Metabolomic Approach to Identify the Potential Metabolites from Alpinia malaccensis for Treating SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The advent of the new coronavirus, leading to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, has presented a substantial worldwide health hazard since its inception in the latter part of 2019. The severity of the current pandemic is exacerbated by the occurrence of re-infection or co-infection with SARS-CoV-2. Hence, comprehending the molecular process underlying the pathophysiology of sepsis and discerning possible molecular targets for therapeutic intervention holds significant importance. For the first time, 31 metabolites were tentatively identified by GC-MS analysis from Alpinia malaccensis. On the other hand, five phenolic compounds were identified and quantified from the plant in HPLC-DAD analysis, including (-) epicatechin, rutin hydrate, rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol. Nine GC-MS and five HPLC-identified metabolites had shown interactions with 45 and 30 COVID-19-associated human proteins, respectively. Among the proteins, PARP1, FN1, PRKCA, EGFR, ALDH2, AKR1C3, AHR, and IKBKB have been found as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection. KEGG pathway analysis also showed a strong association of FN1, EGFR, and IKBKB genes with SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and cytokine overexpression due to viral infection. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis also showed that TP53, MMP9, FN1, EGFR, and NOS2 proteins are highly related to the genes involved in COVID-19 comorbidity. These proteins showed interaction with the plant phytoconstituents as well. As the study offers a robust network-based procedure for identifying biomolecules relevant to COVID-19 disease, A. malaccensis could be a good source of effective therapeutic agents against COVID-19 and related viral diseases.

Longevity Spinach (Gynura procumbens) Ameliorated Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators in Cisplatin-Induced Organ Dysfunction in Rats: Comprehensive in†vivo and in silico Studies.

This study focused to assess the efficacy of Gynura procumbens (GP) leaf extract against cisplatin (CP)-induced hepatorenal complications in Wister albino rats. Additionally, it aims to detect polyphenolic compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). The rats were treated intraperitoneally with CP (7.5 mg/kg) to mediate hepatorenal damage. They were then treated with GP extract (75 and 150 mg/kg, P.O.) for 7 consecutive days. Although GP extract significantly ameliorated CP-mediated hepatorenal biomarkers like alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in a dose-dependent manner, GP extract at 150 mg/kg dose normalized hepatorenal biomarkers ALP (45.11 U/L), ALT (34 U/L), AST (29 U/L), creatinine (10.3 mg/dl) and BUN (11.19 mg/dl) while comparing to control and disease group. Similarly, though it significantly reduced CP-induced oxidative stress inducers, including nitric oxide (NO) and advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), higher dose (150 mg/kg) exhibited better activity in reducing NO (281.54 mmol/gm tissue in liver and 52.73 mmol/gm tissue in the kidney) and AOPP (770.95 mmol/mg protein in liver and 651.90 mmol/mg protein in the kidney). Besides, it showed better enhancement in the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels at a higher dose (150 mg/kg). Histopathological studies showed that CP caused collagen accumulation in the liver and kidney tissues. GP extract drained the collagen mass and acted against hepatorenal damage. Ellagic acid, gallic acid, quercetin hydrate, kaempferol, and rutin hydrate were revealed in GP extract. In-silico modelling showed good docking scores of the polyphenolic compounds with molecular targets including CYP4502E1, NF-κB, caspase-3, and TNF-α. GP could be an effective therapeutic option for management of anticancer drugs' complications like CP-induced organ damage, although clinical studies are required to establish herbal formulation.

Polyphenols Profile and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Blumea lacera (Burm. f.) DC.: A Potential Candidate against Obesity, Aging, and Skin Disorder.

Blumea lacera (Burm. f.) DC. is attracting scientific interest due to the diverse biological activities of its various parts and its use in folk medicine. The present study was undertaken to investigate the tissue-specific differential expression pattern of its total bioactive compounds. The study was further extended to whole plant phenolics profiling, in vitro enzyme inhibition activities, followed by in silico enzyme inhibition analysis to assess its potential as herbal medicine. The amount of total phenolics in different tissues was followed in decreasing order as old leaf, flower bud, root, young leaf, flower, old stem, and young stem, while that for the flavonoids was old leaf, root, young leaf, flower bud, flower, young stem, and old stem. This study identified rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol in this plant for the first time. The solvent extracts demonstrated strong inhibition of lipase and tyrosinase activity, along with varying degrees of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activity. Among the detected compounds, ten displayed strong in silico binding affinities with the tested enzymes. The findings provide a new insight into further investigation of the medicinal potential of this species against obesity, neurological disorders, and aberrant skin color.

Fimbristylis aestivalis Vahl: a potential source of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that accelerates the biosynthesis of PGs during inflammation and has emerged as an important therapeutic target for anti-inflammatory drugs. Natural compounds may serve as a source of inspiration for pharmaceutical chemists and a foundation for developing innovative COX-2 inhibitors with fewer side effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the potent COX-2 inhibitor and anti-inflammatory activity of the Fimbristylis aestivalis whole plant extract (FAWE). The plant extract was found dominant with rosmarinic acid followed by catechin hydrate, syringic acid, rutin hydrate, (-) epicatechin, quercetin, myricetin, and catechol. FAWE exhibited considerable dose-dependent analgesic efficacy in all analgesic test models. FAWE also showed promising anti-inflammatory potential in carrageenan-induced inflammations in mice. This result was corroborated by molecular docking, revealing that the aforesaid natural polyphenols adopt the same orientation as celecoxib in the COX-2 active site. On the other hand, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed between the most abundant components (rosmarinic acid, catechin hydrate, and syringic acid) and COX-2. Based on hydrogen bonding, RMSD, RMSF, radius of gyration, PCA, and Gibbs free energy landscape analysis, the results demonstrated that these compounds are very stable in the active site of COX-2, indicating substantial COX-2 inhibitory activity.

Cardamom powder supplementation prevents obesity, improves glucose intolerance, inflammation and oxidative stress in liver of high carbohydrate high fat diet induced obese rats.

BACKGROUND: Cardamom is a well-known spice in Indian subcontinent, used in culinary and traditional medicine practices since ancient times. The current investigation was untaken to evaluate the potential benefit of cardamom powder supplementation in high carbohydrate high fat (HCHF) diet induced obese rats. METHOD: Male Wistar rats (28 rats) were divided into four different groups such as Control, Control + cardamom, HCHF, HCHF + cardamom. High carbohydrate and high fat (HCHF) diet was prepared in our laboratory. Oral glucose tolerance test, organs wet weight measurements and oxidative stress parameters analysis as well as liver marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were assayed on the tissues collected from the rats. Plasma lipids profiles were also measured in all groups of animals. Moreover, histological staining was also performed to evaluate inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrosis in liver. RESULTS: The current investigation showed that, HCHF diet feeding in rats developed glucose intolerance and increased peritoneal fat deposition compared to control rats. Cardamom powder supplementation improved the glucose intolerance significantly (p > 0.05) and prevented the abdominal fat deposition in HCHF diet fed rats. HCHF diet feeding in rats also developed dyslipidemia, increased fat deposition and inflammation in liver compared to control rats. Cardamom powder supplementation significantly prevented the rise of lipid parameters (p > 0.05) in HCHF diet fed rats. Histological assessments confirmed that HCHF diet increased the fat deposition and inflammatory cells infiltration in liver which was normalized by cardamom powder supplementation in HCHF diet fed rats. Furthermore, HCHF diet increased lipid peroxidation, decreased antioxidant enzymes activities and increased advanced protein oxidation product level significantly (p > 0.05) both in plasma and liver tissue which were modulated by cardamom powder supplementation in HCHF diet fed rats. HCHF diet feeding in rats also increased the ALT, AST and ALP enzyme activities in plasma which were also normalized by cardamom powder supplementation in HCHF diet fed rats. Moreover, cardamom powder supplementation ameliorated the fibrosis in liver of HCHF diet fed rats. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that, cardamom powder supplementation can prevent dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and hepatic damage in HCHF diet fed rats.

Supplementation of Syzygium cumini seed powder prevented obesity, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in high carbohydrate high fat diet induced obese rats.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and related complications have now became epidemic both in developed and developing countries. Cafeteria type diet mainly composed of high fat high carbohydrate components which plays a significant role in the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the effect of Syzygium cumini seed powder on fat accumulation and dyslipidemia in high carbohydrate high fat diet (HCHF) induced obese rats. METHOD: Male Wistar rats were fed with HCHF diet ad libitum, and the rats on HCHF diet were supplemented with Syzygium cumini seed powder for 56 days (2.5% w/w of diet). Oral glucose tolerance test, lipid parameters, liver marker enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and lipid peroxidation products were analyzed at the end of 56 days. Moreover, antioxidant enzyme activities were also measured in all groups of rats. RESULTS: Supplementation with Syzygium cumini seed powder significantly reduced body weight gain, white adipose tissue (WAT) weights, blood glucose, serum insulin, and plasma lipids such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL concentration. Syzygium cumini seed powder supplementation in HCHF rats improved serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. Syzygium cumini seed powder supplementation also reduced the hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and elevated the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as well as increased glutathione (GSH) concentration. In addition, histological assessment showed that Syzygium cumini seed powder supplementation prevented inflammatory cell infiltration; fatty droplet deposition and fibrosis in liver of HCHFD fed rats. CONCLUSION: Our investigation suggests that Syzygium cumini seed powder supplementation prevents oxidative stress and showed anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activity in liver of HCHF diet fed rats. In addition, Syzygium cumini seed powder may be beneficial in ameliorating insulin resistance and dyslipidemia probably by increasing lipid metabolism in liver of HCHF diet fed rats.

Supplementation of fresh ucche (Momordica charantia L. var. muricata Willd) prevented oxidative stress, fibrosis and hepatic damage in CCl4 treated rats.

BACKGROUND: Ucche (Momordica charantia L. var. muricata (Willd.) Chakravarty) has been reported to possess many benefits and medicinal properties. However, the protective effect of ucche against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity have not been clarified fully yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ucche on oxidative stress and inflammation in liver of CCl4 treated rats. METHODS: Female Long Evans rats were administered with CCl4 orally (1 ml/kg) twice a week for 2 weeks and were supplemented with freshly prepared crashed ucche (10% wt/wt of diet) with powdered chaw food. Both plasma and liver tissues were analyzed for AST, ALT and ALP activities. Oxidative stress parameters were measure by determining malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), advanced protein oxidation product (APOP), and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations and catalase activities in plasma and liver tissues. Moreover, inflammation and tissue fibrosis were confirmed by histological staining of liver tissue sections. RESULTS: Our data suggest that ucche significantly prevented CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, indicated by both diagnostic indicators of liver damage (serum transferases activities) and histopathological analysis. Moreover, CCl4 administration induced profound elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress, as evidenced by increasing lipid peroxidation level and depletion of antioxidant enzymes in liver. Fresh ucche supplementation prevented the oxidative stresses and improved antioxidant enzyme function. Furthermore, fresh ucche supplementation reduced hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration, iron deposition and fibrosis in liver of CCl4 treated rats. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these results suggested that the inhibition of CCl4-induced inflammation by ucche is due at least in part to its anti-oxidant activity and its ability to modulate the inflammation and fibrosis in liver.

Central-stimulating and analgesic activity of the ethanolic extract of Alternanthera sessilis in mice.

BACKGROUND: Alternanthera sessilis is a popular vegetable and used in traditional medicinal practice of Bangladesh and other parts of Asia to relive tiredness, laziness, and sleeps as well as pain and inflammation. However, no report was found on the neuropharmacological and analgesic activity of this plant to-date. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the neuropharmacological and analgesic activity of the ethanol extract of A. sessilis whole plant (ETAS) in mice models. METHODS: Central stimulating activity was investigated by pentobarbitone induced sleeping time, open field, and hole cross tests. Analgesic activity was evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing and hot-plate methods. The tests were performed at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight dose levels. RESULTS: In sleeping time test, ETAS significantly (p < 0.001) increased the onset of sleep, and decreased the duration of sleep. In open field and hole cross tests, ETAS significantly (p < 0.001) increased the movements of mice which persisted throughout the study period. In writhing test, ETAS showed, significant (p < 0.001) inhibition of writhing reflex. In hot plate test, ETAS significantly (p < 0.001) raised the pain threshold. In HPLC analysis for polyphenols, (+)-catechin, rutin, ellagic acid, and quercetin were detected in ETAS (117.72, 490.74, 3007.26, and 13.85 mg/100 g of dry extract, respectively). CONCLUSION: Present study supported the traditional uses of A. sessilis and indicated that the plant can be a potential source of bioactive molecules.

Antinociceptive and antioxidant activity of Zanthoxylum budrunga wall (Rutaceae) seeds.

Different parts of the medicinal plant Zanthoxylum budrunga Wall enjoy a variety of uses in ethnobotanical practice in Bangladesh. In the present study, a number of phytochemical and pharmacological investigations were done on the ethanol extract of Z. budrunga seeds (ZBSE) to evaluate its antinociceptive and antioxidant potential. ZBSE was also subjected to HPLC analysis to detect the presence of some common antioxidants. In acetic acid induced writhing test in mice, ZBSE showed 65.28 and 74.30% inhibition of writhing at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.001). In hot-plate test, ZBSE raised the pain threshold significantly (P < 0.001) throughout the entire observation period. In DPPH scavenging assay, the IC50 of ZBSE was observed at 82.60 µg/mL. The phenolic content was found to be 338.77 mg GAE/100 g of dried plant material. In reducing power assay, ZBSE showed a concentration dependent reducing ability. HPLC analysis indicated the presence of caffeic acid with a concentration of 75.45 mg/100 g ZBSE. Present investigation supported the use of Zanthoxylum budrunga seed in traditional medicine for pain management. Constituents including caffeic acid and other phenolics might have some role in the observed activity.

Antioxidant and antidiarrheal activities of ethanol extract of Ardisia elliptica fruits.

CONTEXT: Ardisia elliptica Thunb Lam. (Myrsinaceae) is widely used traditionally in the treatment of diarrhea related health disorders in Bangladesh. OBJECTIVE: The crude ethanol extract of Ardisia elliptica fruits (EFA) was evaluated for its antioxidant and antidiarrhoeal activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power and Fe(++) ion chelating ability were used for determining antioxidant activities and animal models were used for antidiarrheal activities such as the castor oil and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea, enteropooling induced by the administration of castor oil and magnesium sulfate at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. RESULTS: The extract possessed a significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 30.75 µg/ml compared to ascorbic acid (IC50: 7.89 µg/ml). The IC50 values of the extract and ascorbic acid were 51.72 and 38.68 µg/ml, respectively, in nitric oxide scavenging assay. The IC50 value of the extract for Fe(++) ion chelating ability (41.30 µg/ml) was also found to be significant compared to the IC50 value of EDTA (22.57 µg/ml). The EFA also showed a significant protection (p < 0.001) against experimentally induced diarrhea by castor oil and magnesium sulfate as evidenced by a decrease in the number of defecation with respect to control. The diarrhea induced by castor oil and magnesium sulfate enteropooling was prevented by all the tested doses. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the obtained results confirm the antioxidant and antidiarrheal activity of EFA and thus support the traditional uses of this plant as a modality for antioxidant and antidiarrheal activity.

A survey on the knowledges, attitudes, behaviours and practices of goat farmers about peste des petits ruminants disease in goats at Haor and bordered areas in Sylhet district of Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Contagious and economically devastating, peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a viral disease affecting goats and sheep, causing significant losses in livestock productivity and posing a threat to food security and rural livelihoods worldwide. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the status of goat farmer's knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about PPR disease at Sylhet district of Bangladesh. METHODS: A comprehensive cross-sectional survey, conducted over 11 weeks, targeted 130 goat owners. Following a pilot study with 20 farmers, a set of 17 validated questions on PPR KAP was validated. Data collection was performed through face-to-face interviews by a trained team using KOBO Toolbox, with interpretation of responses based on established thresholds for knowledge (>65%), attitude (>75%) and practice (>70%). RESULTS: Overall, 67.7% of participants demonstrated a good level of knowledge about PPR disease. Males exhibited 1.42 times higher odds of knowledge compared to females (odds ratio = 1.42). The middle age group (31-45 years) showed significantly higher knowledge levels (83.3%, p < 0.001). Within this age group, positive practice levels were also notably higher (54.8%). Those with a higher secondary education background exhibited the most positive practice levels (>80%). Participants whose additional income came from non-governmental organization employment showed a higher positive practice level (71.4%), 1.46 times higher than other income sources. CONCLUSION: Strategic interventions should prioritize female farmers, educational empowerment and collaboration with non-governmental organizations to bolster livestock health and rural livelihoods in Bangladesh as part of national PPR control strategy to fulfil the goals of Office International des Epizooties/World Organization for Animal Health (OIE/WOAH) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) PPR eradication by 2030.

Investigating the infection dynamics and molecular detection of Cryptosporidium in Buffaloes in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Cryptosporidiosis, a zoonotic infection impacting both livestock and humans, is inadequately understood in terms of its prevalence and transmission dynamics involving buffaloes in Bangladesh. This research, conducted in the Sylhet division, aimed to explore the prevalence and potential risk factors influencing Cryptosporidium spp. in the faecal samples of 392 buffaloes. Detection of the parasite utilized modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, with molecular identification achieved through nested PCR (nPCR). The comprehensive analysis revealed 9.18% (36/392) prevalence at the individual animal level and 40.48% (17/42) at the herd level. Age-based analysis revealed fluctuating infection rates of Cryptosporidium spp. in buffaloes across distinct age brackets, with rates of 22.61% in those aged 0-6 months, 5.00% in those aged 6-12 months, and 1.03% in those aged 12-18 months. Diarrheic buffaloes showed a significantly (p < 0.001) higher infection rate (26.67%; 28/105) compared to non-diarrheic buffaloes (2.79%; 8/287). In risk factor analysis, binary logistic regression revealed that buffaloes aged 0-6 months were experiencing a likelihood that is 14.84 times higher to be affected by Cryptosporidium in contrast to their older counterparts (OR = 14.85; p = 0.02). Additionally, diarrhoeic buffaloes were found to be more susceptible to Cryptosporidium compared to healthy buffaloes (OR = 17.50; p < 0.001). A higher stocking density was associated with an increased likelihood of infection in buffaloes (OR = 11.20; p = 0.01). The results of this study emphasize the necessity for targeted interventions, considering factors like diarrheic condition and stocking density, to effectively manage and control cryptosporidiosis in Bangladesh.

Molecular Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant and Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamases-Producing Salmonella enterica Serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium Isolated from Raw Meat in Retail Markets.

In the present study, a total of 720 samples were collected from retail raw meat from 13 upazilas in Sylhet District, Bangladesh, of which 225 samples were from cattle meat, 210 samples were from goat meat, and 285 samples were from chicken meat. Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis were screened for extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) genes using multiplex PCR. Among the 720 samples, Salmonella spp. was detected in 28.06% (202 out of 720) of the samples, with S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were identified in 11.53% (83 out of 720) and 12.22% (88 out of 720) of the samples, respectively. It was found that all Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from cattle meat displayed multidrug resistance (MDR) based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Notably, a significant proportion of S. Enteritidis isolates and all S. Typhimurium isolates from goat meat demonstrated complete resistance to multiple drugs (ampicillin, cefuroxime, and ceftazidime). Regarding chicken meat, out of 89 isolates encompassing both S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis, 57 isolates (64.04%) exhibited MDR. Additionally, blaCTX-M-1 exhibited the highest occurrence at 15.69% for S. Typhimurium and 7.89% for S. Enteritidis in chicken meat. Moreover, blaCTX-M-9 was only detected at 3.92% for S. Enteritidis in chicken meat. Furthermore, blaOXA had the highest prevalence rate of 19.04% for S. Enteritidis and 25.80% for S. Typhimurium in cattle meat, followed by chicken meat. These findings highlight the urgency for monitoring ESBL-producing Salmonella in retail raw meat and the need for strict measure to manage antibiotic use to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing Salmonella strains, thereby protecting humans and reducing public health risks.

Polyphenols and extracts from Zingiber roseum (Roxb.) Roscoe leaf mitigate pain, inflammation and pyrexia by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2: an in vivo and in silico studies.

Zingiber roseum (Roxb.) Roscoe, a perennial herb from the Zingiberaceae family, has a long history of traditional use in the treatment of several ailments including pain, inflammation, fever, cough, arthritis, skin diseases, and liver infections. This study sought to confirm the efficacy of Zingiber roseum (Roxb.) Roscoe leaves methanol extract (ZrlME) as reported in traditional usage by evaluating its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic capabilities. In addition, in silico molecular docking of the metabolites identified in ZrlME was studied to verify the experimental outcomes. ZrlME demonstrated strong dose-dependent analgesic efficacy against all analgesic tests. ZrlME (400 mg/kg) showed higher anti-inflammatory activity than the standard in the carrageenan-induced paw edema test model. A significant reduction of rectal temperature (3.97°F↓) was also recorded at the same dose of ZrLME after 24 h of treatment. Seven polyphenolic metabolites were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD analysis, including 3, 4- dihydroxy benzoic acid, (-) epicatechin, rutin hydrate, p-coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, and myricetin. Strong binding affinities (ranges from -5.8 to -8.5 Kcal/mol) between the aforesaid polyphenols and cyclooxygenase-2 were discovered. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) demonstrated that these polyphenols exhibit significant COX-2 inhibitory activity due to their high stability in the COX-2 active site. In computational prediction, the polyphenols were also found to be nontoxic, and a variety of biological activities, such as antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and hepatoprotective, were observed. The results of this study revealed that ZrlME possesses notable analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties.

Molecular Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance of Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Retail Cattle Meat.

Enterobacteriaceae that produce extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) can result in severe human infections, contributing to the development of complex diseases. Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the ESBL-producing pathogens that helps to set antimicrobial resistance as a major public health problem worldwide. The current study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and their antimicrobial resistance pattern in retail cattle meat samples. A comprehensive set of 225 cattle meat samples was gathered from 13 upazilas within the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. The bacterial isolates were obtained through biochemical and cultural techniques, and the identification of K. pneumoniae was accomplished using polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Antimicrobial susceptibilities were assessed using disk diffusion in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, 2020) guidelines. Genes encoding ESBL enzymes were detected by the double-disk synergy test (DDST) and multiplex PCR. The overall prevalence of Klebsiella spp. was 28.89% (65/225), whereas the positive percentage of K. pneumoniae was 59.2% (29/49) confirmed by PCR. Antimicrobial resistance was observed against 12 antibiotics. According to the phenotypic resistance pattern determined through the disk diffusion method, all isolates (100%) were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, and colistin. On the other hand, the highest susceptibility was observed towards gentamicin (97.95%), followed by ciprofloxacin (85.71%), tetracycline (83.67%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (81.63%). Out of the total K. pneumoniae isolates analyzed, ESBL genes were present, and the highest percentage, 82.8% (24/29), tested positive for bla TEM genes. Interestingly, among the nine ESBL genes, six were identified in K. pneumoniae isolates, except for bla OXA, bla CTX-M-grp2, and MultiCase DHA. The study's results reveal the presence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae in retail cattle meat samples posing a substantial public health threat.

Antibacterial potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from raw cow milk in Sylhet district, Bangladesh: A molecular approach.

BACKGROUND: The most prevalent probiotic bacterium employed in the food industry is Lactobacillus because it can produce metabolites with antibacterial capabilities and exhibits hostility towards infections and microorganisms that cause spoilage. AIM: This study set out to identify naturally occurring Lactobacillus and plantaricin (pln EF) coding genes in raw cow milk and to assess the antibacterial potency of isolated Lactobacillus isolates. METHODS: Following enrichment in De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth, single colonies were isolated, and pure colonies were obtained by streaking on MRS agar. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm the cultural positivity of all isolates. Additionally, the presence of plantaricin was verified by targeting the pln EF gene through PCR. OUTCOME: Out of the 166 raw milk specimens acquired from cows, 153 (91.17%; CI: 86.98-95.76) were identified as positive for Lactobacillus through both culture and biochemical screening. Subsequently, 121 (72.89%; CI: 65.46-79.49) of the isolates were affirmed to harbour Lactobacillus through PCR analysis. Within this subset, 6 isolates (4.96%; CI: 1.84-10.48) were found to possess the plnEF gene. When exposed to Lactobacillus isolates, Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella enterica displayed an average maximum zone of inhibition with a diameter measuring 24 mm. In contrast, Escherichia coli exhibited an average minimum zone of inhibition, featuring a diameter of 11 mm. Additionally, the Lactobacillus isolates demonstrated inhibitory zones against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca, measuring 14, 22 and 19 mm, respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Lactic acid bacteria, particularly Lactobacilli, are plentiful in cow milk and possess broad-spectrum antibacterial properties.

Exploring of spectrum beta lactamase producing multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovars in goat meat markets of Bangladesh.

The emergence of Salmonella enterica serovars that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and exhibit multi-drug resistance (MDR) poses a substantial global threat, contributing to widespread foodborne illnesses and presenting an alarming issue for public health. This study specifically concentrated on the isolation and identification of ESBL-resistant genes (bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTX-M1, bla CTX-M2, bla CTX-M9, MultiCase ACC, MultiCase MOX, MultiCase DHA, bla OXA) and the antibiogram profiling of Salmonella enterica serovars found in goat meat samples procured from retail outlets in Bangladesh. During the research in the Sylhet district of Bangladesh, researchers gathered a total of 210 samples of goat meat from 13 different Upazilas. Primarily, cultural and biochemical methods were used for isolation of bacteria from the selected samples. Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis, along with three ESBL-resistant genes, were identified through polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). The disk diffusion test was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibilities. Out of 210 samples analysed, Salmonella spp. was detected in 18.10 % (38 out of 210), with S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium found in 9.05 % (19 out of 210) and 5.24 % (11 out of 210) of the samples, respectively. A total of 72.73 % (8/11) of S. Enteritidis and 100 % (19/19) of S. Typhimurium isolates were positive by Multidrug-resistant patterns. The positive outcomes were found of S. Typhimurium tested 63.16 % (12 out of 19) for the bla TEM gene and 21.05 % (4/19) for the bla SHV, gene. The study proposes that the retail goat meat market channel could be a prominent transmission way of ESBL-producing MDR Salmonella enterica serovars, representing a significant public health hazard.

Bioactive phytocompounds profiling and the evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic potential of Argyreia capitiformis (Poir.) Ooststr.: A combined in vitro, in vivo, and computational investigations.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Argyreia capitiformis (Poir.) Ooststr. (Convolvulaceae) is traditionally used by the Chakma community in the hilly region of Bangladesh to treat minor disorders such as pain. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study intended to determine the secondary metabolites to identify bioactive compounds and evaluate antioxidant potential, in vitro anti-inflammatory and in vivo analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic activities of A. capitiformis along with in silico investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemical profiling was carried out using HPLC and GC-MS analysis. The analgesic effect was measured employing tail immersion and acetic acid-induced writhing methods. Following protein denaturation and formalin-induced paw edema, anti-inflammatory activity was studied. The antihyperglycemic potential was assessed using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), while further mechanistic investigation was conducted using an alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory assay. Simulations and molecular docking analyses were performed to ascertain the stability and binding affinities of the drug-protein complex. RESULTS: A. capitiformis ethanolic extract confirmed the presence of phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, gums, steroids, and reducing sugars. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of eight polyphenolic compounds, the most abundant of which was myricetin (64.10 ± 0.14 mg per 100 g dry extract). Moreover, the GC-MS analysis revealed twenty-four molecules, the most important of which was 2,4-bis (dimethylbenzyl)-6-t-butylphenol (9.19%). The concentrations of total flavonoids, total terpenoids, total phenolics, and total tannins were ascertained to be 142.48 mg QE/g, 173.1 mg UAE/g, 19.35 mg GAE/g, and 13.05 mg GAE/g, respectively. Furthermore, the plant extract had a total antioxidant capacity of 388 mg AAE/g. In the writhing assay, the plant extract suppressed writhing by 59.73% and 76.99% at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, compared to the standard diclofenac Na 87.17%, and in the tail immersion assay, the plant extract displayed a maximum average reaction time of 1.94 and 2.40 s at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively as compared to the control tramadol 2.84 s at 60 min. In an in vitro anti-inflammatory assay, the plant extract possessed an IC50 of 95.51 µg/ml while diclofenac Na (standard drug) was found to be 69.50 µg/ml. Afterward, in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was observed in mice over a period, particularly after 3 h, the plant extract exerted maximum percent inflammation inhibitions of 36.36% and 45.45% at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively whereas ibuprofen the standard drug (100 mg/kg) exhibited 61.82%. The plant extract demonstrated antihyperglycemic activity, lowering blood sugar levels to 5.7 and 4.62 mM at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, as opposed to 8.58 mM in the control group. Meanwhile, the standard drug glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) dropped blood glucose levels to 2.38 mM in 60 min after glucose administration. Molecular docking (MD) and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) studies support the stability of the protein complex responsible for exerting pharmacological activities. CONCLUSION: A. capitiformis extract exhibited strong medicinal values supporting its traditional uses.

Antinociceptive and antioxidant potential of the crude ethanol extract of the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides grown in Bangladesh.

CONTEXT: Ageratum conyzoides Linn. (Asteraceae) is an annual herbaceous plant with a long history of traditional medicinal and agricultural uses; it is usually grown in the northeast part of Bangladesh. OBJECTIVE: The ethanol extract of the plant leaves was evaluated for preliminary phytochemical screening with its antinociceptive and antioxidant activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed on the basis of standard procedures. The analgesic activity of the extract was investigated using the acetic acid-induced writhing method in mice. Five complementary tests such as DPPH free radical scavenging, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, reducing power, Fe(++) ion chelating ability and total phenolic content were used for determining antioxidant activities. RESULTS: The results of preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, saponins, gums, steroids, tannins and flavonoids. The extract possessed a significant dose-dependent DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 18.91 µg/ml compared to ascorbic acid (IC50: 2.937 µg/ml) and butylated hydroxyanisole (IC50: 5.10 µg/ml). The IC50 value of the extract for NO scavenging (41.81 µg/ml) was also found to be significant compared to the IC50 value of ascorbic acid (37.93 µg/ml). Moreover, the extract showed reducing power activity and Fe(++) ion chelating ability. The total phenolic amount was also calculated as quite high (378.37 mg/g of gallic acid equivalents) in the crude ethanol extract. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Therefore, the obtained results tend to suggest the antinociceptive and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of the plant leaves and justify its use in folkloric remedies.

Integrating in vivo and in silico approaches to investigate the potential of Zingiber roseum rhizome extract against pyrexia, inflammation and pain.

Zingiber roseum is a perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae family. The plant is native to Bangladesh, and rhizomes are frequently used in traditional medicine to cure gastric ulcers, asthma, wounds, and rheumatic disorders. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyse the antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties of Z. roseum rhizome to confirm its efficacy in traditional applications. After 24 h of treatment, ZrrME (400 mg/kg) showed a considerable drop in rectal temperature (3.42°F) compared to standard paracetamol (5.26°F). At both doses (200 and 400 mg/kg), ZrrME showed a substantial dose-dependent decrease in paw oedema. However, after 2, 3 and 4 h of testing, the extract (200 mg/kg) had a lower anti-inflammatory response than standard indomethacin, whereas the higher dose (400 mg/kg) of rhizome extract had a more robust response compared to standard. ZrrME also showed substantial analgesic activity against all in vivo analgesic test models. The in vivo findings were further evaluated by in silico study of our previously identified compounds of ZrrME with the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (3LN1). The substantial binding energy (ranges from-6.2 to-7.7 Kcal/mol) of the polyphenols (excluding catechin hydrate) to the COX-2 enzyme affirm the in vivo test results of the present studies. In addition, the compounds were found effective as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents, according to the biological activity prediction software. Both in vivo and in silico results demonstrated promising antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects of Z. roseum rhizome extract, which corroborate the claim of its traditional uses.