense opacification in G II (stages 4-6). Levels of selenium in G II and G III showed no significant changes. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and Ca(2+)ATPase were significantly increased in G III compared to G II (p < 0.05), while lower level of reactive oxygen species, Ca(2+), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were observed in G III compared G II (p < 0.05). These results indicate the therapeutic potential of methanolic extract of V. negundo on modulating biochemical parameters against selenite-induced cataract, which have been reported in this paper for the first time.

Vitex negundo attenuates calpain activation and cataractogenesis in selenite models.

Recent investigations have shown that phytochemical antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and prevent various diseases. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness and is associated with oxidative damage of the lens. Selenite-induced cataract in rat pups is an excellent mimic of oxidative stress-induced cataract. Selenite cataract is associated with oxidative stress, loss of calcium homeostasis, calpain activation and protein insolubilization in the lens. Our present study focuses on the isolation of flavonoids from Vitex negundo and to assess its efficacy in preventing these changes in the lens of selenite-induced cataract models. Eight-day-old Sprague-Dawley rat pups were used for the study and divided into four groups: Control (G I), Sodium selenite-induced (G II), Sodium selenite+quercetin treated (G III), Sodium selenite+flavonoids from Vitex negundo (FVN) (G IV). Cataract was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of Sodium selenite (4 mg/Kg body weight) on the 10th day. Treatment groups received quercetin (1.0mg/Kg body weight) and FVN (1.0mg/Kg body weight) intraperitoneally from 8th to 15th day. Cataract was visualized from the 16th day. Morphological examination of the rat lenses revealed no opacification in G I and mild opacification in G III and G IV (stage 1) whereas dense opacification in G II (stage 4-6). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, Ca(2+)ATPase, concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and protein sulfhydryl content were significantly increased in G III and G IV compared to G II, while decreased activities of calpains, lower concentration of calcium and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were observed in G III and IV as compared to G II. Lens protein profile of water soluble proteins showed normal levels of expression in treated groups compared to that of selenite-induced rats. These results indicate good antioxidant and therapeutic potential of FVN in modulating biochemical parameters against selenite-induced cataract, which have been reported in this paper for the first time.

A novel extracellular protein of Streptomyces peucetius binds to daunorubicin but does not inhibit the bioactivity of the antibiotic.

Extracellular proteins of Streptomyces peucetius that bind to a red pigment were identified during the course of isolation of mutants defective in daunorubicin production. Two pigment-protein complexes were partially purified and this complex inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis. Routine solvent extraction could not separate the pigment from purified pigment-protein complex. Treatment with 2% SDS at 100 degrees C followed by solvent extraction also failed to separate the protein from the pigment. However, the pigment could be separated from the purified pigment-protein complex by heating it in 0.1M HCl at 100 degrees C followed by solvent extraction. The pigment extracted from the complex was analyzed by HPLC and found to be daunorubicin.