Postharvest starch and sugars adjustment in potato tubers of wide-ranging dormancy genotypes subjected to various sprout forcing techniques.

The development of an efficient, safe, and environment-friendly technique to terminate tuber dormancy in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) is of great concern due to the immense scope of multiple cropping all over the globe. The breakage of tuber dormancy has been associated with numerous physiological changes, including a decline in the level of starch and an increase in the levels of sugars during storage of freshly harvested seed potatoes, although their consistency across genotypes and various dormancy-breaking techniques have not yet been fully elucidated. The purpose of the present research is to assess the efficacy of four different dormancy-breaking techniques, such as soaking in 90, 60, or 30 mg L-1 solutions of benzyl amino purine (BAP) and 30, 20, or 10 mg L-1 gibberellic acid (GA3) alone and in the combination of optimized concentrations; cold pre-treatment at 6, 4, or 2 °C; electric shock at 80, 60, 40, or 20 Vs; and irradiation at 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, or 1 kGy on the tuber dormancy period and sprout length of six genotypes. Furthermore, the changes that occurred in tuber weight and endogenous starch, sucrose, fructose, and glucose contents in experimental genotypes following the application of these techniques were also examined. Overall, the most effective technique to terminate tuber dormancy and hasten spout growth was the combined application of BAP and GA3, which reduced the length of dormancy by 9.6 days compared to the untreated control, following 6.7 days of electric current, 4.4 days of cold pre-treatment, and finally irradiation (3.3 days). The 60 mg L-1 solution of BAP greatly reduced the dormancy period in all genotypes but did not affect the sprout length at all. The genotypes showed a weak negative correlation (r = - 0.4) (P < 0.05) of endogenous starch contents with dormancy breakage and weight loss or a moderate (r = - 0.5) correlation with sprout length, but a strong positive correlation (r = 0.8) of tuber glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents with dormancy breakage and weight loss. During 3 weeks of storage, sprouting commencement and significant weight loss occurred as tuber dormancy advanced towards breakage due to a reduction in starch and an increase in the sucrose, fructose, and glucose contents of the tubers. These findings could be advantageous for postponing or accelerating seed potato storage as well as investigating related physiological research in the future.

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles.

Curcumin is a phytochemical isolated from the dried rhizome of Curcuma longa L. family Zingiberaceae which possesses versatile biological activities and has hydrophobic properties. The current study was conducted to fabricate, and optimize curcumin loaded chitosan and Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) nanoparticles (NPs) to improve the bioavailability of curcumin. NPs were fabricated employing the Ionic gelation method. Four formulations were developed based on the selected variables like STPP and chitosan concentration, rotations per minute (rpm), temperature, and pH of chitosan solution. NPs were characterized for morphology, drug-polymer compatibility, yield, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, release behavior, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity compared to curcumin and standard drug. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows nanoparticle compatibility. The maximum yield was 60%. Entrapment efficiency ranged from 45 to 65%. Curcumin NPs and standard drug 600 µg/ml shows 59% and 70% anti-inflammatory activity by HRB membrane stabilization method respectively which are greater than curcumin alone whereas anti-arthritic activity by protein denaturation method which is also comparable to standard drug and greater than curcumin was 66 and 70% respectively. Statistical analysis shows the mean significant difference at p ≤ 0.05. The study concluded that curcumin-loaded chitosan and STPP NPs formulated successfully by the Ionic gelation method, which increased curcumin absorption leading to a reduced dosing rate and improved patient compliance.

Mutation pattern of cancer suppressor p53 gene in factory workers exposed to polypropylene and impact on their reproductive hormones.

BACKGROUND: Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer playing the role of an endocrine disruptor that interferes with the union, emission, transport or elimination of normal hormones. Epidemiological information indicated the relation of endocrine-disturbing chemicals with prostate cancer, testis tumor and diminished fertility. p53 is a key tumor silencer gene. The present study aimed to evaluate luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and the risk of p53 mutations as a result of exposure to polypropylene in non-tumorous adult male factory workers. METHODS: In total, 150 (controls = 35, workers = 115) subjects were recruited. Groups were maintained according to the tenure of exposure G1 (1-5 years), G2 (6-10 years), G3 (11-15 years) and G4 (16-20 years). Concentrations of LH and FSH were determined through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Genotyping analysis was performed by polymerase chain reaction based gel electrophoresis followed by DNA sequencing. The structural and functional impact of the mutation on the p53 structure was evaluated using 50-ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and protein-DNA docking. RESULTS: Mean plasma LH levels were significantly decreased in G1 (p > 0.05) as well as the G2, G3 and G4 (p > 0.001) groups. Similarly, FSH levels were significant decrease in G1 (p > 0.05), G2 (p > 0.01), G3 (p > 0.001) and G4 (p > 0.001) compared to the control group. Sequencing results found three variants i.e. g.13450 T>G, g.13430C>T and g.13737G>A. One of them was predicted to be disease-causing others are polymorphisms. MD simulation of missense mutation R273H showed no structural impact on the protein structure in MD simulation, but it resulted in weaker binding of p53 with the DNA that might lower the gene expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins. CONCLUSIONS: These findings predict decreased fertility and risk of malignancies in the future. The spectrum of p53 mutations as a result of polypropylene exposure in the Pakistani population has not been investigated before. Further studies and meta-analyses are required to elucidate the role of different plasticizers in reproduction and cancer-causing risk factors in a larger population.

A comprehensive review on medicinal plants possessing antioxidant potential.

Many research studies have proposed that about two-thirds of the medicinal plant species of the world possess significant antioxidant potential. Antioxidants are very beneficial as they decrease oxidative stress (OS) in cells and hence play their role in management as well as treatment of numerous diseases like cancers, cardiovascular diseases, as well as many inflammatory illnesses. This review comprises the antioxidant potential of numerous parts of medicinal plants like leaves, stems, roots, seeds, fruits, as well as bark. Synthetic antioxidants named butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as well as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are extensively employed in foods because of their role as food preservatives. Several natural antioxidants have better efficacy as compared to synthetic antioxidants. These medicinal plants include Geranium sanguineum L., Rheum ribes L., Diospyros abyssinica, Sargentodoxa cuneata Rehd. Et Wils, Pistacia lentiscus, Ficus microcarpa L. fil., Polyalthia cerasoides (Roxb.) Bedd, Cunn, Teucrium polium L., Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham., Urtica dioica L., Dracocephalum moldavica L., Momordica Charantia L., Acacia auriculiformis A., Bidens pilosa Linn. The Lamiaceae species, Radiata, Leea indica, Pelargonium endlicherianum, Salvia officinalis L., and Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC. The literature study disclosed more side effects of synthetic antioxidants (including food additives) in comparison with natural antioxidants and for prevention of many diseases.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Phytochemical and FTIR Analysis of Peganum harmala (Fruit) Ethanolic Extract From Cholistan Desert, Pakistan.

The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Peganum harmala fruit. Ethanolic extract was prepared and phytochemical screening showed the presence of a lot of chemical compounds. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra indicated the presence of organic acids, hydroxyl and phenolic compounds, amino groups, aliphatic compounds, and functional groups such as amide, ketone, aldehyde, aromatics, and halogen compounds. Antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of P. harmala by the DPPH method showed 71.4% inhibition, whereas IC50 ± SEM (µg/mL) was .406 ± .11. Antibacterial activity was performed against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Maximum antibacterial activity was exhibited by Bacillus subtilis (24.33 ± 2 mm) and Bacillus pumilus (23.33 ± 2 mm). Zone of inhibition was 19 ± 2 mm by P. aeruginosa, and it was 18.33 ± 2 mm by Bordetella bronchiseptica. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis had inhibitory effect in the range of 12.33 ± 2 mm and 13.66 ± 3 mm, respectively. 11.66 ± 2 mm and 10 ± 2 mm was zone of inhibition by Micrococcus luteus and E. coli, respectively. Antifungal activity was performed against Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. Ethanolic extract of P. harmala showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus (5 ± 1 mm) and Candida albicans (4 ± 1 mm). Mild antifungal activity was reported by Aspergillus fumigatus (3 ± 1 mm), whereas no activity was exhibited by Aspergillus terreus. Further research is needed in order to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of P. harmala as well.

Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis and antimicrobial screening of ethanolic extract of Operculina terpathum from cholistan desert.

Aim of present study was to assess pharmacological (antioxidant, antibacterial & antifungal) potential of Operculina terpathum seeds. Ethanolic extract was prepared and its phytochemical evaluation show the different chemical compounds such as carbohydrates, phenols, tannin, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, alkaloids and proteins. FTIR spectra showed the presence of organic acids, hydroxyl and phenolic compounds, amino groups, aliphatic compounds, functional groups such as amide, ketone, aldehyde, aromatics and halogen compounds. Antioxidant activity of the Operculina terpathum alcoholic extract was performed by DPPH method and it showed 97.13%whereas IC50±SEM (µg/ml) was 1.425±0.16. Antibacterial activity was performed against different bacterial strains and results were comparable with that of standard. Maximum antibacterial activity was exhibited by Bacillus subtillis (28.33±2 mm) and Bacillus pumilus (25.33±2 mm) respectively. Antifungal activity was also performed and it showed maximum activity against Aspergillus flavous and Candida albicans6±1, 5±1mm respectively. These results showed that Operculina terpathum has good antibacterial and antifungal activity against different microbes and it could be used as an alternative to antibiotics, as the antibiotics resistance is very common now a days.

Anti-diabetic Potential of Indigenous Medicinal Plants of Cholistan Desert, Pakistan: A Review.

Cholistan Desert is a sandy desert located in southern Punjab, Pakistan. The area is rich in more than 64 medicinal plants among 138 plant species. It is noteworthy that this remote desert lacks modern health care facilities and its inhabitants are dependent on locally-available plant species for the treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. Medicinal plants, traditionally have been ideal sources of remedies for the management of many non-communicable diseases; most modern prescriptions drugs have their origins from plants. Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in the past few decades. Whereas medicinal plants are used globally, the specific properties of only a few have been identifies scientifically. Similarly, little scientific evidence exists that confirms the efficacy of the medicinal plants of this region for diabetes management. Ethnobotanical studies show that locally-available medicinal plants do have anti-diabetic potential. We reviewed the medicinal properties of 36 of these plants. Several ingredients derived from these plants have chemical constituents that demonstrate anti-diabetic activity, thereby validating their importance for the management of diabetes.

Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis and antimicrobial screening of ethanolic extract of Operculina terpathum from cholistan desert

Aim of present study was to assess pharmacological (antioxidant, antibacterial & antifungal) potential of Operculina terpathum seeds. Ethanolic extract was prepared and its phytochemical evaluation show the different chemical compounds such as carbohydrates, phenols, tannin, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, alkaloids and proteins. FTIR spectra showed the presence of organic acids, hydroxyl and phenolic compounds, amino groups, aliphatic compounds, functional groups such as amide, ketone, aldehyde, aromatics and halogen compounds. Antioxidant activity of the Operculina terpathum alcoholic extract was performed by DPPH method and it showed 97.13%whereas IC50±SEM (μg/ml) was 1.425±0.16. Antibacterial activity was performed against different bacterial strains and results were comparable with that of standard. Maximum antibacterial activity was exhibited by Bacillus subtillis (28.33±2 mm) and Bacillus pumilus (25.33±2 mm) respectively. Antifungal activity was also performed and it showed maximum activity against Aspergillus flavous and Candida albicans6±1, 5±1mm respectively. These results showed that Operculina terpathum has good antibacterial and antifungal activity against different microbes and it could be used as an alternative to antibiotics, as the antibiotics resistance is very common now a days. (AU)

Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis: In-Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Anti-arthritic and Anti-inflammatory Potential of Some Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants.

Background: Colchicum autumnale, Strychnous nux-vomica and Aloe barbadensis are the medicinal plants clinically utilized for the management of rhuematic disorders. Purpose: The present work was focused to evaluate the in-vitro anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities of Colchicum (Colchicum autumnale), Nux-vomica (Strychnous nux-vomica), and Aloe-vera (Aloe barbadensis). Research Design: Primarily, the aqueous-ethanolic extracts of these medicinal plants were phytochemically screened followed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis. Anti-arthritic activity by protein denaturation method and anti-inflammatory activity by human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method at the concentration of 125, 250, and 500 µg/mL along with standard were performed. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed that alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, phenols, and anthraquinones were found in all the extracts, and organic acids, amine group, aromatic or aliphatic compounds, esters and halogens, and phenolics were identified by FTIR. Protein denaturation method revealed that colchicum, nux-vomica, and aloe-vera showed maximum 98.5%, 99.6%, and 72.3% of inhibition at 500 µg/mL compared with that of standard drug, that is, Diclofenac sodium. Membrane stabilization method showed that colchicum, nux-vomica, and aloe-vera showed maximum 40.20%, 35.67%, and 40.1% protection at 500 µg/mL when compared with standard drug. Conclusion: It is concluded from the current study that extracts of colchicum, nux-vomica, and aloe-vera showed more potent effect and thus can be used as alternative options for the management of inflammatory and arthritic ailments.

Association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene variants with preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex pregnancy hypertensive disorder with multifaceted etiology. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene and nitric oxide (NO) levels has been reported to be associated with PE predisposition in various populations. Therefore, present study was designed to investigate the role of NO levels and eNOS gene variants in preeclamptic women in Pakistan. METHODS: A total of 600 women were evaluated, 188 of PE with mild features, 112 of PE with severe features and 300 normotensive pregnant women. NO levels were detected by Greiss reaction method and genotyping following sequencing was conducted for eNOS gene variants. Further insilico studies were performed to get insights into the structural and functional impact of identifies mutation on eNOS protein as well as on protein regulation. RESULTS: Reduced concentrations of NO were reported in all PE groups (p < 0.05) as compared to controls. The frequency of c.894 T (p.298Asp) and g.-786C alleles were significantly associated with PE. In addition, novel homozygous variant g.2051G > A was also significantly associated with PE when compared to normotensive women. Dynamic simulation studies revealed that Glu298Asp mutation destabilize the protein molecule and decrease the overall stability of eNOS protein. Molecular docking analysis of mutant promoter with transcription factors STAT3 and STAT6 proposed changes in protein regulation upon these reported mutations in upstream region of the gene. CONCLUSION: Considering the results of current study, the functional alterations induced by these variants may influence the bioavailability of NO and represents a genetic risk factor for increased susceptibility to PE. However, large studies or meta-analysis are necessary to validate these findings.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex pregnancy hypertensive disorder with multifaceted etiology characterized by increased hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. The present study was directed to determine the role of eNOS in susceptibility to PE and the association of c.894G > T (p.(Glu298Asp), intron 4b/4a, g.-786 T > C and other possible variants of eNOS gene with preeclampsia in Pakistani population. Computational analysis of identified variants in the coding and non-coding region of the eNOS gene was also conducted to determine the change in gene regulation and further protein stability. A total of 600 women were evaluated, 188 with mild and 112 with PE with severe features PE with 300 normotensive pregnant women. NO levels and genotyping following sequencing was conducted for eNOS gene variants. Further insilico studies were performed to get insights into the structural and functional impact of identifies mutation on eNOS protein as well as on protein regulation. Data from the current study suggest that there might be other risk variants of the eNOS gene (g.2051G > A and g.1861G > A) and lower levels of serum NO that confers in an increased risk of PE. The detailed computational investigation further confirmed the deformities and changes in protein flexibility upon Glu298Asp. These structural alterations might be associated with preeclampsia. Variants in the promoter region of the eNOS gene further validate the change in gene regulation for the onset of disease. Identification of key structural and functional features in eNOS protein and gene regulatory region might be used for designing specific drugs for therapeutic purpose.

Phytochemical profiling, in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic potential of Sesuvium sesuvioides (Fenzl) Verdc. (Aizoaceae).

Sesuvium sesuvioides (Fenzl) Verdc is traditionally used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and gout The aim of present study was to assess the possible anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic potential of the methanol extract of Sesuvium sesuvioides (SsCr) to prove scientifically its folklore use in the inflammatory diseases and to screen its total antioxidant capacity by multiple methods and phytocompounds by GC-MS. The preliminary phytochemical studies showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, coumarin, terpenoids, saponins, fats and carbohydrates in crude extract. The total phenolic contents (27.31 ± 0.28 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (3.58 ± 0.12 mgRE/g) values were observed. The antioxidant capacity of SsCr showed significant DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, PBD and metal chelating results. GC-MS analysis displayed the phytoconstituents with anti-inflammatory potentials such as 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, vanillin, umbelliferone, methyl ferulate, palmitoleic acid, methyl palmitate and phytol. SsCr presented noteworthy HRBC membrane stability with maximum inhibition of cell hemolysis (47.79%). In carrageenan-induced hind paw edema assay result showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory action. SsCr presented significant (p < 0.05) analgesic activity in hot-plate and tail flicking tests similarly it also showed the noteworthy inhibition in pain latency against formalin induced analgesia at 1st and 2nd phases. SsCr reduced the acetic acid-induced writhes at different doses (250, 500 and 750 mg). Results of antipyretic activity of SsCr extract were significant at 500 and 750 mg. The results of in vitro and in vivo experimental studies verified the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic potential of Sesuvium sesuvioides and supported the folklore uses of this plant.

Evaluation of coagulation factors and serum ferritin in preeclamptic Pakistani women.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related disorder involving multiple organ systems and characterised by an increase in hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. The study aimed to determine the role of coagulation factors and ferritin in relation to PE susceptibility in Pakistani women. Blood samples of 100 normotensive and 100 preeclamptic women, including 73 with mild PE and 27 with severe PE were taken for the study to evaluate activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), international normalising ratio (INR), fibrinogen levels, platelet count (PLT) and ferritin levels. Prolonged aPTT, PT and INR were recorded in both PE groups with a decrease in platelets and fibrinogen levels, compared to the control groups. Ferritin levels were not significantly (p=0.23) different in any of the groups. In conclusion, coagulopathic disorder should be clinically suspected and the coagulating factors in PE patients should be examined for early detection, effective antenatal care and for the proper management of this disorder to decrease maternofoetal mortality, morbidity and perinatal mortality.

Progress and prospects in the management of bacterial infections and developments in Phytotherapeutic modalities.

The advent of antibiotics revolutionized medical care resulting in significantly reduced mortality and morbidity caused by infectious diseases. However, excessive use of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic resistance and indeed, the incidence of multidrug-resistant pathogens is considered as a major disadvantage in medication strategy, which has led the scholar's attention towards innovative antibiotic sources in recent years. Medicinal plants contain a variety of secondary metabolites with a wide range of therapeutic potential against the resistant microbes. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore the antibacterial potential of traditional herbal medicine against bacterial infections. More than 200 published research articles reporting the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants against drug-resistant microbial infections were searched using different databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), etc., with various keywords like medicinal plants having antibacterial activities, antimicrobial potentials, phytotherapy of bacterial infection, etc. Articles were selected related to the efficacious herbs easily available to local populations addressing common pathogens. Various plants such as Artocarpus communis, Rheum emodi, Gentiana lutea L., Cassia fistula L., Rosemarinus officinalis, Argemone maxicana L, Hydrastis canadensis, Citrus aurantifolia, Cymbopogon citrates, Carica papaya, Euphorbia hirta, etc, were found to have significant antibacterial activities. Although herbal preparations have promising potential in the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infection, still more research is required to isolate phytoconstituents, their mechanism of action as well as to find their impacts on the human body.

Placental endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and role of oxidative stress in susceptibility to preeclampsia in Pakistani women.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia (PE): a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by de novo development of concurrent hypertension and proteinuria. The prevailing theory determined that PE starts from the placenta and ends in the maternal endothelium. Role of endothelial dysfunction in the onset of PE has been reported in different populations. Therefore, present study was designed to investigate the localization and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and role of oxidative stress markers in preeclamptic Pakistani women. METHODS: A total of 400 blood samples (PE = 200, controls = 200) and 100 placental tissues (PE = 50, controls = 50) were recruited from pregnant women. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) levels were analyzed through spectrophotometer. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were carried out to estimate the localization and expression of eNOS in the placentas of PE patients and healthy pregnant women. RESULTS: Significantly increased levels of POD (0.01), TBARS (0.04), and ROS (p ≤ .001) were determined in preeclamptic women while, nonsignificant change in SOD and CAT was observed in both groups. Reduced eNOS immunoreactivity (p ≤ .001) and mRNA abundance (p ≤ .001) was observed in preeclamptic group as compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Considering the results of current study, it is concluded that decreased eNOS expression and oxidative stress could play a role in the pathology of PE seen both in placenta and ultimately in maternal endothelium. However, large studies are necessary to validate these findings to prevent maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in Pakistani population.

Exposure of BPA and its alternatives like BPB, BPF, and BPS impair subsequent reproductive potentials in adult female Sprague Dawley rats.

Bisphenol A (BPA) and its alternatives are extensively used in household and industrial products. BPA and its alternatives have affinity for estrogen receptors and mimic its actions. The present study aims to examine the comparative effects of BPA and its alternatives bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS) on the reproductive health in adult female rats. One hundred and seventy post-weaning female rats (90 ± 25) were divided into 17 groups and assigned for different treatments. Control and treated groups were injected with concentrations of 50-500 µg/ml and 5-50 mg/kg of BPA, BPB, BPF, and BPS for 28 days. The results showed adverse morphological and histopathological alterations in rat ovaries in all treated groups. A remarkable decrease was observed in antral and corpus luteum follicles while rise in atretic and cystic follicles in the ovaries of BPA and its alternatives 5 and 50 mg/kg treated groups when compared with control. Significant decrease in catalase (CAT), super oxidase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) levels was noted while increase in the values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (T-BARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed when BPA and its alternatives groups were compared with the control. Hormones were also observed with alterations in their concentrations when treated groups were compared with the control. The current data suggest that BPA and its alternatives exposure during the pre-pubertal stage have the potential to induce oxidative stress and histopathological changes during follicular development in female rats.

Therapeutic potential of medicinal plants for the management of scabies.

Sarcoptes scabiei (S. scabiei), a parasite mite which causes scabies disease resulting in serious public health concern. The long-term scabies disease can lead to complications such as septicemia, acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, heart disease, and secondary infections. Timely treatment to the affected patients is required to control the disease and get rid of the causative agent. Delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment can lead to serious consequences. The most common treatment strategy is the use of allopathic medicines which can immediately relieve the patient but have the drawback of side effects. The safe and cost-effective alternative treatment strategy is the use of medicinal plants which have beneficial therapeutic potential against variety of diseases due to the presence of many bioactive phytoconstituents with no or minimal side effects. For the present review, the published articles describing scabies disease and its phytotherapeutic modalities were searched through different data bases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and ScienceDirect using the keywords like S. scabiei, prevalence of scabies disease, and phytotherapy of scabies. A large number of medicinal plants, such as Melaleuca alternifolia, Curcuma longa, Azadirachta indica, Rosmarinus officinalis, Capsicum annuum, Cinnamomum camphor, Solanum nigrum, and Eupatorium perfoliatum, have been reviewed for the promising future treatments of scabies. All the studied plants have many bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic effects against scabies and can be utilized for therapeutic purposes for this disease. This literature study has limitations because of the lack of sufficient data due to limited pre-clinical trials in this particular area. This review provides a baseline to explore the therapeutic potential of these medicinal plants against skin diseases. However, extensive studies are required to identify, authenticate, and characterize the bioactive compounds present in these plants which may lead to value addition in pharmaceutical industries providing the cost-effective way of treatment with minimal side effects.

Role of medicinal plants in HIV/AIDS therapy.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes the potentially life-threatening and chronic disease called acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The main target of this viral disease is to suppress the immune system and make the body unresponsive to external stimuli. According to global health observatory data since epidemic, more than 78 million people were affected by HIV and 39 million people died globally. Until 2017, 36.5 million people were living with HIV. An estimated 0.8% (0.6%-0.9%) of adults aged 15-49 years worldwide is living with HIV. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the African region remains most severely affected, with nearly one in every 25 adults (4.1%) living with HIV and accounting for nearly two-thirds of the people living with HIV worldwide. WHO reported that globally only 21.7 million (19.1 million-22.6 million) people have had access to antiretroviral therapy up to 2017. Currently, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is available for the control of HIV but has serious associated side effects such as lipodystrophy. Because of the limitations, associated with ART, researchers throughout the world are trying to explore and develop more reliable and safe drugs from natural resources to manage HIV infection. A wide range of medicinal plants have been studied and have reported significant potential against HIV. Plants like Rheum palmatum L., Rheum officinale, Trigonostem axyphophylloides, Vatica astrotricha, Vernonia amygdalina, Hypoxias pelargonium, Sidoides hemerocallidea and Sutherlandia frutescens etc. have high efficacy to cure HIV. The exact mechanism of action is still not known but various phytoconstituents isolated from medicinal plants such as alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, tannins, proteins and coumarins have the potential to interrupt the life cycle of HIV as well as act as immunomodulators to enhance the immune system of infected patients with no well reported side effects. It could be concluded that medicinal plants have potential for the management of HIV/AIDS but more studies are needed to reveal rigorous efficacy and safety concerns by conducting clinical trials at vast level to explore therapeutic impact of medicinal plants.

Role of ACE I/D polymorphism in pathological assessment of preeclampsia in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder, which may stem from impair placentation. Renin-angiotensin system is one of the mediators of decidualization and trophoblastic proliferation. In the present study women with PE were studied in a comparison of normotensive controls to determine whether Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism affect the placental villi and umbilical cord formation with the assessment of biochemical and clinical risk factors. METHODS: Total 400 blood (PE/controls = 200), 400 urine (PE/controls = 200), 90 tissue samples of UC (PE = 50, controls = 40) and 90 placental tissue samples (PE = 50, controls = 40) were recruited. Histomorphological and Histomorphometric analysis were done for placental and umbilical cord tissues. Blood and serum parameters were analyzed, samples were genotyped for I/D polymorphism. Data were statistically analyzed by Independent sample t-test, Chi-square test and the odds ratio. RESULTS: Histological study revealed significant increase (p < 0.001) in distance from Wharton jelly (in both artery and vein) and outer layer thickness of vein; significant reduction (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) in the lumen area of artery and vein. Abnormal villi, more syncytial knots (SK) and a significant decrease in elongated and large villi in PE placentas. Analysis of ACE gene determined that genotypic frequencies were statistically significant (p < 0.02) among both groups and DD genotype was predominant in the PE group. CONCLUSION: Present study reveals that ACE I/D polymorphism might affect the normal placental villi and umbilical cord formation in women with PE. In addition, histological studies and genetic evaluation can provide useful information in the determination of various reasons and mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of PE in Pakistan.

Elemental Characterization of Medicinal Plants and Soils from Hazarganji Chiltan National Park and Nearby Unprotected Areas of Balochistan, Pakistan.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the variability in elemental composition of seven medicinal plants and their respective soils belonging to protected and nearby unprotected sites of the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park. The medical plants under study were Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch, Peganum harmala Linn, Sophora mollis (Royle) Baker, Perovskia atriplicifolia Benth, Seriphidium quettense (Podlech.) Ling, Hertia intermedia (Bioss) O. Ktze, and Nepeta praetervisa Rech. F. Macro (C, H, N, S, K, Ca), micro (Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn), beneficial (Al, Co, Na), others (As, Br, Cr, Cs, Hf, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sr, Sn, V and Th) and rare earth elements (Ce, Eu, La, Lu, Nd Sc, Sm, Tb and Yb) were characterized by means of standard organic elemental and instrumental neutron activation methodologies and by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results showed that, among macro nutrients, carbon concentration was the highest element in both plant and soil samples followed by H and K. Elements such as Cl, Na and Fe were detected in considerably good amounts; all the other elements were found in trace quantities. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify spatial variation in elemental composition of medicinal plants, in which 80-90% of the total variance in whole set of data was found. In particular, the findings highlighted the presence of essential and beneficial elements such as C, H, N, K, Ca, Fe, Mn and Na, in samples from protected sites, while potentially dangerous elements such as Al, As, Br and Cr were detected in samples from unprotected sites. These results emphasized on the need for rational exploitation of valuable medicinal plants and supporting protected areas as an excellent source of biodiversity conservation.