Anti-diabetic effect of Murraya koenigii (L) and Olea europaea (L) leaf extracts on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Phytotherapy has a promising future in the management of diabetes, considered to be less toxic and free from side effects as compared to the use of synthetic drugs. The aim of the present study was to assess the antidiabetic possible of orally administered aqueous extracts of Murraya koenigii (ML) and Olea europaea (OL) leaves (100 and 200 mg/kg doses), in streptozotocin (70 mg/kg) induced diabetic rats. Metformin was used as a standard drug. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine levels and body weight were estimated. ML and OL administration showed significant decrease (p>0.05) in cholesterol, triglyceride, and serum glucose levels (range 55.6%-64.6%) compared to the metformin (62.7%); however, there was no significant effect on body weight and serum creatinine. Our results suggest that both the ML and OL possess a potent antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effect, which may be due to the presence of antioxidants such as carbazole alkaloids and polyphenols.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Dromedary camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) from Saudi Arabia.

Serological screening of 199 serum samples from Dromedary camels-from different cities in Saudi Arabia-was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting antibodies against two cyst-forming coccidian parasites, namely Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 68 (34.2%) samples, while those against N. caninum were present in 33 (16.6%) samples. The highest seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was reported in samples from Taif (51.2%), while the lowest seroprevalence was reported in samples from Riyadh and Hofuf (15.1%). The highest seroprevalence of N. caninum antibodies was reported in samples from Jizan (35.9%) while the lowest was reported in samples from Taif (2.4%). A total of 47 male and 21 female camels exhibited antibodies against T. gondii , while 19 male and 14 female camels showed antibodies against N. caninum . Concurrent detection of both T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies was observed in 18 camels. It has been demonstrated that T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies are prevalent in camels from different cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Dromedary camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) from Saudi Arabia / Soroprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em camelos dromedário (Camelus dromedarius) da Arábia Saudita

Abstract Serological screening of 199 serum samples from Dromedary camels—from different cities in Saudi Arabia—was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting antibodies against two cyst-forming coccidian parasites, namely Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 68 (34.2%) samples, while those against N. caninum were present in 33 (16.6%) samples. The highest seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was reported in samples from Taif (51.2%), while the lowest seroprevalence was reported in samples from Riyadh and Hofuf (15.1%). The highest seroprevalence of N. caninum antibodies was reported in samples from Jizan (35.9%) while the lowest was reported in samples from Taif (2.4%). A total of 47 male and 21 female camels exhibited antibodies against T. gondii , while 19 male and 14 female camels showed antibodies against N. caninum . Concurrent detection of both T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies was observed in 18 camels. It has been demonstrated that T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies are prevalent in camels from different cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Resumo A triagem sorológica para a detecção de anticorpos para Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum no camelo dromedário foi realizada investigando 199 amostras de soro coletadas em diferentes cidades da Arábia Saudita. As amostras foram testadas utilizando imunoensaios enzimáticos para a detecção de anticorpos de ambos os parasitas coccídeos formadores de cistos (Laboratórios IDEXX, Bommeli Diagnostics, AG, Berna, Suíça). Anticorpos contra T. gondii foram detectados em 68 (34,2%) amostras, enquanto 33 (16,6%) apresentaram anticorpos contra N. caninum. A maior soroprevalência de anticorpos contra T. gondii (51,2%) foi relatada em Taif, enquanto a menor soroprevalência (15,1%) foi relatada em Riyadh e Hofuf. A maior soroprevalência de anticorpos contra N. caninum foi relatada em Jizan (35,9%), enquanto a menor foi em Taif (2,4%). Um total de 47 machos e 21 fêmeas revelou anticorpos para T. gondii , enquanto 19 machos e 14 fêmeas revelaram anticorpos para N. caninum . A detecção de ambos os anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum foi de 18 indivíduos. Foi demonstrado que os anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum são predominantes em camelos de diferentes cidades do Reino da Arábia Saudita.

Oleuropein induces apoptosis via the p53 pathway in breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Olive oil induces apoptosis in some cancer cells due to phenolic compounds like oleuropein. Although oleuropein has anticancer activity, the underlying mechanisms of action remain unknown. The study aimed to assess the mechanism of oleuropin-induced breast cancer cell apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: p53, Bcl-2 and Bax gene expression was evaluated by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in luminal MCF-7 cells. RESULTS: Oleuropein-induced apoptosis was accompanied by up-regulation of both p53 and Bax gene expression levels and down-regulation in Bcl2. CONCLUSIONS: Oleuropein induces apoptosis in breast tumour cells via a p53-dependent pathway mediated by Bax and Bcl2 genes. Therefore, oleuropein may have therapeutic potential in breast cancer patients by inducing apoptosis via activation of the p53 pathway.