ISSN 2736-1756
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2009
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2009 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Modulation of melanin synthesis and its gene expression in skin melanocytes by palm tocotrienol rich fraction
Suzana Makpol1*, Nur Nadia Mohd Arifin1, Zahariah Ismail3, Chua Kien Hui2, Yasmin Anum Mohd Yusof1 and Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah1
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abd. Aziz 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
3R&D Plantation and Agri-Business Division, Sime Darby Bhd, Malaysia.
Accepted 19 January, 2009
Abstract
Melanin is the pigment that determines skin color. Melanin synthesis is catalysed by the enzyme tyrosinase and is controlled by TYR, TYRP1 and TYRP2 genes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti pigmentation property of palm tocotrienol rich fraction by determining melanin synthesis and expression of genes involved in its regulation in skin melanocytes. Palm tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) which contains 75% a-tocotrienol and 25% tocopherol was used to inhibit melanin synthesis which was determined by determining melanin level and tyrosinase enzyme activity. Expression of TYR, TYRP1 and TYRP2 genes was determined by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (real time RT-PCR). Primary culture of skin melanocytes was divided into two groups; untreated control and cells that were treated with 500 µg/ml tocotrienol rich fraction for 24 h. Our results showed that there was a reduction in tyrosinase activity and melanin content in melanocytes treated with tocotrienol rich fraction compared to control (p < 0.05). Expression of TYRP2 gene in melanocytes treated with tocotrienol rich fraction was also decreased (p < 0.05) compared to control. In conclusion, palm tocotrienol rich fraction has an anti pigmentation property that inhibit melanin synthesis by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and down regulating TYRP2 gene expression.
Key words: Melanin synthesis, gene expression, tocotrienol rich fraction, skin melanocytes.
Nur Nadia Mohd Arifin, Chua Kien Hui, Zahariah Ismail, Yasmin Anum Mohd Yusof and Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah, Suzana Makpol*
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2009
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2009 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
The role of ascorbic acid in the treatment of Plasmodium Berghei infected mice
H. O. T. Iyawe* and A. O. Onigbinde
Department of Biochemistry Ambrose Alli University, P. M. B. 14, Ekpoma Nigeria.
Accepted 26 July, 2009
Abstract
This work aimed at examining the effect of malaria parasites and ascorbic treatments in mice. The relevance of this research derives from the desire to understand the role of ascorbic acid in malaria infection. In this study design, three groups of ten mice each categorized as non-parasitized-non-treated (control), parasitized-non-treated (PnT) and parasitized ascorbic acid treated (P+asT) were used. Results collected and analyzed using adequate statistical software revealed that parasitism in mice had significant (p < 0.05) increases in erythrocyte fragility, total and indirect bilirubin, total protein and globulin but decreased (p < 0.05) mice packed cell volume (PCV). Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly (p < 0.05) increased while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) decreased (p < 0.05). Liver SOD and CAT as well as kidney MDA of parasitized non treated mice were observed to increase (p < 0.05) following Plasmodium berghei infection. Ascorbic acid treatment of parasitized mice was observed to reverse the effects of P. berghei in mice. The findings suggest ascorbic acid to be critical in the management of malaria parasite infection.
Key words: Plasmodium berghei, ascorbic acid, antioxidants, erythrocyte fragility, oxidative stress.
H. O. T. Iyawe*, A. O. Onigbinde
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2009
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2009 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Predicting a-amylase yield and malt quality of some sprouting cereals using 2nd order polynomial model
C. Egwim Evans1 and O. Adenomon Monday2
1Biochemistry Department, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.
2Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Studies, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.
Accepted 7 May, 2009
Abstract
Alpha amylase yield in sprouting Maize, Acha, Rice and Sorghum were studied for 180 h. The result was analyzed using 2nd order polynomial model. The result showed that the rate of - amylase secretion with growth period is significantly high (p < 0.05) and the R2 for each ranged from 67 - 90%, while the R2 for sprouting vigour ranged within 99% for all the cereals studied. The prediction for amylase activity from sprouting vigour was significant (p < 0.05) for all the cereals studied, the R2 for all the cereals ranged between 63 - 91%. The results conclude that a-amylase and malt quality can be predicted in sprouting cereals from the growth vigour.
Key words: Cereals, amylase, growth vigour, model.
C. Egwim Evans, O. Adenomon Monday
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2009
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2009 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Influence of road transportation during hot summer conditions on oxidative status biomarkers in Iranian dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)
Saeed Nazifi1*, Mahdi Saeb2, Hasan Baghshani2 and Saeedeh Saeb2
1Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
2Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
Accepted 7 July, 2009
Abstract
Transportation causes stress in livestock that may alter numerous physiological variables with a negative impact on production and health. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of road transport on oxidative stress biomarkers in camels. Ten Iranian dromedary camels were selected and subjected to a journey of approximately 300 km in a truck by road in August 2008. Blood samples were collected immediately before loading at 8:30 A.M., after 1 h transportation, at 9:30 A.M., and at the end of the journey after unloading at 1:30 PM. Final blood sample was taken 24 h after arrival. Plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde and a-tocopherol, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and whole blood glutathione peroxidase activities were measured using validated methods. The mean concentration of MDA (1.87 ± 0.26 nmol/mL) and glutathione peroxidase activity (297.86 ± 25.68 U/g Hb) in basal pre-transport conditions show significant increase 24 h after arrival. The mean concentration of a-tocopherol (5.22 ± 0.74 mol/L) and superoxide dismutase activity (1742.5 ± 74.36 U/g Hb) in basal pre- transport conditions had no significant change during and after transportation. Results suggest that transport stress causes an oxidative challenge in dromedary camels and represent novel biomarkers for stress-associated disease susceptibility and welfare assessment. However, further research efforts should be directed towards understanding the role of particular antioxidants and oxidants on the stressful conditions.
Key words: Dromedary camel, road transportation, oxidative status, malondialdehyde, a-tocopherol, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase.
Saeed Nazifi*, Hasan Baghshani and Saeedeh Saeb, Mahdi Saeb
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2009
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2009 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Hepatoprotective potential of crocin and curcumin against iron overload-induced biochemical alterations in rat
Shohda A. EL-Maraghy, Sherine M. Rizk and Maha M. El-Sawalhi*
Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Accepted 18 March, 2009
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible ameliorating effect of crocin and curcumin on certain biochemical alterations associated with iron overload-induced liver injury in rats. 5 groups of rats were used, a normal control group received daily i.p. injections of saline and 4 groups received daily i.p. injections of ferric nitrilotriacetate (FeNTA) for 8 successive days, the dose of iron was increased during the experimental period (from 6 to 15 mg Fe/kg). The first iron overloaded group kept without further treatment and served as a positive control group. The second iron overloaded group received daily i.p injections of crocin (200 mg/kg) in saline. The 3rd and the 4th iron overloaded groups received orally either 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) or curcumin (100 mg/kg) in CMC respectively. Treatment started 3 days before and concurrently with iron administration for 8 days. Results revealed that iron- induced liver injury was reflected by significant changes in the liver function indices, hyperammonemia and reduced serum urea level. A significant deposition of iron in liver was associated with enhanced oxidative and nitrosative stress status. Moreover, iron overloaded rats exhibited significant alterations in liver energy metabolism together with diminished ureogenesis and a decline in dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase activity. Supplementation with either crocin or curcumin ameliorated most of the biochemical changes induced by iron overload in rat liver. A function that may be beneficial for populations at risk for iron overload.
Key words: Iron overload, liver, rat, oxidative stress, energy metabolism, ureogenesis, crocin, curcumin.
Sherine M. Rizk and Maha M. El-Sawalhi*, Shohda A. EL-Maraghy
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2009
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2009 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Salivary amino acids quantification using RP-HPLC during normal menstrual cycle
S. Alagendran1,5, K. Rameshkumar2, K. Palanivelu, N. Puspha4, M. Ranjani4, N. Arulmozhi4 and G. Archunan5*
1PG, Department of Biotechnology, Nehru memorial college (Autonomous), Puthanampatti- 621 007, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil nadu, India.
2Department of Zoology, Raja Serfoji Government College, Thanjavur, Tamil nadu, India.
3Department of Zoology and Biochemistry, Government College for Men (Autonomous), Kumbakonam, Tamil nadu, India.
4Department of Microbiology, Cauvery College for women, Tiruchirappalli. Tamil nadu, India.
5Centre for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli- 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India.
Accepted 8 May, 2009
Abstract
The present study was carried out to detect amino acids profile in women saliva in order to establish the qualitative and quantitative differences that might have potential value in detection of ovulation by noninvasive methods. For the collection of sample, the stages of menstrual cycle were decided by the physical and morphological examination of salivary fern pattern. The saliva from various reproductive phases (prepubertal, preovulatory, ovulatory, postovulatory phases and menopause) was collected and analyzed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after precolumn derivitization of amino acids using O-Pthaldehyde (OPA) by means of RP-HPLC amino acid analyzer. Among the various amino acids identified the compounds such as tryptophan, arginine and phenylalanine were comparatively found to be higher during ovulatory phase when compared to that of other phases. The increase in amino acid concentration during ovulatory phase may be due to the circulation of steroid hormones. Thus, the presence of specific amino acids in ovulatory saliva makes the possibility to develop a biomarker for detection of ovulation by noninvasive methods.
Key words: Ovulation steroid hormones, O-Pthaladehyde, chromatography, amino acids.
N. Arulmozhi and G. Archunan*, M. Ranjani, S. Alagendran , K. Rameshkumar, N. Puspha, K. Palanivelu
Page: 1 - 10