ISSN 2736-1756
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 12 (12), pp. 001-004, December, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
The effects of aqueous extracts of the leaves of HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS Linn. on renal function in hypertensive rats
Imafidon E. Kate1 and Okunrobo O. Lucky2*
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
2Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Accepted 28 September, 2018
Abstract
The leaves of HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS Linn. (Family Malvaceae) have been used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of various human diseases such as aphrodisiac, hypertension, wound healing, diabetes mellitus and cancer. In this present study, the effect of 200 mg/kg of the aqueous leaf extract on the renal function of hypertensive rats was investigated. The administration of H. leaves extract shows a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the Na+ level of normotensive rats, thus it may interfere with the normal function of the kidney and hence produce increased salt retention. These results had shown that although H. ROSA-SINENSIS leave extract reduced blood pressure; the integrity of the kidney may be compromised when this plant is used for the treatment of hypertension.
Key words: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, hypertension, rats, leaves, blood pressure, kidney.
Okunrobo O. Lucky*, Imafidon E. Kate
Page: 1 - 4
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 12 (12), pp. 001-010, December, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
The response to iron deficiency of two sensitive grapevine cultivars grafted on a tolerant rootstock
M. A. Russo*, F. Sambuco and A. Belligno
Department of Agrochemistry, University of Catania, Italy.
Accepted 22 April, 2018
Abstract
Two sensitive cultivars were examined, VITTORIA and ITALIA, grafted on a tolerant rootstock (140 Ruggeri). Two levels of iron chlorosis in scions were selected, initial and evident, and compared to the healthy rootstock (control). The fractions of extracellular and cytoplasmatic cations, chloroplastic mobile, loosely linked, strongly linked and residual cations as well as the active fraction were extracted from the fresh matter. In the chlorotic the plant inability to use Fe2+ uptaken by the rootstock was highlighted, with a different response from VITTORIA and ITALIA, as evidenced by the decrease in the available fraction of Fe2+, particularly in the case of evident chlorosis. The increase in leaf content of the active forms of K+ and Ca2+ resulted directly correlated to the intensity of iron deficiency, since they bring about a higher pH and a destabilization of membranes, respectively, both hindering iron utilization. The modified response in terms of reduced photosynthetic activity in chlorotic scions was evidenced through the decrease in the active form of Mg2+ and consequently in chlorophyll content.
Key words: Fe and nutrition unbalance, active Fe fraction, iron chlorosis.
M. A. Russo*, F. Sambuco and A. Belligno
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 12 (12), pp. 001-005, December, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Changes in haemorrheologic and fibrinolytic activities upon hypertension and diabetic chemotherapy in Calabar diabetic residents, Nigeria
M. S. Edem, A. O. Emeribe and J. O. Akpotuzor*
Department of Heamatology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Accepted 16 September, 2018
Abstract
This research was carried out to assess the effect of hypertension on haemorrheologic and fibrinolytic activities in fifty (50) diabetics resident in Calabar municipality and the values obtained were compared with those of fifty (50) age and sex-matched non diabetics in the same locality. Relative plasma viscosity plasma fibrinogen concentration, euglobulin lysis time and fasting blood sugar were determined using standard methods. The relative plasma viscosity, plasma fibrinogen concentration, euglobulin lysis time and the fasting blood sugar values were significantly higher in diabetics (P < 0.05) when compared with the controls. Correlation between RPV and duration of diabetes was positive and significant (r = 0.323, p < 0.05). Also, correlation between fasting blood sugar and plasma fibrinogen concentration was positive and significant (r = 0.635, p < 0.05).There was no significant increase in RPV, PFC and ELT of type I diabetes when compared with type II diabetes (P > 0.05). The RPV and ELT of diabetics with hypertension was increased, but showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) with that of those who had no hypertension. However, the PFC of diabetics with hypertension was significantly increased (P < 0.05) when compared with that of the control group. The diabetics who were on oral hypoglycaemic agents and insulin showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in RPV, PFC and ELT when compared with those who were on combination therapy of oral hypoglycaemic agents (glanil, glucophage), but there was significant increase when RPV, PFC and ELT values were compared with the controls (P < 0.05). This work shows that defective rheology and poor fibrin clearing may be the contributory factor to vascular and thrombotic complications seen in diabetics.
Key words: Hypertension, haemorrheologic, fibrinolytic, diabetes mellitus.
A. O. Emeribe and J. O. Akpotuzor*, M. S. Edem
Page: 1 - 5
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 12 (12), pp. 001-004, December, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Lecithin: Cholesterol acyltransferase, lipoprotein lipase and lipoproteins in adult Nigerians with sickle cell disease
M. A. Emokpae1, 2*, P. O. Uadia3 and H. B. Osadolor2
1Department of Chemical Pathology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria.
2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
3Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Accepted 16 December, 2018
Abstract
Lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is a glycoprotein enzyme involves in the esterification of plasma cholesterol to form cholesteryl ester and is important in the maturation of high density lipoprotein. Lipid metabolism in sickle cell anaemia patients may be affected. The objective of this study was to determine the activities of serum lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase, lipoprotein lipase, lipids and lipoprotein levels in sickle cell anaemia patients in a steady state. The study population consisted of 144 confirmed sickle cell disease patients; 68 males aged 22.2 ± 3.8 years and 76 females aged 21.0 ± 3.0 years. Fifty age matched males; 25 sickle cell trait (HbAS), 25 normal haemoglobin (HbAA) and fifty females; 25 HbAS and 25 HbAA were used as controls. Statistically significant decrease in LCAT and LPL activities (p < 0.001) were observed in sickle cell anaemia patients compared with HbAS and HbAA controls in both sexes. Decrease levels of cholesterol (p < 0.001) and HDL cholesterol (p < 0.001) were also observed in sickle cell anaemia patients. The activities of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase and lipoprotein lipase were lower in subjects with sickle cell anaemia than sickle cell trait and normal haemoglobin. This may contribute to the changes observed in lipid metabolism in sickle cell anaemia. The exact cause is not known but appears to be multifactorial.
Key words: Sickle cell disease, Lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase, lipoprotein lipase, Lipoproteins.
P. O. Uadia and H. B. Osadolor, M. A. Emokpae*
Page: 1 - 4
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 12 (12), pp. 001-007, December, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Hepatoprotective role of Garcinia kola (Heckel) nut extract on methamphetamine: Induced neurotoxicity in mice
Gabriel Oze*, Iheanyi Okoro, Austin Obi and Polycarp Nwoha
Institute of Neuroscience and Biomedical Research, College of Medicine, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
Accepted 23 November, 2018
Abstract
The hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola (AEGK) was studied in 60 mice of mixed sexes. The animals were divided into 6 groups of 10 mice each. Group I received normal saline, groups and III got 100 and 200 mg/kg AEGK (orally), respectively. Group IV received 10 mg/kg methamphetamine (MAM) (s.c.) only. Groups V and VI got 100 and 200 mg/kg of AEGK respectively, before 10 mg/kg methamphetamine which was used to induce neurotoxicity. The serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and its conjugated metabolite were used to assess liver damage. Fifty percent of the animals in group IV died. 30% died in group V and none in group VI after 10 - 30 min interval of MAM administration. The serum levels of some of the marker enzymes and bilirubin were decreased significantly in groups VI at 200 mg/kg of AEGK (P < 0.05). The Blood glucose level increased transiently in the MAM treated groups. There was a slight rise in serum WBC after an initial fall at 100 mg/kg AEGK. The results suggest a possible hepatoprotective potential of AEGK. This may justify their local use in the management of some hepatic dysfunction and stress-related conditions.
Key words: Garcinia kola extract, methamphetamine, neuroprotection, mice.
Iheanyi Okoro, Gabriel Oze*, Austin Obi and Polycarp Nwoha
Page: 1 - 7
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 2241-9837 Vol. 12 (12), pp. 001-008, December, 2018. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Optimization of culture parameters to enhance production of amylase and protease from Aspergillus awamori in a single fermentation
Sangeeta Negi1* and Rintu Banerjee2
1Biotechnology Section, Applied Mechanics Department, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, 221 004 Teliarganj, Allahabad, India.
2Agriculture and Food Engineering Department, Microbial Biotechnology, 721302 Kharagpur, India.
Accepted 27 September, 2018
Abstract
Concomitant production of amylase and protease by Aspergillus awamori nakazawa MTCC 6652 was enhanced in a single fermentation by media engineering and optimization of other important parameters. Wheat bran was considered as a suitable substrate for production of amylase and protease by A. awamori in a single fermentation as none of the additional substrate such as powder of peanut, corn, soybean seeds and sunflower seeds was effective in enhancing the concurrent production of enzymes further. Optimum amylase yield of 4528.4 ± 121U/gds and protease yield of 250.4 ± 10 U/gds was achieved with wheat bran to Czapek-dox ratio of 1:1.5 (w/v), 96 h incubation, 35˚C temperature, pH 5.5 and 85% relative humidity. Media engineered with 1% casein and 1% starch solution increased yield of amylase and protease by 2.07 fold (9386.5 ± 101 U/gds) and 3.73 fold (934.8 ± 67 U/gds), respectively, therefore, considered as the most suitable media for concomitant production of amylase and protease by A. awamori in a single fermentation.
Key words: Amylase, protease, solid state fermentation, optimization.
Sangeeta Negi*, Rintu Banerjee
Page: 1 - 8