scholarly journals Antifilarial Screening and Oxidative Role of Isolated Fraction from Aegle Marmelos Corr. Leaves Extract

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 395-401
Author(s):  
Sahare K N

In the present work antifilarial active fraction was isolated from the leaves Chloroform extract of Aegle marmelos Corr. evaluated in vitro for antifilarial activity and studied the possible oxidative role against Setaria cervi parasite. Antifilarial study was carried out with isolated fractions by worm motility and MTT assays. Complete parasite motility inhibition was observed at 0.002 to 0.08 mg/mL in motility assay and in MTT assay plant fraction gave > 50% reduction 58.9, 74.6 and 97.2% at concentrations 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 mg/mL at 10, 6 and 2 hours incubation period respectively (p< 0.05). Inhibitory concentration (IC50) was found to be 0.015 mg/mL. Oxidative parameters levels for MDA, Carbonyl content and Nitric oxide were identified as antifilarial activity achieved. The level of oxidative parameters was calculated in dose dependent manners as compared to the control level. The antifilarial activity of isolated fraction is associated with the oxidative mechanism in this study.

2004 ◽  
Vol 181 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
AA Fouladi Nashta ◽  
CV Andreu ◽  
N Nijjar ◽  
JK Heath ◽  
SJ Kimber

Decidualisation of uterine stromal cells is a prerequisite for implantation of the embryo in mice. Here we have used an in vitro culture system in which stromal cells decidualise as indicated by a number of markers, including an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The latter was used as a quantitative marker of decidualisation in the presence of low (2%) fetal calf serum. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), which is known to induce decidualisation, increased ALP activity, and this effect was blocked in a dose-dependent manner by indomethacin. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) was then examined, but it had no effect on PGE(2) secretion. However, LIF suppressed ALP activity in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of 2% serum, while an inhibitor of LIF that competes for binding to its receptor reversed the effect of LIF and increased ALP activity above the control level. In serum-free cultures, stromal cells differentiated rapidly, and no differences were observed between LIF-treated and untreated cultures. Stromal cells produce LIF during in vitro culture, and this peaked at 48 h. Freshly collected stromal cells from both day-2 and -4 pregnant mice expressed mRNA for the LIF receptor, and the transcript level was higher in cells isolated on day 4. However, no differences were observed in the relative levels of transcripts in cells from day 2 and day 4 after culture, nor were there differences between the LIF-treated cultures and controls. Therefore, in this study, we have shown that LIF suppresses decidualisation of murine uterine stromal cells in the presence of serum, this is not due to the regulation of PGE(2) secretion by stromal cells.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4717
Author(s):  
Jin-Young Lee ◽  
Da-Ae Kim ◽  
Eun-Young Kim ◽  
Eun-Ju Chang ◽  
So-Jeong Park ◽  
...  

Lumican, a ubiquitously expressed small leucine-rich proteoglycan, has been utilized in diverse biological functions. Recent experiments demonstrated that lumican stimulates preosteoblast viability and differentiation, leading to bone formation. To further understand the role of lumican in bone metabolism, we investigated its effects on osteoclast biology. Lumican inhibited both osteoclast differentiation and in vitro bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with this, lumican markedly decreased the expression of osteoclastogenesis markers. Moreover, the migration and fusion of preosteoclasts and the resorptive activity per osteoclast were significantly reduced in the presence of lumican, indicating that this protein affects most stages of osteoclastogenesis. Among RANKL-dependent pathways, lumican inhibited Akt but not MAP kinases such as JNK, p38, and ERK. Importantly, co-treatment with an Akt activator almost completely reversed the effect of lumican on osteoclast differentiation. Taken together, our findings revealed that lumican inhibits osteoclastogenesis by suppressing Akt activity. Thus, lumican plays an osteoprotective role by simultaneously increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption, suggesting that it represents a dual-action therapeutic target for osteoporosis.


Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaojuan Li ◽  
Yunping Tang ◽  
Fangmiao Yu ◽  
Yu Sun ◽  
Fangfang Huang ◽  
...  

We investigated the antitumor mechanism of Anthopleura anjunae oligopeptide (AAP-H, YVPGP) in prostate cancer DU-145 cells in vitro and in vivo. Results indicated that AAP-H was nontoxic and exhibited antitumor activities. Cell cycle analysis indicated that AAP-H may arrest DU-145 cells in the S phase. The role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian rapamycin target protein (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway in the antitumor mechanism of APP-H was investigated. Results showed that AAP-H treatment led to dose-dependent reduction in the levels of p-AKT (Ser473), p-PI3K (p85), and p-mTOR (Ser2448), whereas t-AKT and t-PI3K levels remained unaltered compared to the untreated DU-145 cells. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the DU-145 cells by employing inhibitor LY294002 (10 μM) or rapamycin (20 nM) effectively attenuated AAP-H-induced phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR. At the same time, inhibitor addition further elevated AAP-H-induced cleaved-caspase-3 levels. Furthermore, the effect of AAP-H on tumor growth and the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in nude mouse model were also investigated. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that activated AKT, PI3K, and mTOR levels were reduced in DU-145 xenografts. Western blotting showed that AAP-H treatment resulted in dose-dependent reduction in p-AKT (Ser473), p-PI3K (p85), and p-mTOR (Ser2448) levels, whereas t-AKT and t-PI3K levels remained unaltered. Similarly, Bcl-xL levels decreased, whereas that of Bax increased after AAP-H treatment. AAP-H also increased initiator (caspase 8 and 9) and executor caspase (caspase 3 and 7) levels. Therefore, the antitumor mechanism of APP-H on DU-145 cells may involve regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which eventually promotes apoptosis via mitochondrial and death receptor pathways. Thus, the hydrophobic oligopeptide (YVPGP) can be developed as an adjuvant for the prevention or treatment of prostate cancer in the future.


Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fidrus ◽  
Ujhelyi ◽  
Fehér ◽  
Hegedűs ◽  
Janka ◽  
...  

The application of natural plant extracts in UV-protection is popular and intensively studied. Silymarin (from Silibum marianum), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has recently received attention due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. However, its role in the UV-mediated keratinocyte cell response is still controversial. In this study, we investigated the effects of Silibum marianum extracts with different origins and formulations on UVA-exposed HaCaT keratinocytes in vitro. Our results show, that silymarin treatment caused an inverse dose-dependent photosensitivity relationship (at higher doses, a decrease in cell viability and ROS production) after UVA exposure. The attenuation of the UVA-induced ROS generation after silymarin treatment was also observed. Moreover, silymarin pre-treatment increased the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photolesions in keratinocytes after UVA exposure. These results indicated the dual role of silymarin in UVA-exposed keratinocytes. It scavenges ROS but still induces phototoxicity. Based on our results dermatological applications of silymarin and related compounds should be considered very carefully.


2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (1) ◽  
pp. H245-H250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng F. Ba ◽  
Ailing Lu ◽  
Tomoharu Shimizu ◽  
László Szalay ◽  
Martin G. Schwacha ◽  
...  

Although endothelin-1 (ET-1) induces vasoconstriction, it remains unknown whether 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment following trauma-hemorrhage alters these ET-1-induced vasoconstrictive effects. In addition, the role of the specific estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes (ER-α and ER-β) and the endothelium-localized downstream mechanisms of actions of E2 remain unclear. We hypothesized that E2 attenuates increased ET-1-induced vasoconstriction following trauma-hemorrhage via an ER-β-mediated pathway. To study this, aortic rings were isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats following trauma-hemorrhage with or without E2 treatment, and alterations in tension were determined in vitro. Dose-response curves to ET-1 were determined, and the vasoactive properties of E2, propylpyrazole triol (PPT, ER-α agonist), and diarylpropionitrile (DPN, ER-β agonist) were determined. The results showed that trauma-hemorrhage significantly increased ET-1-induced vasoconstriction; however, administration of E2 normalized ET-1-induced vasoconstriction in trauma-hemorrhage vessels to the sham-operated control level. The ER-β agonist DPN counteracted ET-1-induced vasoconstriction, whereas the ER-α agonist PPT was ineffective. Moreover, the vasorelaxing effects of E2 were not observed in endothelium-denuded aortic rings or by pretreatment of the rings with a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor. Cyclooxygenase inhibition with indomethacin had no effect on the action of E2. Thus, E2 administration attenuates ET-1-induced vasoconstriction following trauma-hemorrhage via an ER-β-mediated pathway that is dependent on endothelium-derived NO synthesis.


1990 ◽  
Vol 258 (3) ◽  
pp. F751-F755 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Bourdeau ◽  
B. K. Eby

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases cytosolic free Ca concentration ([ Ca2+]i) by mechanisms that depend on extracellular Ca in both cultured renal proximal tubules and isolated rabbit connecting tubules (CNTs). In CNTs 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcAMP) mimics this action, implicating cAMP as a second messenger, and part of the rise, due to increased luminal membrane Ca entry, is likely related to Ca absorption. In cultured proximal tubules the rise in [Ca2+]i, presumably mediated by increased Ca entry across the basolateral plasmalemma, activates gluconeogenesis and shortens microvilli. In the present study we examined cAMP-mediated Ca entry across the basolateral membranes of CNT cells, an effect potentially related to cell activation. Single CNTs were dissected from rabbit kidneys and loaded with fura-2. [Ca2+]i was measured by dual-wavelength excitation during perfusion of isolated segments in vitro. With 1.8 or 2.0 mM Ca in the lumen and the bath, suffusate 8-BrcAMP increased [Ca2+]i within minutes in a dose-dependent fashion. The increase persisted as long as 8-BrcAMP was present and reversed on its withdrawal. With 0.1 microM Ca in the lumen and the bath, 8-BrcAMP, but not ionomycin, failed to increase [Ca2+]i, implying that extracellular Ca is the major source. In tubules perfused with 2 mM ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid to eliminate luminal Ca, but suffused with 1.8 or 2.0 mM Ca, 8-BrcAMP increased [Ca2+]i (though less so than with Ca in the lumen), implying Ca entry across basolateral cell membranes. This rise in [Ca2+]i was attenuated markedly by the presence of 50 microM LaCl3 in the bath.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Author(s):  
Hongfang Wang ◽  
Jinlian Fu ◽  
Aiguo Wang

Obesity has become a global health problem. Research suggests that leptin, a hormone that responds to fat deposition, may be involved in mammalian reproduction; however, its precise role in embryo implantation is poorly understood. Here, primary porcine endometrium epithelium cells (PEECs) were cultured in vitro and used to evaluate the regulatory role of different leptin levels on β3-integrin, MMP9, HB-EGF, and IL-1β, which are, respectively, involved in four critical steps of embryo implantation. Results showed that only 0.01 nM leptin significantly improved β3-integrin mRNA expression (p < 0.05). MMP9 and HB-EGF mRNA expressions were upregulated by 0.10–10.00 nM leptin (p < 0.05). The IL-1β expression level was only increased by 10.00 nM leptin (p < 0.05). β3-integrin, MMP9, HB-EGF, and IL-1β mRNA and protein have a similar fluctuant response to increased leptin. Leptin’s influence on β3-integrin, MMP9, HB-EGF, and IL-1β disappeared when the JAK2, PI(3)K, or MAPK signaling pathways were blocked, respectively. In conclusion, leptin affected porcine implantation by regulating the expression of β3-integrin, MMP9, HB-EGF, and IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner. The signaling pathways of JAK2, PI(3)K, and MAPK may participate in this regulatory process. These findings will contribute to further understanding the mechanisms of reproductive disorders in obesity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (07) ◽  
pp. 1491-1506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiying Fu ◽  
Renjie Wu ◽  
Yuanyuan Li ◽  
Lizong Zhang ◽  
Xiaofang Tang ◽  
...  

Carthamus tinctorius L. is a traditional Chinese medicine that activates blood circulation and dissipates blood stasis, and has been extensively used as antitumor treatment in a clinical setting in single or in compound preparation form. However, empirical evidence and a better understanding of the possible mechanisms involved are still required. Here, we investigated the role of safflower yellow (SY), the active ingredient of C. tinctorius, in the pulmonary metastasis of breast cancer, and the underlying mechanism of action. EGF-meditated time- and dose-dependent cell response profiles were applied to screen for the activity of SY in vitro, while orthotopic lung metastasis and intravenous injection were used to evaluate the antimetastatic role of SY in vivo. SY could dose-dependently inhibit EGF-mediated time- and dose-dependent cell response profiles by inhibiting cytoskeletal rearrangement. We also found that SY significantly inhibited the migration of breast cancer cells in vitro and pulmonary metastasis of breast cancer cells in vivo. Consistent with these phenotypes, formation of invadopodia and the expression of MMP-9 and p-Src proteins were decreased after EGF stimulation in MBA-MD-231 cells treat with SY, as well as in lung metastatic foci. Additionally, circulating tumor cells retained in lung capillaries were also reduced. These results suggest that the antimetastatic effect of SY is due to its inhibition of invadopodia formation, which occurs mainly through Src-dependent cytoskeleton rearrangement. We suggest that SY should be considered as a potential novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
António Galvão ◽  
Angela Tramontano ◽  
Maria Rosa Rebordão ◽  
Ana Amaral ◽  
Pedro Pinto Bravo ◽  
...  

Metabolic hormones have been associated with reproductive function modulation. Thus, the aim of this study was: (i) to characterize the immunolocalization, mRNA and protein levels of leptin (LEP), Ghrelin (GHR) and respective receptors LEPR and Ghr-R1A, throughout luteal phase; and (ii) to evaluate the role of LEP and GHR on progesterone (P4), prostaglandin (PG) E2and PGF2α, nitric oxide (nitrite), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF); macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) secretion, and on angiogenic activity (BAEC proliferation), in equine corpus luteum (CL) from early and mid-luteal stages. LEPR expression was decreased in late CL, while GHR/Ghr-R1A system was increased in the same stage. Regarding secretory activity, GHR decreased P4in early CL, but increased PGF2α, nitrite and TNF in mid CL. Conversely, LEP increased P4, PGE2, angiogenic activity, MIF, TNF and nitrite during early CL, in a dose-dependent manner. Thein vitroeffect of LEP on secretory activity was reverted by GHR, when both factors acted together. The present results evidence the presence of LEP and GHR systems in the equine CL. Moreover, we suggest that LEP and GHR play opposing roles in equine CL regulation, with LEP supporting luteal establishment and GHR promoting luteal regression. Finally, a dose-dependent luteotrophic effect of LEP was demonstrated.


Endocrinology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 155 (8) ◽  
pp. 3054-3064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Cabrera-Sharp ◽  
Jordan E. Read ◽  
Stephanie Richardson ◽  
Alycia A. Kowalski ◽  
Douglas F. Antczak ◽  
...  

TGFβ superfamily proteins, acting via SMAD (Sma- and Mad-related protein)2/3 pathways, regulate placental function; however, the role of SMAD1/5/8 pathway in the placenta is unknown. This study investigated the functional role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)4 signaling through SMAD1/5 in terminal differentiation of primary chorionic gonadotropin (CG)-secreting trophoblast. Primary equine trophoblast cells or placental tissues were isolated from day 27–34 equine conceptuses. Detected by microarray, RT-PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR, equine chorionic girdle trophoblast showed increased gene expression of receptors that bind BMP4. BMP4 mRNA expression was 20- to 60-fold higher in placental tissues adjacent to the chorionic girdle compared with chorionic girdle itself, suggesting BMP4 acts primarily in a paracrine manner on the chorionic girdle. Stimulation of chorionic girdle-trophoblast cells with BMP4 resulted in a dose-dependent and developmental stage-dependent increase in total number and proportion of terminally differentiated binucleate cells. Furthermore, BMP4 treatment induced non-CG-secreting day 31 chorionic girdle trophoblast cells to secrete CG, confirming a specific functional response to BMP4 stimulation. Inhibition of SMAD2/3 signaling combined with BMP4 treatment further enhanced differentiation of trophoblast cells. Phospho-SMAD1/5, but not phospho-SMAD2, expression as determined by Western blotting was tightly regulated during chorionic girdle trophoblast differentiation in vivo, with peak expression of phospho-SMAD1/5 in vivo noted at day 31 corresponding to maximal differentiation response of trophoblast in vitro. Collectively, these experiments demonstrate the involvement of BMP4-dependent pathways in the regulation of equine trophoblast differentiation in vivo and primary trophoblast differentiation in vitro via activation of SMAD1/5 pathway, a previously unreported mechanism of TGFβ signaling in the mammalian placenta.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document