Insight into the Biological Activity of Hennosides-Glucosides Isolated from Lawsonia inermis (henna): Could They Be Regarded as Active Constituents Instead.

Henna is the current name of the dye prepared from the dry leaf powder of Lawsonia inermis (Lythraceae). Several studies have focused on the chemistry and pharmacology of the henna dyeing active compound, lawsone, obtained from the main constituents of leaves, hennosides, during the processing of plant material. However, knowledge regarding the biological activity of hennosides is largely lacking. In this paper, the redox activity of three hennoside isomers is reported. The pro-oxidative activity was confirmed by their ability to induce mild lysis of erythrocytes and to increase the level of methemoglobin at the concentration ≥ 500 µg/mL. The antioxidant activity of hennosides (concentration ≥100 µg/mL) was determined by FRAP and ABTS assays. At concentration of 500 µg/mL, antioxidant activity of hennoside isomers was equivalent to 0.46 ± 0.08, 0.62 ± 0.28 and 0.35 ± 0.03 mM FeSO4 × 7H2O, and 0.15 ± 0.01, 0.30 ± 0.01 and 0.09 ± 0.01 mM Trolox. Hennosides at 100 µg/mL concentration did not influence viability of human breast cancer cell lines MDA231 and MCF-7 and primary human peripheral blood and periodontal ligament-mesenchymal stem cells, but produced a modest increase in concentration of antioxidants in the cell culture supernatants. The evidenced antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities indicate their potential to act as redox balance regulator, which opens up the possibility of using hennosides in commercial phytomedicines.

Effects of oral supplementation with organically modified clinoptilolite during prepartum period on colostrum quality in primiparous dairy cows.

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that an oral supplementation with organically modified clinoptilolite will improve colostrum quality in primiparous dairy cows whilst having no adverse effects on the cows' health. A total of 36 pregnant Holstein primiparous dairy cattle were randomly assigned to receive daily oral drenching, two hours following morning feeding, with 1 l of water containing either 0 g/l (n = 16) or 150 g/l (n = 20) of clinoptilolite. Treatment lasted from 24 ± 4 d prior to expected parturition until two days postpartum (pp). Colostrum was collected at 2 to 3 h, 12, 24 and 36 h pp and blood samples were collected at 24 ± 4 and 4 ± 2 d prior to parturition and 1, 2 and 7 d pp. Overall mean dry matter, fat and total protein percentage as well as IgG concentration and mass were significantly greater in colostrum collected from cattle drenched with clinoptilolite (total protein increased by 15% and IgG concentration and mass by 21 and 38% respectively at first sampling and further at second sampling). Total γ globulin and most other blood serum biochemistry parameters did not differ between cattle treated and not treated with clinoptilolite, the only exception being the fast anionic γ globulin fraction that was 17% greater at 4 ± 2 d prior to parturition and 10% lower on the 1st day pp in treated cattle. These results showed that organically modified oral clinoptilolite supplementation at 150 g/d significantly increases the IgG concentration in colostrum and has no adverse effects on the energy status, protein, lipid, and mineral metabolism in primiparous dairy cattle during prepartum period.

Efficiency of recycled wool-based nonwoven material for the removal of oils from water.

The aim of this study was to highlight the potential use of recycled wool-based nonwoven material for the removal of diesel fuel, crude, base, vegetable and motor oil from water. Sorption capacity of the material in water and in oil without water, oil retention, sorbent reusability and buoyancy in static and dynamic conditions were investigated. The results show high sorption capacity of recycled wool for different kinds of oil. This sorbent also exhibited excellent buoyancy after 24h of sorption as well as a good reusability since the decrease in sorption capacity did not exceed 50% of the initial value after five sorption cycles in oil without water.

A longitudinal study of the relationship between galactosylation degree of IgG and rheumatoid factor titer and avidity during long-term immunization of rabbits with BSA.

Although IgG with reduced content of galactose has been implicated as important in the autoimmune rheumatoid factor (RF) response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), relatively little is known about the temporal relationship between RF and the degree of galactosylation of IgG in vivo. We established an experimental model for studying the dynamic association between changes in the relative extent of galactosylation of IgG antigen(s) and the main parameters of RF activity, such as the titer, specificity and functional affinity/avidity. Rabbits hyperimmunized with BSA were used for examining the influence of long-term antigenic stimulation on the galactosylation status of IgG and rheumatoid factor production. The results showed that the galactosylation profile of IgG varied during the humoral anti-BSA response in rabbits and that the accompanying RF response fluctuated in titer and binding avidity for differently galactosylated IgG. The immune complexes (IC) were found to be composed of differently galactosylated IgG differing in capacity to inhibit the agglutination activity of RF. Moreover, the ability of circulating RF to react avidly with rather small IC was associated with a lower content of galactose in complexed IgG. The results suggest that a certain dynamic relationship exists between the oligosaccharide moiety of IgG and the titer and avidity of RF during the normal anti-BSA response of rabbits.

[Case report: celiac disease]. / Prikaz slucaja: morbus coeliacus.

INTRODUCTION: Celiac disease (nontropical sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, chronic intestinal malabsorption disorder) is caused by gluten intolerance. This hereditary disorder is caused by sensitivity to gliadin. Because the body's own immune system causes the damage, celiac disease is considered to be an autoimmune disorder. However, it is also classified as a disease of malabsorption because nutrients are not absorbed. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine. Specifically, tiny finger-like protrusions, called villi, on the lining of the small intestine are lost. The diagnosis is suspected on the basis of symptoms and signs, enhanced by laboratory and x-ray studies, and confirmed by biopsy revealing flat mucosa and subsequent clinical and histologic improvement on a gluten-free diet. Gluten must be excluded from diet. Supplementary vitamins, minerals and hematinics may be given depending on deficiency. CASE REPORT: This is a case report of a 23-year old female patient with a mineralization defect (osteomalacia) and secondary osteoporosis caused by long-time unrecognized celiac disease. The patient had many symptoms: short stature, steatorrhea, anemia, weight loss and chronic bone pain. Laboratory and x-ray studies and jejunal biopsy revealed a chronic intestinal malabsorption disorder caused by gluten intolerance. Gluten-free diet and supplementary vitamins, minerals and hematinics were included with apparent clinical remission. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Some people with celiac disease may not have symptoms. The undamaged part of their small intestine is able to absorb enough nutrients to prevent symptoms. However, people without symptoms are still at risk for complications of celiac disease. Biopsy of the small intestine is the best way to diagnose celiac disease. Decreased bone density (osteoporosis and osteomalacia) is a serious problem for celiacs. If calcium is not absorbed, due to small intestinal damage caused by untreated celiac disease, bones are not as dense. The only treatment for celiac disease is gluten-free diet, that is, avoiding all foods that contain gluten. For most people, this diet stops symptoms, heals the existing intestinal damage, and prevents further damage.