Searches / Asian Pacific Journal Of Tropical Medicine[JOURNAL]

Asian Pacific Journal Of Tropical Medicine[JOURNAL]

Sun 200 papers
RSS

Food intake regulation by leptin: Mechanisms mediating gluconeogenesis and energy expenditure.

Hussain Z, Khan JA

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Oct · PMID 29111188 · Publisher ↗

Regulation of blood glucose levels and body fat is critical for survival. Leptin circulates freely in blood and controls body weight and food intake mainly through hypothalamic receptors and regulates glucose metabolism... Regulation of blood glucose levels and body fat is critical for survival. Leptin circulates freely in blood and controls body weight and food intake mainly through hypothalamic receptors and regulates glucose metabolism in the liver both directly through leptin receptors and indirectly via the hypothalamic receptors of central nervous system. Leptin affects food intake regulation and eventually glucose metabolism, lipometabolism, endocrine and immune functions, reproductive function, adipose tissue metabolism and energy expenditure. Leptin also exerts peripheral effects directly on glucose metabolism and gluconeogenesis. Most of obese human subjects have elevated plasma levels of leptin associated to the size of their total adipose tissue mass. Hence gluconeogenic function may be an essential factor in the regulation of nutritional intake and weight gain. The aim of this review is therefore to identify and module the possible effects of leptin with special application in gluconeogenesis. In addition, this review includes the study of fat consumption and energy expenditure in the body. Specific modulation of leptin receptors and adipose tissues functioning could have important inference on therapeutic strategies.

A review of five traditionally used anti-diabetic plants of Bangladesh and their pharmacological activities.

Rafe MR

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Oct · PMID 29111187 · Publisher ↗

Plants are used traditionally throughout the globe to treat various diseases. Traditionally used medicinal plants are an essential part of the health sector in Bangladesh due to its abundance of a vast source of ethno-me... Plants are used traditionally throughout the globe to treat various diseases. Traditionally used medicinal plants are an essential part of the health sector in Bangladesh due to its abundance of a vast source of ethno-medicine. Rural people from developing country like Bangladesh are greatly dependent on traditional source of medicine. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing from recent years; therefore various researches are going on to discover better medicine to treat this disease. This study has focused on five plants which are Andrographis paniculata, Ageratum conyzoides, Swertia chirata, Terminalia arjuna, and Azadirachta indica to find out their traditional formulation as anti-diabetic medicine and their pharmacological activity has also been explored through literature search. The available information about traditional anti-diabetic uses of these plants and their pharmacological activities were collected from various electronic sources like Pubmed, SciFinder, Elsevier, Springer, Scopus, Scirus, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Web of Science apart from these locally available books and peer reviewed journal were also used to collect information. This study will help to strengthen the relation between traditional medicine, pharmacology and drug development. A clue may be found from the information provided this review to discover new and better anti-diabetic drugs.

Plasmodium falciparum found in the bone marrow of a child in Manado City, East Indonesia: A case report.

Tatura SNN, Gunawan S, Bernadus J … +1 more , Sandjoto S

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Oct · PMID 29111186 · Publisher ↗

In Indonesia, there are at least 1.3 million cases of malaria each year and Plasmodium falciparum appears to be the most common Plasmodium. The finding of Plasmodium is important for the diagnosis and management of malar... In Indonesia, there are at least 1.3 million cases of malaria each year and Plasmodium falciparum appears to be the most common Plasmodium. The finding of Plasmodium is important for the diagnosis and management of malaria. This is a case of a 4-year-and-9-month-old male who lived in Manado, East Indonesia. He presented with a prolonged fever, was pale in appearance, and was easily fatigued over the last 3 weeks. Hepato-splenomegaly was found on the initial physical examination. Preliminary laboratory findings found pancytopenia and severe anemia. Before he was referred to our hospital, at the primary health center, the initial work-up was negative for Plasmodium with the serial Rapid Diagnostic Test and microscopic peripheral blood smears. Since there were signs and symptoms mimicking malignancy, the patient was referred to our hospital for further malignancy work-up. A bone marrow puncture was done and we incidentally found Plasmodium falciparum in a microscopic bone marrow smear. This was a rare case because Plasmodium was not initially found in the preliminary work-up (Rapid Diagnostic Test and Microscopic) and qPCR is not a routine work-up for Plasmodium suspected patients. Although the mortality rate of malaria is high, this condition can be treated if the clinician was aware of the clinical signs and symptoms in the early onset and prompt medical treatment is administered. In a severe case with an unclear etiology of fever and with signs and symptoms mimicking malignancy, qPCR is recommended. However, a bone marrow puncture can also be considered to exclude the possibility of a malaria infection.

Morphological characteristics associated with rupture risk of multiple intracranial aneurysms.

Wang GX, Liu LL, Wen L … +3 more , Cao YX, Pei YC, Zhang D

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Oct · PMID 29111185 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To identify the morphological parameters that are related to intracranial aneurysms (IAs) rupture using a case-control model. METHODS: A total of 107 patients with multiple IAs and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemo... OBJECTIVE: To identify the morphological parameters that are related to intracranial aneurysms (IAs) rupture using a case-control model. METHODS: A total of 107 patients with multiple IAs and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage between August 2011 and February 2017 were enrolled in this study. Characteristics of IAs location, shape, neck width, perpendicular height, depth, maximum size, flow angle, parent vessel diameter (PVD), aspect ratio (AR) and size ratio (SR) were evaluated using CT angiography. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors associated with IAs rupture. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed on the final model, and the optimal thresholds were obtained. RESULTS: IAs located in the internal carotid artery (ICA) was associated with a negative risk of rupture, whereas AR, SR1 (height/PVD) and SR2 (depth/PVD) were associated with increased risk of rupture. When SR was calculated differently, the odds ratio values of these factors were also different. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that AR, SR1 and SR2 had cut-off values of 1.01, 1.48 and 1.40, respectively. SR3 (maximum size/PVD) was not associated with IAs rupture. CONCLUSIONS: IAs located in the ICA are associated with a negative risk of rupture, while high AR (>1.01), SR1 (>1.48) or SR2 (>1.40) are risk factors for multiple IAs rupture.

Neuron-protective effect of subanesthestic-dosage ketamine on mice of Parkinson's disease.

Fan JC, Song JJ, Wang Y … +2 more , Chen Y, Hong DX

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Oct · PMID 29111184 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the neuron-protective effect and possible mechanism of subanesthestic-dosage ketamine on Parkinson's disease mice induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. METHODS: A total of 30 mice... OBJECTIVE: To discuss the neuron-protective effect and possible mechanism of subanesthestic-dosage ketamine on Parkinson's disease mice induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. METHODS: A total of 30 mice were divided equally into three groups, model control group (MC group), ketamine treatment group (KT group), and blank control group (BC group), respectively. The Parkinson's disease mice of MC group and KT groups were established by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (20 mg/kg/d), while mice in KT group were treated by intraperitoneal injection of subanesthestic-dosage ketamine (8 mg/kg). Differences on behaviors and the number of nigra dopaminergic neurons of mice in each group were compared through the behavioral test and tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry experiments after the treatments. Furthermore, Western blot was used to test the expression of autophagy-related gene LC3-Ⅱ, Beclin1, Parkin, PINK1, and mTOR. RESULTS: Compared with the BC group, the neuroethology scores were lower and the amount of TH positive cells were less both in MC and MT groups; In KT group, the neuroethology scores were higher and the amount of tyrosine hydroxylase positive cells were significantly more than that in MC group (P < 0.05). Moreover, expression levels of autophagy-related proteins LC3-II, Beclin1, Parkin, and PINK1 were higher, while the mTOR expression level was lower than that in MC group. CONCLUSIONS: The subanesthestic-dosage ketamine has some protective effects on the coordinating ability of movement and cognitive ability of Parkinson's disease mice induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. This is probably due to that the autophagy activity of cells is activated by subanesthestic-dosage ketamine and that the neurons are protected.

Asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of major cities of Pakistan.

Rafique I, Saqib MAN, Munir MA … +6 more , Qureshi H, Taseer IU, Iqbal R, Ahmed W, Akhtar T, Rizwanullah

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Oct · PMID 29111183 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To determine the asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of Pakistani population. METHODS: This study was conducted in five major cities (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar) of Pakistan. A total... OBJECTIVE: To determine the asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of Pakistani population. METHODS: This study was conducted in five major cities (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar) of Pakistan. A total of 5 230 adults aged 18 years and above without a history of dengue fever at any point in their life were enrolled from participating laboratories. Those who were confirmed for dengue previously were excluded. Of the total, 62.6% (n = 3 276) were male with an average age of 34.6 years. Participants were briefed about the objectives of the study, and written consent was obtained to perform dengue IgG test using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The brief information related to age, gender and area was also taken on proforma. RESULTS: Overall 32.3% (n = 1 691) was having asymptomatic dengue infection which was 67.5% (n = 756) in Karachi followed by 39.1% (n = 391) in Islamabad, 29.9% (n = 316) in Lahore and 21% (n = 228) in Peshawar and none from Multan. More males were affected with asymptomatic dengue infection than females. The asymptomatic dengue infection was significantly higher in different cities; however, there was no significant difference with respect to age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The asymptomatic dengue infection is higher in cities i.e. Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore which are at risk of developing secondary dengue infections. There is a need of awareness among the public about secondary dengue infection.

Diversity of livestock associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Tegegne HA, Koláčková I, Karpíšková R

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080625 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diversity and molecular characteristics of livestock associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in livestock animals, food of animal origin and the environment in the Czech Republic... OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diversity and molecular characteristics of livestock associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in livestock animals, food of animal origin and the environment in the Czech Republic. METHODS: After having been primarily enriched in buffered peptone water, the samples were cultured on Baird-Parker agar. Presumptive colonies were sub-cultured to blood agar and assessed morphologically. Furthermore, presumptive Staphylococcus aureus colonies were confirmed by MALDI-TOF. Multiplex PCR, spa-typing, and MLST have been used to characterize the strains. Each mecA-positive Staphylococcus aureus isolates were examined against 14 different antimicrobials by using disk diffusion method. RESULTS: In this study, 13 different spa-types belonging to five sequence types (ST) were detected. Ninety four percent of tested strains belonged to CC/ST398 for which t011, t034, t2123 and t2346 were the vast major spa-types. In addition, non-ST398 clones such as CC1(t127), ST5(t3598), ST8(t064) and ST361(t315) were detected, which are known as human associated clones. CONCLUSIONS: The diversity of livestock associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has grown, and detecting lineages of human origin in animals and vice-versa becomes more common. Thus, livestock animal and its products will be a potential for the evolvement of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in human population. Monitoring of pigs as well as other food-producing animal species and their products is therefore recommended.

Introduction of Zika virus in Bangladesh: An impending public health threat.

Muraduzzaman AKM, Sultana S, Shirin T … +3 more , Khatun S, Islam M, Rahman M

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080624 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To explore the presence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Bangladesh and to understand the associated risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective sero-surveillance was performed on stored serum samples of dengue surveillance... OBJECTIVE: To explore the presence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Bangladesh and to understand the associated risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective sero-surveillance was performed on stored serum samples of dengue surveillance conducted from 2013 to 2016. Real time RT-PCR was performed on randomly selected acute serum samples to detect the Zika virus nucleic acid. RESULTS: Of 200 samples screened, one was found positive for ZIKV by real time RT-PCR and further confirmed by genome sequencing. The case was a 65 years old male from a metropolitan city of Bangladesh who had no history of travel outside Bangladesh. Phylogenetic analysis of partial E gene sequences from Bangladeshi isolates demonstrated a close relationship with ZIKV from Brazil and current South American strains clustering within a monophyletic clade distinct from African lineage. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of ZIKV raises serious public health concerns in Bangladesh owing to its association with congenital anomalies/neurological-manifestations. We, therefore, recommend every suspected viral fever patient, particularly pregnant women be screened for ZIKV infection to rule out yet another emerging infection in Bangladesh.

Relationship between abnormal vagus nerve tension and basal ganglia cerebral infarction induced paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Cheng WB, Li D, Yang Q … +1 more , Hou YM

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080623 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between basal ganglia cerebral infarction and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) caused by abnormal vagus nerve tension. METHODS: A total of 1483 cases of elder patients with... OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between basal ganglia cerebral infarction and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) caused by abnormal vagus nerve tension. METHODS: A total of 1483 cases of elder patients with cerebral infarction who received head CT or MRI examination during the period were enrolled, including 830 male and 613 female, with the average age as 78 years. These cases were divided into basal infarction ganglia group (n = 1045) and non-basal ganglia infarction group (n = 438) according to the anatomic site of cerebral infarction. The differences of the incidence of PAF, left atrial diameter and heart rate variability were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In basal ganglia infarction group, the incidence rate of PAF was significantly higher than that of non-basal ganglia infarction group (P < 0.05). The incidence trend of cerebral infarction in basal ganglia was age-related, in the >79 years basal ganglia cerebral infarction group, the incidence of PAF was significantly higher than that of non-basal ganglia infarction group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the left atrial diameter between the basal ganglia infarction group and non-basal ganglia infarction group. Basal ganglia cerebral infarction patients with high PAF had higher heart rate variability than non-basal ganglia infarction group. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with basal ganglia infarction have high incidence of PAF. Sympathetic nerve damage in cerebral basal ganglia, increased vagal tension and cardiac vagal tension are the direct causes of PAF. The results indicates that the increased central vagal nerve tension mediated PAF probably is an indication of supplying sympathetic neurotransmitter or cardiac vagal denervation treatment.

Elevated serum prostaglandin E2 predicts the risk of infection in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients.

Huang XP, Wang Y, Chen L … +8 more , Sun W, Huang Y, Xu Y, Feng TT, Luo EP, Qin AL, Zhao WF, Gan JH

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080622 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the serum Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level in Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and determine its predicative value for infection. METHODS: From April 2014 to April 2015, ninety-one patients with... OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the serum Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level in Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and determine its predicative value for infection. METHODS: From April 2014 to April 2015, ninety-one patients with hepatitis B virus and ACLF but without infection were enrolled into this prospective study that was carried out at our Hospital. Twenty patients with stable chronic hepatitis B were enrolled from the outpatient department and twenty healthy control subjects without any disease were enrolled from hospital staff. Serum PGE2 levels were determined using ELISA at enrollment. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine optimal cut-off values to predict infection. RESULTS: Significantly higher PGE2 levels were found in patients with ACLF in comparison with healthy controls and patients with stable CHB (P < 0.0001). In ACLF patients, PGE2 levels were significantly higher in patients that eventually developed infection than those without this complication (P < 0.0001). ROC analysis showed that serum PGE2 (area under the ROC curve, 0.83) could predict infection in patients with ACLF with sensitivity of 78.4% and specificity of 81.5% using a threshold of 141 pg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Serum PGE2 is associated with the susceptibility to secondary infections for patients with ACLF. Increased PGE2 serum levels may serve as a potential biomarker for developing infections in ACLF patients.

Biomass accumulation of Panax vietnamensis in cell suspension cultures varies with addition of plant growth regulators and organic additives.

Trong TT, Truong DH, Nguyen HC … +4 more , Tran DT, Nguyen Thi HT, Dang GD, Huu HN

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080621 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of plant growth regulators including kinetin (KN), benzyl adenine and naphthalene acetic acid, yeast extract and casein hydrolyzate on biomass accumulation of Vietnamese ginseng Panax vi... OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of plant growth regulators including kinetin (KN), benzyl adenine and naphthalene acetic acid, yeast extract and casein hydrolyzate on biomass accumulation of Vietnamese ginseng Panax vietnamensis (P. vietnamensis) in cell suspension culture. METHODS: Cell suspension cultures were established from friable calluses derived from leaves and petioles of 3-year-old in-vitro P. vietnamensis plants. The cell suspension cultures were grown in Murashige and Skoog basal media supplemented with various concentrations of KN, benzyl adenine, naphthalene acetic acid, and yeast extract and casein hydrolyzate. RESULTS: All tested factors generated an increase in the cell biomass of P. vietnamensis in suspension culture, but the impact of each varies depended on the factor type, concentration, and incubation period. Addition of 2.0 mg/L KN resulted in the largest biomass increase after 24 d, (57.0 ± 0.9) and (3.1 ± 0.1) mg/mL fresh and dry weight, respectively, whereas addition of benzyl adenine or naphthalene acetic acid produced optimum levels of Panax cell biomass at 1.0 and 1.5 mg/L, respectively. Addition of the elicitor yeast extract led to a 1.4-2.4 fold increase in biomass of P. vietnamensis, while addition of casein hydrolyzate enhanced biomass accumulation 1.8-2.6 fold. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of each factor causes significant changes in biomass accumulation of P. vietnamensis. The largest biomass accumulation is from cultures grown in MS media containing 2.0 mg/L KN for 24 d. The outcome of the present study provides new insights into the optimal suspension culture conditions for studies on the in vitro cell biomass production of P. vietnamensis.

Comparison of hypotensive, diuretic and renal effects between cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica and furosemide.

Bakour M, Al-Waili N, El-Haskoury R … +4 more , El-Menyiy N, Al-Waili T, Al-Waili A, Lyoussi B

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080620 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diuretic, hypotensive and renal effect of Opuntia ficus-indica in two different species in oral and intravenous administration. METHODS: Diuretic activity was evaluated in rats with the plan... OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diuretic, hypotensive and renal effect of Opuntia ficus-indica in two different species in oral and intravenous administration. METHODS: Diuretic activity was evaluated in rats with the plant cladode gel and aqueous extract administrated orally, and was evaluated in rabbits with plant extract administered intravenously. Single and repeated doses of cladode gel or aqueous extract of cladode were tested. Urine volume and blood and urine creatinine, sodium and potassium were measured, and creatinine clearance was calculated. The hypotensive effect of lyophilized extract of cladode was evaluated in rabbits. Two polyethylene PE50 catheters were used: one in the jugular vein for the infusion of the plant extract and the other in the carotid for the evaluation of the arterial pressure. RESULTS: The cladode gel or aqueous extract increased urine volume, creatinine clearance and urinary excretion of sodium and potassium without significant effect on serum creatinine or blood urea. Furosemide, gel and aqueous extract of cladode insignificantly lowered plasma potassium in rats. Intravenous administration of the lyophilized extract caused a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure in rabbits with a significant increase in urine volume and urine sodium and potassium; the effect was dose dependent. Intravenous administration of lyophilized extract did not affect plasma sodium or potassium. CONCLUSIONS: Gel and aqueous extract of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode have a significant diuretic effect on rats, and the lyophilized extract has a diuretic and hypotensive effect on normotensive rabbits without deterioration in renal function test. Additional studies on active ingredients are essential to pave the way for clinical studies on diuretic and hypotensive effect of the plant.

Astrodaucus persicus as a new source of bioinsectisides against malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi.

Goodarzi S, Vatandoost H, Abai MR … +6 more , Tavakoli S, Hatamian A, Ajani Y, Hadjiakhoondi A, Yassa N, Tofighi Z

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080619 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To determine the larvicidal activities of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of roots and fruits extracts of Astrodaucus persicus from Apiaceae family against malaria vector, Ano... OBJECTIVE: To determine the larvicidal activities of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of roots and fruits extracts of Astrodaucus persicus from Apiaceae family against malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi). METHODS: Twenty five third instar larvae of An. stephensi were exposed to various concentrations (10-160 g/L) of fractions and were assayed according to World Health Organization protocol. The larval mortality was calculated after 24 h treatment. RESULTS: Among tested fractions, the highest larvicidal efficacy was observed from ethyl acetate fraction of fruits extract with 50% and 90% mortality values (LC and LC) of 34.49 g/L and 108.61 g/L, respectively. Chloroform fraction of fruits extract was the second larvicidal sample with LC of 45.11 g/L and LC of 139.36 g/L. Petroleum ether fractions of fruits and roots and methanol fraction of fruits showed moderate toxicity against An. stephensi. CONCLUSIONS: Astrodaucus persicus is a potential source of valuable and natural larvicidal compounds against malaria vector, An. stephensi and can be used in mosquitoes control programs as an alternative to synthetic insecticides.

Antimicrobial activity of water and acetone extracts of some Eucomis taxa.

Mizielińska M, Salachna P, Ordon M … +1 more , Łopusiewicz Ł

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080618 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of acetone and water extracts of selected Eucomis taxa. METHODS: The bulbs of Eucomis bicolor, Eucomis comosa (E. comosa) and E. comosa cv. were dried an... OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of acetone and water extracts of selected Eucomis taxa. METHODS: The bulbs of Eucomis bicolor, Eucomis comosa (E. comosa) and E. comosa cv. were dried and examples from each experimental treatment were ground separately into powder. Each sample was divided into two groups with equal amounts of powder, and respectively extracted with water and a 70% solution of aqueous acetone. The crude water extracts were then filtered through a 0.2 μm filter. The 70% aqueous acetone extracts were next concentrated at 40 °C. After the evaporation of the acetone, the samples were additionally filtered through a 0.2 μm filter. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the extracts against chosen microorganisms were then determined. RESULTS: The results of the study demonstrated that the water and acetone extracts of Eucomis bulbs have an influence on the viability of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus atrophaeus strains. In the case of mediums containing E. comosa and E. comosa cv. extracts, a decrease in the number of gram-positive bacteria was dependent on the extract concentration. The best results were obtained in the case of the 25% extracts. The water and acetone extracts of Eucomis bulbs did not cause a decrease in the number of Escherichia coli cells. Additionally, antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Stachybotrys chartarum, Mucor circinelloides and Rhizopus oryzae cells were also not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The tested gram-negative and fungi microorganisms show resistance towards acetone and water extracts of Eucomis bulbs. The highest activity is found in the case of Aspergillus clavatus, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus atrophaeus strains, which shows water and acetone extracts of 25%.

Wash resistance and bio-efficacy of Olyset Plus, a long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito net with synergist against malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi.

Sheikhi S, Vatandoost H, Abai MR … +6 more , Shayeghi M, Raeisi A, Akbari M, Nikpoor F, Aghdam MS, Bagheri A

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080617 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To determine the wash resistance of Olyset Plus using World Health Organization Pesticide Evaluation Scheme standard washing procedure and to assess the value of knock down and mortality rates of Anopheles ste... OBJECTIVE: To determine the wash resistance of Olyset Plus using World Health Organization Pesticide Evaluation Scheme standard washing procedure and to assess the value of knock down and mortality rates of Anopheles stephensi at different regimens of long lasting insecticide treated nets washings. METHODS: The study was conducted at the Bioassay Laboratory of Culicidae Insectary, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The net was made of polyester impregnated with permethrin and piperonyl butoxide at a ratio of 2:1. The washing resistance was assessed using Le Chat soap and a shaker incubator set at a speed of 155 r/min, 30 °C for 10 min. The cone bioassay test was carried out according to World Health Organization recommended guideline with tolerant field strain of female Anopheles stephensi to pyrethroids. RESULTS: The knockdown and mortality rates of female mosquitoes exposed to Olyset Plus from un-washed nets to 2 washings were 79.7% and 88.8% respectively. Mortality was dropped to zero while active ingredient estimated 0.532 μg/100 cm to 0.481 μg/100 cm after 15 washings. A positive correlation was seen between residues of permethrin on nets, knockdown rate and mortality rate of female Anopheles stephensi exposed to different regimes of washed Olyset Plus (r = 0.954, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that a preliminary survey conducted on resistance level of Anopheles vectors before the distribution of Olyset Plus in malaria endemic communities.

A new approach for development of vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis: Lipophosphoglycan and polyacrylic acid conjugates.

Allahverdiyev AM, Cakir Koc R, Bagirova M … +8 more , Elcicek S, Baydar SY, Oztel ON, Abamor ES, Ates SC, Topuzogullari M, Isoglu Dincer S, Akdeste Z

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080616 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To determine the antileishmanial vaccine effectiveness of lipophosphoglycan (LPG) and polyacrylic acids (PAA) conjugates on in vivo mice models. METHODS: LPG molecule was isolated and purified from large-scale... OBJECTIVE: To determine the antileishmanial vaccine effectiveness of lipophosphoglycan (LPG) and polyacrylic acids (PAA) conjugates on in vivo mice models. METHODS: LPG molecule was isolated and purified from large-scale Leishmania donovani parasite culture. Protection efficacies of LPG alone, in combination with Freund's adjuvant, in a physical mixture and in conjugate (consisting of various LPG concentrations) with PAA, were comparatively determined by various techniques, such as cultivation with the micro-culture method, assessment of in vitro infection rates of peritoneal macrophages, determination of parasite load in liver with Leishman-Donovan Units, and detection of cytokine responses. RESULTS: Obtained results demonstrated that the highest vaccine-mediated immune protection was provided by LPG-PAA conjugate due to all parameters investigated. According to the Leishman-Donovan Units results, the sharpest decline in parasite load was seen with a ratio of 81.17% when 35 μg LPG containing conjugate was applied. This value was 44.93% for the control group immunized only with LPG. Moreover, decreases in parasite load were 53.37%, 55.2% and 65.8% for the groups immunized with 10 μg LPG containing LPG-PAA conjugate, a physical mixture of the LPG-PAA, and a mixture of LPG + Freund's adjuvant, respectively. Furthermore, cytokine results supported that Th1 mediated protection occurred when mice were immunized with LPG-PAA conjugate. CONCLUSIONS: It has been demonstrated in this study that conjugate of LPG and PAA has an antileishmanial vaccine effect against visceral leishmaniasis. In this respect, the present study may lead to new vaccine approaches based on high immunogenic LPG molecule and adjuvant polymers in fighting against Leishmania infection.

Antiviral activity of five Asian medicinal pant crude extracts against highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Sornpet B, Potha T, Tragoolpua Y … +1 more , Pringproa K

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080615 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To study the antiviral properties of the five Asian medicinal plants against in vitro infection by the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1). METHODS: Crude extracts of Andrographis paniculata, Curcum... OBJECTIVE: To study the antiviral properties of the five Asian medicinal plants against in vitro infection by the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1). METHODS: Crude extracts of Andrographis paniculata, Curcuma longa (C. longa), Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Kaempferia parviflora (K. parviflora), and Psidium guajava obtained by both water and ethanol extractions were investigated for their cytotoxicity in the Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Thereafter, they were investigated in vitro for antiviral activity and cytokine response upon H5N1 virus infection. RESULTS: The results revealed that both water and ethanol extracts of all the five studied plants showed significant antiviral activity against H5N1 virus. Among these plants, C. longa and K. parviflora showed strong anti-H5N1 activity. Thus, they were selected for further studies on their cytokine response upon virus infection. It was found that ethanol and water crude extracts of C. longa and K. parviflora induced significant upregulation of TNF-α and IFN-β mRNA expressions, suggesting their roles in the inhibition of H5N1 virus replication. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is among the earliest reports to illustrate the antiviral property of these Asian medicinal plants against the highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus. The results of this study shed light on alternative therapeutic sources for treatment of H5N1 influenza virus infection in the future.

Protective effect of decursin and decursinol angelate-rich Angelica gigas Nakai extract on dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine ulcerative colitis.

Oh SR, Ok S, Jung TS … +4 more , Jeon SO, Park JM, Jung JW, Ryu DS

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080614 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of decursin and decursinol angelate-rich Angelica gigas Nakai (AGNE) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: The therapeuti... OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of decursin and decursinol angelate-rich Angelica gigas Nakai (AGNE) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: The therapeutic effect of an AGNE was analyzed in a mouse model of UC induced by DSS. Disease activity index values were measured by clinical signs such as a weight loss, stool consistency, rectal bleeding and colon length. A histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Key inflammatory cytokines and mediators including IL-6, TNF-α, PGE, COX-2 and HIF-1α were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or western blotting. RESULTS: Treatment with the AGNE at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg alleviated weight loss, decreased disease activity index scores, and reduced colon shortening in mice with DSS-induced UC. AGNE inhibited the production of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and colon tissue. Moreover, AGNE suppressed the increased expression of COX-2 and HIF-1α and the increased production of PGE in colon tissue were observed in mice with DSS-induced UC. Additionally, histological damage was also alleviated by AGNE treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study verified that AGNE significantly improves clinical symptoms and reduces the activity of various inflammatory mediators. These results indicate the AGNE has the therapeutic potential in mice with DSS-induced UC.

Phylogeography, genetic variability and structure of Acanthamoeba metapopulations in Iran inferred by 18S ribosomal RNA sequences: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Spotin A, Moslemzadeh HR, Mahami-Oskouei M … +5 more , Ahmadpour E, Niyyati M, Hejazi SH, Memari F, Noori J

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080613 · Publisher ↗

OBJECTIVE: To verify phylogeography and genetic structure of Acanthamoeba populations among the Iranian clinical isolates and natural/artificial environments distributed in various regions of the country. METHODS: We sea... OBJECTIVE: To verify phylogeography and genetic structure of Acanthamoeba populations among the Iranian clinical isolates and natural/artificial environments distributed in various regions of the country. METHODS: We searched electronic databases including Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar from 2005 to 2016. To explore the genetic variability of Acanthamoeba sp, 205 sequences were retrieved from keratitis patients, immunosuppressed cases and environmental sources as of various geographies of Iran. RESULTS: T4 genotype was the predominant strain in Iran, and the rare genotypes belonged to T2, T3, T5 (Acanthamoeba lenticulata), T6, T9, T11, T13 and T15 (Acanthamoeba jacobsi). A total of 47 unique haplotypes of T4 were identified. A parsimonious network of the sequence haplotypes demonstrated star-like feature containing haplogroups IR6 (34.1%) and IR7 (31.2%) as the most common haplotypes. In accordance with the analysis of molecular variance, the high value of haplotype diversity (0.612-0.848) of Acanthamoeba T4 represented genetic variability within populations. Neutrality indices of the 18S ribosomal RNA demonstrated negative values in all populations which represented a considerable divergence from neutrality. The majority of genetic diversity belonged to the infected contact lens and dust samples in immunodeficiency and ophthalmology wards, which indicated potential routes for exposure to a pathogenic Acanthamoeba sp. in at-risk individuals. A pairwise fixation index (F) was from low to high values (0.02433-0.41892). The statistically F points out that T4 is genetically differentiated between north-west, north-south and central-south metapopulations, but not differentiated between west-central, west-south, central-south, and north-central isolates. CONCLUSIONS: An occurrence of IR6 and IR7 displays that possibly a gene flow of Acanthamoeba T4 occurred after the founder effect or bottleneck experience through ecological changes or host mobility. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis providing new approaches into gene migration and transmission patterns of Acanthamoeba sp, and targeting at the high-risk individuals/sources among the various regions of Iran.

An overview on cardioprotective and anti-diabetic effects of thymoquinone.

Farkhondeh T, Samarghandian S, Borji A

Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Sep · PMID 29080612 · Publisher ↗

Thymoquinone (TQ), one of the active components of Nigella sativa exhibited to have many biological effects. Several beneficial effects of TQ such as its antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, hypolipidemic, and anti-inf... Thymoquinone (TQ), one of the active components of Nigella sativa exhibited to have many biological effects. Several beneficial effects of TQ such as its antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory activities have been recognized. The present review focuses on the findings of recent studies on the protective effects of TQ against cardiovascular diseases. In the current review, we additionally concluded that TQ may be therapeutically effective agents for controlling diabetes and hyperlipidemia by decreasing the oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.
← Prev Page 3 of 10 Next →

About

Frequency
Sun
Papers found
200
RSS feed
Subscribe