Melatonin-priming enhances maize seedling drought tolerance by regulating the antioxidant defense system.

Drought stress (DS) challenges sustainable agriculture production by limiting crop growth and development. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin-priming on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms and its relation with leaf ultrastructure and stomatal traits in maize (Zea mays L) seedlings under DS (PEG-6000). DS drastically decreased seed germination, plant growth, and leaf chlorophyll content due to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Melatonin-priming significantly (P < 0.05) increased seed germination, root length, shoot length, fresh seedling weight, proline content, total soluble protein content, sugar content, chlorophyll content, and stomatal aperture size by 101%, 30%, 133%, 51%, 22%, 59%, 54%, 20%, and 424%, compared to no priming (NP) under DS, respectively. Similarly, priming improved leaf ultrastructure and reduced the amount of chlorophyll loss and oxidative damage in maize seedlings. Melatonin seed priming with 500 µM melatonin (M2) greatly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), glutathione, and ascorbate (AsA) activity, by 65%, 63%, 94%, 41%, and 55% compared to NP under DS and by 0.26%, 8%, 33%, 42%, and 15% under no-stress (NS), respectively. Melatonin-priming also reduced malondialdehyde content, electrolyte leakage, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, and superoxide anion (O2-) content by 26%, 31%, 31%, and 33% compared to NP under DS and by 8%, 18%, 10%, and 11% under NS, respectively. In response to DS, melatonin-priming also stabilized the chloroplast structure, sustained cell expansion, protected cell walls, and greatly improved stomatal traits, including stomatal number, length, and width. Our results suggest that melatonin-priming improves drought tolerance in maize seedlings by alleviating the negative effect of ROS.

Addition of Vindoline to p-Benzoquinone: Regiochemistry, Stereochemistry and Symmetry Considerations.

Vindoline and catharanthine are the major alkaloids of Catharanthus roseus and are extracted in large quantities to prepare the pharmaceutically important Vinca type alkaloids vincaleukoblastine, vincristine and navelbine. The higher yield of vindoline relative to catharanthine makes it an attractive substrate for developing new chemistry and adding value to the plant. In this context, we have reacted vindoline with a selection of electrophiles among which benzoquinone. Conditions were developed to optimize the synthesis of a mono-adduct, of five bis-adducts, and of tri-adducts and tetra-adducts, several of these adducts being mixtures of conformational isomers. Copper(II) was added to the reactions to promote reoxidation of the intermediate hydroquinones and simplify the reaction products. The structures were solved by spectroscopic means and by symmetry considerations. Among the bis-isomers, the 2,3-diadduct consists of three unseparable species, two major ones with an axis of symmetry, thus giving a single set of signals and existing as two different species with indistinguishable NMR spectra. The third and minor isomer has no symmetry and therefore exhibits nonequivalence in the signals of the two vindoline moieties. These isomers are designated as syn (minor) and anti (major) and there exists a high energy barrier between them making their interconversion difficult. DFT calculations on simplified model compounds demonstrate that the syn-anti interconversion is not possible at room temperature on the NMR chemical shift time scale. These molecules are not rigid and calculations showed a back-and-forth conrotatory motion of the two vindolines. This "windshield wiper" effect is responsible for the observation of exchange correlations in the NOESY spectra. The same phenomenon is observed with the higher molecular weight adducts, which are also mixtures of rotational isomers. The same lack of rotations between syn and anti isomers is responsible for the formation of four tri-adducts and of seven tetra-adducts. On a biological standpoint, the mono adduct displayed anti-inflammatory properties at the 5 µM level while the di-adducts and tri-adducts showed moderate cytotoxicity against Au565, and HeLa cancer cell lines.

Investigation of nepetolide as a novel lead compound: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic activities and molecular docking evaluation.

In the present study, we describe various pharmacological effects and computational analysis of nepetolide, a tricyclic clerodane-type diterpene, isolated from Nepeta suavis. Nepetolide concentration-dependently (1.0-1000 µg/mL) exhibited 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity with maximum effect of 87.01 ±â€¯1.85%, indicating its antioxidant potential, as shown by standard drug, ascorbic acid. It was moderately active against bacterial strain of Staphylococcus aureus. In brine shrimp's lethality model, nepetolide potently showed cytotoxic effect, with LC50 value of 8.7 µg/mL. When evaluated for antitumor activity in potato disc tumor assay, nepetolide exerted tumor inhibitory effect of 56.5 ±â€¯1.5% at maximum tested concentration of 1000 µg/mL. Nepetolide at 20 mg/kg reduced carrageenan-induced inflammation (P < .001 vs. saline group) in rat paw. Nepetolide dose-dependently (100-500 mg/kg) decreased acetic acid evoked writhes, as exhibited by diclofenac sodium. In-silico investigation of nepetolide was carried out against cyclooxygenase-2, epidermal growth factor receptor and lipoxygenase-2 targets. Virtual screening through Patchdock online docking server identified primarily hydrophobic interactions between ligand nepetolide and receptors proteins. Enhanced hydrogen bonding was predicted with Autodock showing 6-8 hydrogen bonds per target. These results indicate that nepetolide exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and should be considered as a lead compound for developing drugs for the remedy of oxidative stress-induced disorders, microbial infections, cancers, inflammations and pain.

Antispasmodic, bronchodilator, vasorelaxant and cardiosuppressant effects of Buxus papillosa.

BACKGROUND: The present research was carried out to investigate pharmacological properties of Buxus papillosa C.K. Schneid. (Buxaceae). METHODS: Buxus papillosa extracts of leaves (BpL), stem (BpS), roots (BpR) and BpL fractions: hexane (BpL-H), aqueous (BpL-A) also plant constituent, cyclomicrobuxine effect were studied in jejunum, atria, aorta and tracheal preparations from rabbit and guine-peg. RESULTS: Ca++ antagonistic effect of BpS, BpR, BpL-H, BpL-A and cyclomicrobuxine were conclusively suggested, when spontaneous contractions of rabbit jejunal preparation was relaxed along with subsequent relaxation of potassium chloride (80 mM) induced contractions. Ca++ antagonistic effect was further confirmed, when a prominent right shift like that of verapamil was observed in Ca++ concentration-response curves, drawn in a tissue pretreated with BpL (0.3-1.0 mg/mL). In rabbit tracheal tissues BpL, BpS, BpR, BpL-H and BpL-A produced a prominent relaxation in contractions induced by potassium chloride (80 mM) and carbachol (1 µm). When tested in rabbit aortic rings, BpL, BpS, BpR, BpL-H and BpL-A showed concentration-dependent (0.1-3.0 mg/mL) vasorelaxant effect against phenylephrine (1 µM) and high K+-induced contractions. In isolated guinea-pig right atria, BpL, BpS, BpR, BpL-H and BpL-A suppressed atrial force of spontaneous contractions, with BpL-A being most potent. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal that Buxus papillosa possesses gut, airways and cardiovascular inhibitory actions.

Banned Sudan dyes in spices available at markets in Karachi, Pakistan.

Sudan dyes were investigated in branded and non-branded spices, commonly available in the markets of Karachi, Pakistan. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a variable wavelength detector (VWD) was applied to determine Sudan dyes I-IV. The non-branded samples had higher concentrations of Sudan dyes than the maximum limits of 0.1 mg/kg. The highest concentration of Sudan dye (I) was found in turmeric powder (8460 mg/kg) and the lowest concentration (1.50 mg/kg) of Sudan (IV) in Chaat Masala. This indicates that the use of non-branded spices is not safe, whereas no Sudan dye was found in the branded spice samples. Further studies regarding the higher carcinogenic risk posed by Sudan dye adulterated spices in Pakistan is strongly advised.

Regulation of Soil Microbial Community Structure and Biomass to Mitigate Soil Greenhouse Gas Emission.

Sustainable reduction of fertilization with technology acquisition for improving soil quality and realizing green food production is a major strategic demand for global agricultural production. Introducing legume (LCCs) and/or non-legume cover crops (NLCCs) during the fallow period before planting main crops such as wheat and corn increases surface coverage, retains soil moisture content, and absorbs excess mineral nutrients, thus reducing pollution. In addition, the cover crops (CCs) supplement the soil nutrients upon decomposition and have a green manure effect. Compared to the traditional bare land, the introduction of CCs systems has multiple ecological benefits, such as improving soil structure, promoting nutrient cycling, improving soil fertility and microbial activity, controlling soil erosion, and inhibiting weed growth, pests, and diseases. The residual decomposition process of cultivated crops after being pressed into the soil will directly change the soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycle and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and thus affect the soil microbial activities. This key ecological process determines the realization of various ecological and environmental benefits of the cultivated system. Understanding the mechanism of these ecological environmental benefits provides a scientific basis for the restoration and promotion of cultivated crops in dry farming areas of the world. These findings provide an important contribution for understanding the mutual interrelationships and the research in this area, as well as increasing the use of CCs in the soil for better soil fertility, GHGs mitigation, and improving soil microbial community structure. This literature review studies the effects of crop biomass and quality on soil GHGs emissions, microbial biomass, and community structure of the crop cultivation system, aiming to clarify crop cultivation in theory.

Maize productivity and soil nutrients variations by the application of vermicompost and biochar.

Poor soil organic matter is one of the major causes of the deterioration of soil health. Most soils fertility is also decreased when enough organic carbon is not present in the soil. Maize is most susceptible to this poor soil fertility status. A significant amount of maize growth and yield is lost when it is cultivated in low organic matter and poor fertility soil. To overcome this issue organic amendments can play an imperative role. Biochar and vermicompost are organic amendments that can not only improve organic residues but also increase soil nutrient concentration. The current experiment was conducted to explore the sole and combined application of both organic amendments with recommended NPK fertilizer. Four treatments were tested i.e., control, biochar (BC1), vermicompost (VC1) and VC1+BC1 with and without nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the experiment. Results showed that VC1+BC1+NPK performed significantly best for improvement in maize plant height (6.25 and 3.00%), 1000 grains weight (30.48 and 29.40%), biological yield (18.86 and 43.12%) and grains yield (30.58 and 39.59%) compared to BC0+VC0+NPK and control respectively. A significant improvement in soil N, P and K also validated the efficacious role of VC1+BC1+NPK over BC0+VC0+NPK and control. Treatment VC1+BC1+NPK is recommended for the achievement of better maize growth and yield in poor organic matter soils. More investigations are suggested in variable climatic conditions to declare VC1+BC1+NPK as the best amendment compared to control for enhancing soil N, P and K status as well as maize productivity.

Sole and combined effect of foliar zinc and arbuscular mycorrhizae inoculation on basmati rice growth, productivity and grains nutrient.

Mismanagement in foliar fertilizer application at different crop stages decreases the productivity of the crop. Likewise, higher application of phosphorus (P) beyond recommended application rates not only decrease zinc (Zn) uptake in rice but also increase fertilizer use cost. Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AMF) may optimize the uptake of P and improve crops production via organic secretions. That's why the current study was conducted to examine the individual and coordinated effects of 0.5% Zn (0.5Zn) foliar spray (tillering (T) and/or panicle (P) initiation stage) and AMF application. Application of foliar 0.5Zn at tillering+panicle stage remained significantly better for significant enhancement in plant height, spike length, gas exchange attributes and total chlorophyll contents than control. A significant decrease in electrolyte leakage Also validated the effectiveness of treatment 0.5ZnT+P compared to control. Compared to control, the maximum increase in N (14.5 and 25.7%), P (42.1 and 33.3%), K (22.2 and 30.0%) and Zn (19.3 and 27.8%) accumulation was also found in 0.5ZnT+P, with and without AMF, respectively. In conclusion, 0.5ZnT+P with AMF is a better approach than sole application of Zn at tillering or panicle initiation stages. Nevertheless, more investigations are suggested at field level under variable climatic zones to confirm the effectiveness of 0.5ZnT+P with AMF for improvement in rice growth and production.

Exploring the potential effect of Achnatherum splendens L.-derived biochar treated with phosphoric acid on bioavailability of cadmium and wheat growth in contaminated soil.

Biochar remediation efficiency could be enhanced through numerous treatments such as acids treatment. Still, there has little work done on H3PO4-treated biochar particularly biochar derived from Achnatherum splendens L. feedstock. Therefore, the present study has been conducted to further explore the potential effect of A. splendens L.-derived biochar treated with H3PO4 on bioavailability of Cd and wheat growth in Cd contaminated soil. Phosphoric acid and untreated biochar each applied at the rate of 1% and 2% to Cd contaminated/spiked soil in pots and having one contaminated/spiked control without biochars amendment. The results show that 2% phosphoric acid-treated biochar has the most significant increase in plant height, shoot dry weight, and grain yield of wheat as compared to contaminated control. As compared to contaminated control, maximum improvement in total chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance occurred with 2% phosphoric acid-treated biochar. The 2% phosphoric acid-treated biochar also declined bioavailable Cd in soil by 53%, and its accumulation in shoot and grain by 65% and 90%, respectively, compared to contaminated control. Overall, phosphoric acid-treated biochar most effectively immobilized Cd in soil and reducing its uptake and translocation to grains. Therefore, A. splendens L.-derived biochar treated with phosphoric acid could be successfully utilized for remediation of contaminated soil.

Directed assembly of cell-laden microgels for fabrication of 3D tissue constructs.

We present a bottom-up approach to direct the assembly of cell-laden microgels to generate tissue constructs with tunable microarchitecture and complexity. This assembly process is driven by the tendency of multiphase liquid-liquid systems to minimize the surface area and the resulting surface free energy between the phases. We demonstrate that shape-controlled microgels spontaneously assemble within multiphase reactor systems into predetermined geometric configurations. Furthermore, we characterize the parameters that influence the assembly process, such as external energy input, surface tension, and microgel dimensions. Finally, we show that multicomponent cell-laden constructs could be generated by assembling microgel building blocks and performing a secondary cross-linking reaction. This bottom-up approach for the directed assembly of cell-laden microgels provides a powerful and highly scalable approach to form biomimetic 3D tissue constructs and opens a paradigm for directing the assembly of mesoscale materials.

Impact of the mixture verses solo residue management and climatic conditions on soil microbial biomass carbon to nitrogen ratio: a systematic review.

Cover crops (CCs) have been increasingly cultivated to boost soil quality, crop yield, and minimize environmental degradation compared with no cover crops (NCCs). There is no consensus of CCs under different climatic conditions on soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN), and soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen ratio (SMBC/SMBN) are yet documented. Thus, a global meta-analysis of 40 currently available literature was carried out to elucidate the effect of CCs on SMBC and SMBN, and its ratio for cash and cover cropping systems was conducted. Our findings demonstrated that CCs increased SMBC, SMBN, and SMBC/SMBN ratios by 39, 51, and 20%, respectively, as compared to NCCs. The categorical meta-analyzes showed that the mixture of legume and nonlegume CCs decreased the SMBC, SMBN, and SMBC/SMBN ratios relative to the sole legume or nonlegume CCs. Nonlegume CCs enhanced the SMBC, SMBN, and SMBC/SMBN ratio compared to legume CCs. When CCs residues were incorporated into the soil or surface mulched, the SMBC and SMBN increased compared to the removal of residues. The effect of CCs on the SMBN and SMBC/SMBN ratio was higher in medium-textured soils compared to coarser or fine-textured soils, but coarser-textured soils have a higher SMBC. The effect of CCs on SMBN and SMBC/SMBN ratio was prominent on medium-textured soils having soil organic carbon (SOC) in the range of 10-20 mg g-1, pH > 6.5, and total nitrogen (TN) in the range of 1-2%. It was concluded that CCs enhanced SMBC, SMBN, and its ratio compared to NCCs. The response, however, varied depending on the soil properties and climatic region. Cover crops can boost the biological soil's health by increasing the microbial population's abundance compared to NCCs.

Rice straw application with different water regimes stimulate enzymes activity and improve aggregates and their organic carbon contents in a paddy soil.

Soil organic carbon plays considerable roles in binding soil particles together forming aggregates. Carbon (C) incorporated within these aggregates is thought to be microbially processed; thus, investigating changes in microbial activities i.e. dehydrogenase, urease, catalase and phosphatase enzymes may explain, to some extent, the dynamics and probably mechanisms responsible of formation of these aggregates. Since, soil water content (SWC) may take part in stimulating/lessening activities of organic matter decomposers; thus, this study aimed at investigating the effects of rice straw as a source of organic C in combination with variable SWC on bioaccumulation of C within different soil aggregate size fractions (2000-250, 250-53 and < 53 µm) and hence formation of these aggregates. To achieve these objectives, a pot experiment was conducted for 90 days, including five water levels i.e. maintaining a water head 1 cm above the soil surface (W1), 100% of the saturation percentage, SP (W2), 80% of SP (W3), 65% of SP (W4) and 50% of SP (W5), beside of two rates of applied rice straw i.e. 0 and 15 g kg-1 (w/w). Results revealed that application of rice straw at a rate of 15 g kg-1 increased the activities of dehydrogenase, urease, neutral phosphatase and catalase enzymes within the first 60 days after application; thereafter, activities of the first three enzymes decreased considerably. Likewise, formation of soil macro- (2000-250 µm) and micro-aggregates (250-53 µm) increased by the end of the experimental period. The highest concentrations of soil carbon were incorporated within soil macro-aggregate, whereas the least C content was found within the "silt + clay" fraction. Increasing SWC resulted in significant reductions in activities of the aforementioned enzymes and consequent reductions occurred in soil aggregation. Carbon content within aggregates sized <250 µm were significantly correlated with the percentage of these aggregates in soil. Thus, soil aggregation is thought to be the byproduct of an aerobic biosynthetic microbial process in which more stable hydrophobic organic C existed mainly in macropores. This process probably occurred within the first 60 days after RS application.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Plantago lanceolata extract and assessing their antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag. NPs) have shown a biological activity range, synthesized under different environment-friendly approaches. Ag. NPs were synthesized using aqueous crude extract (ACE) isolated from Plantago lanceolata. The ACE and Ag. NPs were characterized and assessed their biological and antioxidant activities. The existence of nanoparticles (NPs) was confirmed by color shift, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV-Vis's spectroscopy. The FT-IR analysis indicated the association of biomolecules (phenolic acid and flavonoids) to reduce silver (Ag+) ions. The SEM study demonstrated a sphere-shaped and mean size in the range of 30 ± 4 nm. The EDX spectrum revealed that the Ag. NPs were composed of 54.87% Ag with 20 nm size as identified by SEM and TEM. AFM has ended up being exceptionally useful in deciding morphological elements and the distance across of Ag. NPs in the scope of 23-30 nm. The TEM image showed aggregations of NPs and physical interaction. Ag. NPs formation also confirmed by XPS, DRS and BET studies. Ag. NPs showed efficient activity as compared to ACE, and finally, the bacterial growth was impaired by biogenic NPs. The lethal dose (LD50) of Ag. NPs against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli were 45.66%, 139.71%, 332.87%, and 45.54%, with IC50 (08.02 ± 0.68), (55.78 ± 1.01), (12.34 ± 1.35) and (11.68 ± 1.42) respectively, suppressing the growth as compared to ACE. The antioxidant capacity, i.e., 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) of Ag. NPs were assayed. ACE and Ag. NPs achieved a peak antioxidant capacity of 62.43 ± 2.4 and 16.85 ± 0.4 µg mL-1, compared to standard (69.60 ± 1.1 at 100 µg mL-1) with IC50 (369.5 ± 13.42 and 159.5 ± 10.52 respectively). Finally, the Ag. NPs synthesized by P. lanceolata extract have an excellent source of bioactive natural products (NP). Outstanding antioxidant, antibacterial activities have been shown by NPs and can be used in various biological techniques in future research.

Comparing the phosphorus use efficiency of pre-treated (organically) rock phosphate with soluble P fertilizers in maize under calcareous soils.

In calcareous soils, phosphorus (P) availability to plant is impaired due to the formation of insoluble complexes with calcium and magnesium. Therefore, this study was executed to compare the P use efficiency (PUE) of four different P sources [rock phosphate (RP), acidulated rock phosphate (ARP), single super phosphate (SSP) and di ammonium phosphate (DAP)] alone or pre-treated with organic amendments (farm yard manure (FYM) enriched compost, simple compost and humic acid (HA)) along with control in maize crop under calcareous soils. All treatments irrespective of P sources received 90 kg P2O5 ha-1. Phosphorus application regardless of its sources and combination with organic amendments significantly improved maize growth, yield as well as P uptake and PUE. Rock phosphate when applied alone was recorded inferior but its performance significantly improved with compost or its pre-addition with FYM and HA, that further enhanced upon acidulation. Maize grain yield increased by 21, 22.2, 67.9 and 94% with RP, ARP, ARP enriched compost and ARP+ compost respectively, over control. Similarly, PUE of DAP improved from 31.7 to 43.1 and 39 with sample and enriched compost correspondingly. Post-harvest soil and grain P were at par for SSP, ARP and DAP alone or in conjugation with organic amendments when averaged across the amendments. These results suggested that pretreatment of P sources with organic amendments is an economical and more feasible approach to improve maize yield and PUE. Moreover, on-farm acidulation of RP may give at par results with SSP and DAP with cheaper rate and hence recommended for P management in maize in alkaline calcareous soils.

Stop-flow lithography to generate cell-laden microgel particles.

Encapsulating cells within hydrogels is important for generating three-dimensional (3D) tissue constructs for drug delivery and tissue engineering. This paper describes, for the first time, the fabrication of large numbers of cell-laden microgel particles using a continuous microfluidic process called stop-flow lithography (SFL). Prepolymer solution containing cells was flowed through a microfluidic device and arrays of individual particles were repeatedly defined using pulses of UV light through a transparency mask. Unlike photolithography, SFL can be used to synthesize microgel particles continuously while maintaining control over particle size, shape and anisotropy. Therefore, SFL may become a useful tool for generating cell-laden microgels for various biomedical applications.

A benzil and isoflavone from Iris tenuifolia.

Two compounds, tenuifodione (1) and tenuifone (2), and 12 known compounds, izalpinin (3), alpinone (4), arborinone (5), irilin B (6), irisone A (7), irisone B (8), betavulgarin (9), beta-sitosterol (10), 5,7-dihydroxy-2',6-dimethoxyisoflavone (11), 2',5-dihdroxy-6,7-methylenedioxy flavanone (12), irisoid A (13) and ethyl-beta-d-glucopyranoside (14) were isolated from the whole plant of Iris tenuifolia Pall. All compounds, except 12, were isolated for the first time from this plant. Compounds 2, 3 and 11 have shown a considerable DPPH radical scavenging activity. Structures of these compounds were identified on the basis of spectroscopic techniques, including 2D NMR. Compounds 3, 5 and 7 were also subjected to single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and their structures were unambiguously deduced.

Aegiceras corniculatum extract suppresses initial and late phases of inflammation in rat paw and attenuates the production of eicosanoids in rat neutrophils and human platelets.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study is designed to explore the anti-inflammatory potential of Aegiceras corniculatum Linn. Blanco stems extracts and their mechanism of action against various pro-inflammatory mediators and to validate its traditional use against inflammatory diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat paw edema and peritonitis models were employed for in vivo studies. For in vitro studies human platelets and rat neutrophils were stimulated with Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187 leading to the production of various pro-inflammatory metabolites, i.e., 12-HTT, 12-HETE and LTB(4) and 5-HETE which were quantified by HPLC. RESULTS: The highly polar methanol extract (100mg/kg) caused approximately 90% reduction in the carrageenan- and prostaglandin E2-induced paw edema in rats. It also caused the inhibition of cycloxygenase-1 metabolite, 12-HHT (IC(50) 41.1+/-1.5microg/ml) with a concomitant rise in 12-lipoxygenase metabolite, 12-HETE in A23187 stimulated human platelets. Conversely, the non-polar hexane extract attenuated (IC(50) 0.36+/-0.12microg/ml) 12-HETE formation with a parallel rise in 12-HHT, thereby displaying a selectivity towards 12-lipoxygenase. Non-polar hexane extract also antagonized the production of 5-lipoxygenase metabolites, i.e., leukotriene B(4) and 5-HETE in the rat neutrophils. Furthermore, ethyl acetate extract inhibited both COX and 5-LOX with a marked decline in the production of 12-HHT (IC(50) 0.08+/-0.002microg/ml) and LTB(4) (IC(50) 0.86+/-0.03microg/ml), respectively. The anti-inflammatory effect of hexane and ethyl acetate extracts was also reflected by the diminution of carrageenan-induced cell infiltration in rat peritoneum. Additionally, plant extracts caused approximately 60% suppression in dextran-induced paw edema implying that they also ameliorate histamine and serotonin release. CONCLUSION: Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts derived from Aegiceras corniculatum possess significant anti-inflammatory activity via multiple mechanisms and validate their traditional use against inflammation-related diseases.

A study on antioxidant, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective actions of Aegiceras corniculatum (stem) extracts.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective potential of Aegiceras corniculatum Linn. Blanco (Aegicerataceae). METHODS AND RESULTS: The n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts, derived from Aegiceras corniculatum stems, scavenged superoxide anions (O2*) and hydroxyl radicals (*OH) in nitro blue tetrazolium reduction and deoxyribose degradation assays, respectively. All the extracts inhibited the process of lipid peroxidation at its initiation step. Additionally, in rat liver microsomes n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts also caused termination of radical chain reaction supporting their scavenging action towards lipid peroxy radicals (LOO*). Moreover, increased production of O2* in human neutrophils, stimulated by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and/or opsonized zymosan were also suppressed (IC50 approximately 3-20 microg/mL). Thereby, revealing the ability of plant extracts to antagonize the oxidative stress via interference with NADPH oxidase metabolic pathway. These in vitro results coincide with the reduction in the glucose oxidase-induced paw edema in mice in the presence of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts (10, 50, and 100mg/kg, i.p.). Plant extracts (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) also significantly protected the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative tissue injury in rat liver. This was reflected by a approximately 60% decline in the levels of serum aminotransferase enzymes. CONCLUSION: Aegiceras corniculatum extracts found to possess pronounced antioxidant effect that may be at least in part related to its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities. This study provides a scientific basis for the ethnomedical claims that Aegiceras corniculatum is effective against inflammation and liver injury.

Anterior decompression and fixation with Webb-Morley procedure in dorsolumbar spinal injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the neurological outcome of anterior decompression and fixation with Webb-Morley procedure in dorsolumbar spinal injuries. STUDY DESIGN: A case series study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Neurosurgery Department, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from May 2008 to July 2010. METHODOLOGY: Patients with post-traumatic unstable dorsolumbar spine having compression of the spinal cord with bony fragments of the fractured vertebra were included in the study. Patients below the age of 15 years and patients with bed sores and unfit for anaesthesia were excluded. Plain X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were done. All patients were treated for dorsolumbar fractures by anterior decompression and fixation with Webb-Morley procedure. All patients were assessed clinically by the Frankel's grading before and after surgery. RESULTS: Among 60 patients, 41 were males and 19 were females. Mean age was 37.2 ± 4 years. Major cause of trauma was road traffic accident. The commonest level of the fracture was at the dorsolumbar junction i.e. 71.66% (n = 43). About 19 (31.66%) patients improved to the Frankel's grade-E, while 41.66% (n = 25) improved to grade-D after surgery. There was no postoperative mortality. CONCLUSION: According to the current study, anterior decompression and fixation with Webb-Morley procedure is an effective and safe approach. Those patients who had complete motor deficit showed no improvement in power but those who had partial motor deficit, had excellent improvement.

Biotransformation of (-)-ambrox by cell suspension cultures of Actinidia deliciosa.

Biotransformation of (-)-ambrox (1) with cell suspension cultures of Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwifruit) yielded the regio- and stereospecific oxygenated products 3-oxoambrox (2), 3beta-hydroxyambrox (3), 1alpha-hydroxyambrox (4), 3beta,6beta-dihydroxyambrox (5), 1alpha,6beta-dihydroxyambrox (6), and 1alpha,3beta-dihydroxyambrox (7). Metabolites 6 and 7 were found to be new compounds. These metabolites were structurally characterized on the basis of spectroscopic studies. The structure of compound 6 was unambiguously deduced by single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Metabolites 2-7 were evaluated for in vitro inhibitory activity against the thymidine phosphorylase enzyme.