Glucosinolates, a natural chemical arsenal: More to tell than the myrosinase story.

Glucosinolates are a group of thioglucosides that belong to the class of plant nitrogen-containing natural products. So far, very little biological activity has been associated with intact glucosinolates. The hydrolysis of glucosinolates has, for long, attracted attention because of the potent biological activity of the hydrolysis products. From allelopathic to antiparasitic, antimicrobial and antineoplastic effects, the activity spectrum of the degradation products of typical glucosinolates has been the subject of much research. The present review seeks to address the various means of glucosinolate degradation (thermal, enzymatic, or chemical degradation) and the ensuing products. It also aims to draw a comparative profile of the various antimicrobial effects of these degradation products to provide a further understanding of the biological function of these important compounds.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Misdiagnosed as Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With a Catastrophic Outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare infection of the central nervous system due to the reactivation of the John Cunningham polyomavirus. It is commonly a progressive fatal disease with worldwide distribution. CASE REPORT: We describe a rare case of PML, which was misdiagnosed as neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with a catastrophic outcome due to delay in diagnosis with superadded cyclophosphamide therapy. CONCLUSION: There are several lessons taught from our case. Firstly, in patients with autoimmune disorders who are strongly immunosuppressed, the new onset of cognitive impairment and seizures should alert the treating physician to look carefully for PML. Secondly, in cases of SLE where the diagnosis of the cause of cognitive impairment and seizures is not clear, we suggest that immunosuppression should not be intensified until PML has clearly been ruled out. Lastly, multidisciplinary care in patients with suspected neuropsychiatric SLE including a neurologist, an infectious diseases consultant, a neuroradiologist, and a rheumatologist is needed.

Arsenic Poisoning due to High Consumption of Canned Sardines in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Dietary consumption of arsenic is considered the largest source of toxicosis for nonoccupationally exposed individuals as it can be ingested through contaminated underground water, seafood, animal products, and crops irrigated with polluted water. We present a case of a 45-year-old Caucasian male who had headaches and peripheral neuropathy for more than two months. He suspected arsenic poisoning as he has a regular heavy consumption of seafood and canned sardines. Analysis of urinary arsenic concentration confirmed his intoxication with arsenic. Yet, since it was of an inorganic form, he was prescribed with symptomatic treatments only. A symmetrical sensory or motor polyneuropathy featuring more distal impairment is among the most common neurological findings induced by arsenic toxicosis. Hence, a presenting history of heavy seafood diet should raise the differential diagnosis of arsenic or heavy metal poisoning and to investigate accordingly. This case illustrates the importance of taking the dietary regime of any patient presenting with neuropathy. In addition, the authorities must impose further rigorous surveillance and strict safety measures on food products and staples to minimize any sources of contamination of any sorts.

Antimicrobial Activity of Polyphenols and Alkaloids in Middle Eastern Plants.

Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms have been an ever-growing concern over the past years. This has led researchers to direct their attention onto plants to be able to discover new possible antimicrobial compounds. The Middle East encompasses a wide spectrum of plant diversity with over 20,000 different species in habitats ranging from deserts to snow-capped mountains. Several plant secondary metabolites and their derivatives have been identified as possible antimicrobial agents. Among the secondary metabolites studied, alkaloids and polyphenols have shown strong antimicrobial activity. Polyphenols are one of the most numerous and diverse group of secondary metabolites; their antioxidant properties provide the basis for antimicrobial effects. Alkaloids provided the underlying structure for the development of several antibiotics with a diverse range of action. The ability of some plant secondary metabolites to act as resistance-modifying agents is a promising field in mitigating the spread of bacterial resistance.