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Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub & Spach (Papilionaceae) is a medicinal plant, cultivated in northern areas of Pakistan. The consumption of trace minerals (lead) is very toxic to the vital organs of the body, therefore the overcome of these minerals is very necessary. In this regard, this study aimed to assess the potential pharmacological effect of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub & Spach against pb‐induced oxidative stress, histological changes in Pb‐induced rats' liver and kidney, and anti‐inflammatory effect. The metal concentrations in liver and kidney homogenates were measured through atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The antioxidant activity was measured through DPPH and FRAP assay. Pb concentrations were significantly higher in liver and kidney homogenates after injection of Pb acetate was given intraperitoneally (45.2 ± 6.8 and 58.8 ± 7.9, respectively; p <.0001). The level of Pb in liver and kidney homogenates was significantly reduced by aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub & Spach. The Pb + Aq‐600 mg/kg‐treated rats exhibited a protective effect on hepatocytes cells against Pb‐induced liver injury and restored the cells of the kidney. Pb + Aq‐600 mg/kg showed higher antioxidant activity as compared to other treated groups. The highest decreased MDA level was found in liver and kidney homogenate of Pb + Aq‐600 mg/kg rats (11.2 ± 1.51 nmol/mg; p <.001) and GSH and CAT levels tended to normal after treatment of Pb + Aq‐600 mg/kg in rats. The ALAD, ALT, AST, and ALP level were enhanced and tended to be normal after the Aq‐400 and Aq‐600 mg/kg treatment in Pb‐exposed rats. The result showed that 600 mg/kg Aq + Pb exhibited significant (p <.001) anti‐inflammatory activity. The findings of this study concluded that treatment of the aqueous extract of Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub & Spach reduces the renal and hepatic damage in Pb‐induced rats and it also decreases oxidative stress via improving antioxidant components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To demonstrate the immunomodulatory activity of meloxicam based on cellular and humoral immune responses and in mice. Methods: Cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia assay and delayed-type hypersensitivity assay (DTH) were carried out to assess cellular immunity. In addition, mouse lethality and haemagglutination assays were carried out to investigate humoral immunity. Meloxicam was administered intraperitoneally in two doses, i.e., 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg to mice. Results: Cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia assay data showed a significant decline in differential leukocyte count (DLC) and total leukocytes count (TLC) in the meloxicam administered groups when compared with control group (p < 0.05). In DTH test, meloxicam showed a significant reduction in skin thickness against dinitrochlorobenzene than the control group, respectively (p < 0.05). A significant dose-dependent decline in antibody titre in the meloxicam-treated groups was observed (p < 0.05), while a gradual decrease in antibody titre occurred with increasing dose. However, there was significant rise in mortality ratio with increasing dose of meloxicam (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that meloxicam has immunosuppressive activity in mice, and therefore, can potentially be developed for use in countering organ transplant rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Isoflurane (ISO) has been extensively uses in general anesthesia and reported to cause deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in prolonged surgical procedures. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an adrenergic agonist and having antioxidant activity that may reduce the genotoxic potential (DNA damage) and oxidative stress induced by ISO in patients undergoing major neurosurgical procedures. Methods and Findings. Twenty-four patients of ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classes I and II were randomly divided into two groups (n = 12). Group A patients received ISO, while group B patients received DEX infusion for maintenance of anesthesia. Venous blood samples were collected at different time intervals and used to evaluate the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and endogenous antioxidants superoxide dismutases (SOD) and catalases (CAT). A single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)-comet assay was used to investigate the genotoxic potential of ISO. Conclusion. Increased level of antioxidants and decreased value of MDA and genetic damage index were seen in group B (P < 0.001) in a time-dependent manner. Genetic damage was highest at point T2 (0.77 vs. 1.37), and continued to decrease till T3 (0.42 vs. 1.19), with respect to negative controls or baseline values following DEX infusion. Significantly, higher level of MDA was recorded in serum of group A (P < 0.001) as compared to group B (1.60 ± 0.33 vs. 0.03 ± 0.001). Enzymatic activities of CAT and SOD were significantly higher in group B than group A (10.11 ± 2.18 vs. 5.71 ± 0.33), (1.04 ± 0.05 vs. 0.95 ± 0.01), respectively. It may play a contributing role in daily anesthesia practice and improve the toxic effects on patients as well as anesthesia personnel. Trial Registration. Ethical Committee of Post Graduate Medical Institute (PGMI), Lahore General Hospital approved the use of humans in this study vide human subject application number ANS-6466 dated February 04, 2019. Furthermore, as the clinical trials required registration from an appropriate registry approved by World Health Organization (WHO), this trail also retrospectively registered at Thai Clinical Trials Registry (an approved WHO registry for clinical trials registration) under reference ID TCTR20211230001 on December 30, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to investigate the phenolic and flavonoid contents, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of A. roseum (Camb.). The MTT assay was used to determine cytotoxicity, Comet assay was used to determine genotoxicity and mutagenicity of extracts was assessed through Ames test. The results showed that total phenolic contents were higher in aqueous extract (538.26 mg GAE/100 g); however, total flavonoid contents were significantly higher in ethanolic extract (6553.29 mg Eq. of Quercetin/100 g). The cells survival percentage was significantly (P <.05) decreased as concentrations of ethanolic extract increased. However, no significant toxicity was observed in groups treated with 0.031–0.25 mg/ml of ethanolic extract of A. roseum compared to negative control (P >.05). IC50 of ethanolic and aqueous extract of A. roseum was 5.54 mg/ml and 11.39 mg/ml, respectively. The results indicated that all concentration groups of ethanolic and aqueous extract of A. roseum significantly (P <.05) lowered DNA damage than positive control group. The lowest DNA damage was observed at 0.031 and 0.062 mg/ml in both aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Moreover, at higher concentrations of 4, 8, and 16 mg/ml of both ethanolic and aqueous extract observed 100% DNA damage cells (comet cells). Moreover, Ames mutagenicity showed that no significant (P >.05) changes were observed in revertant colonies of both bacterial strains (T 98; T 100) at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/ml concentrations of both aqueous and ethanolic extract of A. roseum as MI index was less than 2. The research concluded that A. roseum extracts exhibited no cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity at lower concentrations (≤2 mg/ml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zygote, the first step in the life establishment, is sensitive to environmental impact. Any detrimental effect to this unit may lead to major abnormalities in future development. Artificial activation of oocyte is a one of key step in cloning. Strontium chloride (SrCl2), a calcium oscillation inducing salt, is commonly used for the artificial activation mouse oocytes; however, limited reports are available to evaluate its negative impact. The objective of this study was to optimize the concentration of SrCl2 for artificial activation of mouse oocytes and to evaluate its toxic effect on early embryonic development. Our results indicated that higher percentage of activation of mouse oocyte was achieved with 10mM and 15mM for period of 3 h and 6 h compared to the control group (P<0.05). To examine the toxic effect, 10mM SrCl2 with 3 h exposure showed minimal detrimental effect on embryo development. Collectively, our findings revealed that 10mM concentration of SrCl2 for 3 h exposure was appropriate for oocyte activation with the least toxic impact for embryonic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus limetta is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Methanolic extract of Citrus limetta (MECL) was used to assess cellular and humoral immune responses in mice by carrying out cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), carbon clearance assay, haemagglutination assay (HA) and mice lethality assay. Methanolic extract of Citrus limetta peel was administered orally to mice in two doses 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg. The extract treated groups showed improvement in neutropenia induced by cyclophosphamide and improvement in the WBC profile. Skin thickness was significantly (P<0.05) higher in 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg groups in comparison to control in DTH. The phagocytic index was significantly (P<0.05) more in 400mg/kg group in carbon clearance assay. Mice were vaccinated with hemorrhagic septicemia vaccine before challenge with Pasteurella multocida for mice lethality test. Percentage mortality was decreased in 400mg/kg treated group in comparison to negative control Antibody titre response to sheep red blood cells was significantly (P<0.05) higher with dose 400mg/kg in HA. Results suggested the effectiveness of the methanolic extract of Citrus limetta as an immunostimulating agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the physicochemical water chemistry monitoring in River Sutlej impacted by the tanning industry. We performed this study for nine months at four study sites and targeted the presence of selected metals and applied multivariate analytical techniques. The results divulged that the upstream region displayed higher mean values of pH (7.77) and dissolved oxygen (5.86 mg/L). However, severe water quality degradation observed in the downstream region. The mean electrical conductivity (3.27 mS/cm), total dissolved solids (1442.7 mg/L), salinity (1.32 mg/L), total alkalinity (285.5 mg/L), hardness (195 mg/L), chlorides (912.5 mg/L) and nitrates (4.73 mg/L) recorded in downstream indicated severe water quality degradation. Similarly, the selected metals chromium (l.21 mg/L) and lead (0.83 mg/L) recorded significantly higher downstream. However, cadmium remained insignificant in both riverine zones. Most of the targeted parameters and metals studied in the river and Rohi Nullah Jamman (RNJ) either surpassed or deviated from the national surface water quality standards indicating thereby severe impact of the tanning industry. The metals concentrations revealed the array of chromium > lead > cadmium. The correlation analyses on water chemistry and metals indicated strong (r >0.70) to moderately strong (r <0.70 - >0.50) relationship. The hierarchical cluster analysis displayed metals and significant parameters originating from similar sources that could be the tanning and sewage effluents. The principal component analysis explained the 96.39% of the total variance and approximated with the results obtained by cluster analysis. The Mann Kendall Trend test indicated an increasing tendency in metals and critical water quality parameters that calls for prudent actions on water quality management. In conclusion, this study alluded to the continuously deteriorating water quality of River Sutlej that poses potential ecological and human health risks. The water quality deterioration is believed to be the result of tanning activities that could severely impact the river biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the major constituent of Nigella sativa and known to possess a variety of pharmacological effects. This study was designed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of TQ following oral (PO) and intravenous (IV) administration in layer chickens. The layer chickens were equally divided into two groups (six chickens in each group, total 12 chickens), and TQ was administered via PO and IV routes. For PO route, the dose was 20 mg/kg b.w. and for IV route, 5 mg/kg b.w. was administered, respectively. A sensitive and accurate High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique was validated for the quantification of TQ from plasma. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.02 µg/ml and 0.05 µg/ml, respectively with >80% recovery. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) following PO and IV administration was 8.805 and 4.497 µg/ml, respectively, while time to reach at maximum concentration (Tmax) was 1 and 0.1 hr, respectively. The elimination half‐lives were recorded as 1.02 and 0.978 hr, whereas the mean residence times were 1.79 and 1.036 hr following both PO and IV administration, respectively. The 85% PO bioavailability was indicative that TQ could be used for various therapeutic purposes in layer chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an important viral disease of sheep, goat and other small ruminants, imparting substantial economic losses. In current study, antiviral activity of six dilutions of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) alcoholic extracts against the PPRV was investigated in vitro. Vero cell lines infected with PPRV were treated with six dilutions alcoholic extracts of N. sativa (200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5 and 6.25 μg/mL). The antiviral effects were judged by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide colorimetric (MTT) assay. Plaque reduction assay was used to test the mode of action. Out of six dilutions, three dilutions (50, 25, 12.5 μg/ml) showed significant antiviral activity and cell survival was more than 50%. Two dilutions of N. sativa (200 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml) extracts showed cytotoxicity to Vero cell lines. In the plaque reduction assay, alcoholic extracts of N. sativa (50 μg/ml) significantly reduced the plaques count as compared with the control negative (P<0.05) in all the tested modes of action. The current experiment revealed that the alcoholic extracts of N. sativa (50 μg/ml) could increase the viability of infected cells, and curtail the cytopathic effects of PPRV. N. sativa seed extracts should be explored in field conditions for the control of PPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acid and their amide derivatives are natural self-defense agents in plants. They have been observed to be broadly bioactive against a variety of disease agents. The mechanism of action understood so far being their targeting the protein synthesis and causing leakage of the intracellular components. Owing to their broad bioactivity, the fatty acids and their amides as therapeutics can cover a wide range of indications such as cancer, bacterial infections, parasitic infection, inflammations, diabetes and obesity to name a few. The microorganisms residing inside the healthy plant tissues are a unique niche for exploration of novel bioactive compounds. The recent identification of fatty acid amide derivatives as well as prior reports from endophytes have drawn fresh attention to this unique source for their isolation. Hence, they represent an exciting opportunity for the development of new therapeutic agents against existing disease causative agents. In this paper, we will discuss the production of fatty acids and amide derivatives by plants and their associated endophytes. Their reported bioactivities establishing their potential benefit as possible therapeutic agents will also be examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytotoxic and antiviral activity of aqueous leaves extracts of three plants: Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera and Morus alba against Foot and Mouth disease virus (FMDV) were determined using MTT assay (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Eight different concentrations of each plant were evaluated. Cytotoxic and antiviral activity of each extract was evaluated as cell survival percentage and results were expressed as Means ± S.D. From the tested plant extracts, Azadirachta indica & Moringa oleifera exhibited cytotoxicity at 200 & 100 μg/ml respectively. In case of antiviral assay, Moringa oleifera showed potent antiviral activity (p<0.05) while Azadirachta indica showed significant antiviral activity in the range of 12.5-50 μg/ml & 50-100 μg/ml respectively. In contrast no anti-FMDV activity in the present study was observed with Morus alba, although all the tested concentrations were found to be safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calotropis procera is a latex-producing plant with plenty of pharmacologically active compounds. The principal motivation behind this study was to separate and characterize laticifer proteins to check their antimicrobial potential. Laticifer proteins were separated by gel filtration chromatography (GFC) and investigated using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The SDS-PAGE assay detected proteins of molecular weights of 10 to 30 kDa but most of them were in the range of 25 to 30 kDa. The soluble laticifer proteins (SLPs) were tested against Gram-positive bacteria i.e., Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus whereas Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were tested as Gram-negative bacteria, we determined a profound anti-bacterial activity of these proteins. In addition, SLPs were also investigated against Candida albicans via the agar disc diffusion method which also showed significant anti-fungal activity. SLP exhibited antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa , E. coli, and S. aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.5 mg/mL for each, while MIC was found at 0.625 mg/mL for S. pyogenes and 1.25 mg/mL for C. albicans. Moreover, enzymatic activity evaluation of SLP showed the proteolytic nature of these proteins, and this proteolytic activity was greatly enhanced after reduction which might be due to the presence of cysteine residues in the protein structure. The activity of the SLPs obtained from the latex of C. procera can be associated with the involvement of enzymes either proteases or, protease inhibitors and/or peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human physiology normally contains pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal flora. Disturbance of these microorganism balance results in the formation of infection. Extensive use of antibiotics for cure of these disturbances like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection leads to patient discomfort and associated side-effects. There is a need to adopt adjunct or alternative approach in order to minimize such conditions. Probiotics is one of the potential therapies to cure gastrointestinal discomforts especially associated with H. pylori. It competes through non-immune and immune systems. This review article concludes that probiotics are used to eradicate the infection at increased rate, and decreased associated side-effects are caused by triple therapy. A proper evaluation of these probiotics is demanded before their use in future as a commercial product. Furthermore, their effect on immune system requires more research work so that their usage for other chronic disorders can also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Natural products have a prime importance as an essential source for new drug discovery. Carica papaya leaves (CPL) have been used to treat inflammation in traditional system of medicine.Aim/hypothesis: Current study evaluates the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of CPL extract using mouse model of ovalbumin- (OVA) induced allergic asthma.Methods: All the mice were intraperitoneally sensitized and subsequently given intranasal challenge with OVA except the control group. Group-III and -IV were treated for seven consecutive days with CPL extract and methylprednisolone (MP), respectively. At the end of study, histopathological examination of the lungs was performed and inflammatory cell counts were done in blood as well as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The mRNA expression levels of IL-4, IL-5, eotaxin, TNF-α, NF-ĸB, and iNOS were measured using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results: Results showed significant attenuation of lung infiltration of inflammatory cells, alveolar thickening, and goblet cell hyperplasia after treatment with CPL extract. We also found significant suppression of total and differential leukocyte counts in both blood and BALF samples of CPL extract treated group. CPL extract also alleviated the expression levels of IL-4, IL-5, eotaxin, TNF-α, NF-ĸB, and iNOS. Similarly, treatment with MP, used as a reference drug, also significantly ameliorated all the pro-inflammatory markers.Conclusion: Current study shows that CPL extract possesses anti-inflammatory effect in mouse model of allergic airway inflammation by down-regulating IL-4, IL-5, eotaxin, TNF-α, NF-ĸB, and iNOS expression levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the last several years, there has been an increasing interest in plant-associated bacteria commonly referred to as endophytes that reside asymptomatically in the internal plant tissues. This interest peaked since the last two decades due to the recognition that endophytes within medicinal plants have the capability to mimic and produce the bioactive metabolites of the host plant. A number of medicinal plants have been used for centuries by the people of South Asia to cure various diseases and this has led to abundant usage experience. Relating to prior ethanopharmacological experiences, scientists have searched for medicinal plants that could be valued sources for endophytes yielding novel metabolites of pharmaceutical importance. This review is therefore an effort to encompass the most recent efforts in the exploration of medicinal plants of South Asia and their endophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are widely used for the treatment of different ailments including viral infections. There is a great need to explore antiviral agents of herbal origin to combat the viral resistance. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is highly infectious viral disease of cloven-footed animals. Three local Pakistani plants Azadirachta indica (AI), Moringa oleifera (MO) and Morus alba (MA) are reported to possess antiviral activity against DNA and RNA viruses. In the present study ethanolic leaf extracts of these plants were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against BHK-21 (baby hamster kidney) cell line and antiviral activity against FMD virus by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) colourimetric assay. Ethanolic extracts of each plant were obtained and stock solution of 40 mg/ml was prepared in cell culture media (M-199) and sterilized by filtration. Two-fold serial dilutions of 200 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml, 25 μg/ml, 12 μg/ml, 6 μg/ml, and 1 μg/ml of each plant were prepared in M-199 cell culture media. The BHK-21 cell line was identified, purified, and characterized. Tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) for FMD virus was calculated by ten-fold dilutions of FMD virus. The virus was used at the rate of 106 TCID50. Ethanolic extract of AI exhibited stronger anti-FMD virus activity than MO and MA at a concentration nontoxic to the BHK-21 cell line. These plants may be helpful to elucidate effective antiviral agents against FMD virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution has been a major concern for agrarian societies like Pakistan. Pharmaceutical industries are amongst the foremost contributor to industrial waste. Present study addresses the generation of oxidative stress caused by 2 months exposure to pharmaceutical wastewater in rats and their response to oral treatment with vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. The rats were randomized into five groups ( n = 5) named as negative control, pharmaceutical wastewater (PEW) 100 %, PEW 10 %, PEW 1 %, and PEW 100 % + vitamin E. Oxidative damage in rats was evaluated by estimation of the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (HO) in the liver, kidney, and blood/plasma. Exposure to pharmaceutical wastewater significantly decreased the activities of T-SOD and CAT and concentration of HO in the liver and kidney and blood/plasma. Exposure to 100 % pharmaceutical wastewater exhibited a maximum decline in T-SOD activity, and activity was reduced to only 63.57 U/mL, 32.65, and 43.57 U/mg of protein in the plasma, kidney, and liver, respectively. Exposure to wastewater minimized activity CAT to 89.25 U/g of hemoglobin, 54.36, and 62.95 U/mg of protein in the blood, kidney, and liver, respectively. Treatment with vitamin E significantly increased the activity of T-SOD and CAT. However, increase in concentration of HO was also observed in vitamin E exposed rats. Histopathology of the kidney revealed coagulative necrosis of renal epithelial cells and peritubular congestion. Endocardium showed infiltration of inflammatory cells and cellular breakdown in some areas. Lung sections exhibited atelectasis and emphysema of alveoli suggesting decline in lung function. The anatomy of the liver was also compromised due to severe degeneration and cellular swelling. The present study concluded that pharmaceutical wastewater induced severe oxidative stress in Wistar rats and ensued in histopathological lesions in several vital organs suggesting its high toxicity. Non-enzymatic antioxidant vitamin E may ameliorate oxidative stress induced by pharmaceutical wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Gemifloxacin is a broad spectrum antibiotic and has shown excellent coverage against a wide variety of microorganisms. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of gemifloxacin in male swiss albino mice in vivo. Materials and Methods: Three doses of gemifloxacin 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg were used intraperitoneally (IP) for the evaluation of immune responses in mice. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), heamagglutination assay, jerne hemolytic plaque formation assay and cyclophosphamide induced neutropenia assay were performed to evaluate the effect of gemifloxacin on immune responses. Results: DTH assay has shown the significant immune suppressant potential of gemifloxacin at 25 mg/kg dose and 75mg/kg dose. Total leukocyte count (TLC) has shown decrease in leukocyte count (P<0.05) in drug treatment groups before cyclophosphamide administration and significant decrease (P<0.001) in leukocyte count after cyclophosphamide administration as compared to negative control group. Differential leukocyte count (DLC) has shown significant decrease (P<0.001) in percentage count of lymphocytes in 75 mg/kg treatment group in leukopenic mice while increase (P<0.01) in monocytes percentage in 50 mg/kg treatment group in leukopenic mice and increase in neutrophil percentage count (P<0.05) in all treatment groups was observed after cyclophosphamide administration. Humoral immune response is shown to be suppressed in dose dependent manner by both heamagglutination titre values (P<0.001) and jerne hemolytic plaque formation assay (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this work clearly demonstrate that gemifloxacin has significant immunomodulatory potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins are the secondary metabolites produced by molds particularly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxin B1 is the most common metabolite highly toxic for humans and animals. In the present study contamination status of aflatoxin B1 in cotton seed cake, wanda, wheat bran and homemade concentrate mixture of dairy goats was investigated in district Lahore of Pakistan. A total of Twenty 20 goat farms were randomly selected and out of that 40 feed samples 2 from each farm were collected in the month of April. All the samples were analysed for the determination of aflatoxin B1 by using reverse phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC. Out of total samples Aflatoxin B1 was detected in 33 feed samples, with a percent contamination rate of 83%. The level of aflatoxin B1 ranged from 0 to 225.736 ppb in different feed samples. The maximum level of aflatoxin B1 was detected in cotton seed cake (mean level 137.059 ± 22.293 ppb) followed by wanda, homemade concentrate mixture and wheat bran.. Amongst the positive concentrate feed samples, 28 samples (85% of the positive) were having the concentration of aflatoxin B1 higher than the permissible level which is 5 ppb for concentrates as recommended by European Communities. It is concluded that the concentrate available for goat feeding is having aflatoxin B1 and its concentration is higher than the permissible level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical industries are amongst the foremost contributor to industrial waste. Ecological well-being is endangered owing to its facile discharge. In the present study, heavy metals and organic contaminants in waste water were characterized using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and GC-MS, respectively. Mutagenicity and genotoxic potential of pharmaceutical waste water were investigated through bacterial reverse mutation assay and in vitro comet assay, respectively. Ames test and comet assay of first sample were carried out at concentrations of 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 % v/ v effluent with distilled water. Chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) were found in high concentrations as compared to WHO- and EPA-recommended maximum limits. Arsenic was found to be the most abundant metal and its maximum concentration was 0.8 mg.L. GC-MS revealed the presence of lignocaine, digitoxin, trimethoprim, caffeine, and vitamin E in waste water. Dose-dependent decrease in mutagenic index was observed in both strains. Substantial increase in mutagenicity was observed for TA-100, when assay was done by incorporating an enzyme activation system, whereas a slight increase was detected for TA-102. In vitro comet assay of waste water exhibited decrease in damage index and percentage fragmentation with the increase in dilution of waste water. Tail length also decreased with an increase in the dilution factor of waste water. These findings suggest that pharmaceutical waste water being a mix of different heavy metals and organic contaminants may have a potent mutagenic and genotoxic effect on exposed living organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ketoprofen are well documented but little is known about its effects on various aspects of immune system. Apart from immune clearance of foreign antigens,cell mediated immunity plays major role in the regulation of immune system. Present study describes the effects of ketoprofen on cell mediated immunity as measured through macrophage engulfment,nitric oxide (NO) detection,cyclophosphamide induced neutropenia and delayed type hypersensitivity assays following injection of 1mg/kg and 5mg/kg of the drug into the mice. Macrophage engulfment activity and ability to produce NO was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in ketoprofen treated groups. There was significant decrease (p≤0.01) in Total leukocyte count (TLC) after neutropenic dose of cyclophosphamide in control,lmg/kg and 5mg/kg treated ketoprofen groups. Moreover there was significant decrease (p<0.005) in the phenomena of delayed type hypersensitivity in ketoprofen treated mice. These results provides the basic information of immunosuppression by ketoprofen on cell mediated immunity and supports the potential application of ketoprofen in patients with allo-grafts or autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present project was designed to study the effects of ketoprofen on humoral immunity and to evaluate the toxic effects of ketoprofen on immune organs of mice. Effects of ketoprofen on humoral component of immune system were evaluated at two doses 1 mg/kg and 5mg/kg by performing haemagglutination assay, and mice lethality test. Spleen and thymus were removed from the mice and histopathological examination was performed to observe the toxic effects of ketoprofen on these organs. Ketoprofen treatment exhibited significant (p<0.001) decrease in serum anti-SRBCs antibody titer as compared to the control. Mortality ratio was significantly (p<0.001) increased in ketoprofen treated mice. There was a significant (p≤0.01) decrease in the weight of spleen and thymus in ketoprofen treated groups. Histopathological analysis of spleen of the mice treated with ketoprofen presented slight increase in the thickness of the trabecular due to odema in spleen. Moreover, few medullary changes in the form of mild medullary atrophy occurred in the thymus of mice. These results provide the information that ketoprofen has immunosuppressive effects on humoral immunity therefore it can be used in patients with autoimmune diseases and to prevent allograft rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the immunosuppressant and immunopotentiating effects of ketoprofen on antibody-producing cells. Methods: Mice were given ketoprofen at doses of 1 mg/kg/day and 5 mg/kg/day for seven days. Similarly polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly IC) and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) were used as positive and negative control, respectively, for seven days. After seven days, the mice were sacrificed and their spleens removed. Simultaneously, blood was withdrawn from the hearts of the mice and serum was separated from the blood. The spleen cells were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) while the serum was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbant (ELISA) to evaluate the effects of ketoprofen on the ability of individual cell to produce antibodies and antibody- mediated immune responses. Results: Ketoprofen significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the ability of individual cells to produce antibodies. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in% of spot forming cells of PBS treated negative control group (0.045%) as against positive control (0.058%), 1 mg ketoprofen /kg/day (0.037%) and 5 mg ketoprofen/kg/day (0.032%) treated groups. The results of ELISA showed a significant (p < 0.005) difference in the absorbance values between negative control, positive control, ELISA control and ketoprofen treated groups. Absorbance was significantly (p < 0.005) reduced in ketoprofen-treated groups. Conclusion: The ability of an individual cell to produce antibodies and antibody-mediated immune responses is suppressed by ketoprofen, suggesting that it is immunosuppressive, and thus indicating its potential application in patients with auto-immune disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced during semen cryopreservation, have detrimental effects on sperm survivability. The negative impact of ROS may be countered by adding antioxidants. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of natural antioxidants (green tea and strawberry extracts) on post-thaw semen quality. Semen samples from three Sahiwal bulls were collected, pooled, extended in Triscitric acid based extender and mixed with various dilutions of strawberry and green tea extracts. The post thaw parameters of semen motility, viability and plasma membrane integrity for 0.25% green tea supplementation (42.66±3.08, 54.13±3.36, 43.33±2.40) were significantly improved than control (29.66±1.85, 43.40±2.43, 33.33±2.06) (P<0.05). The strawberry supplements also improved the quality of semen but to alesser extent. So, it was concluded that addition of green tea extract in semen preservative can improve post-thaw quality of Sahiwal bull semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the toxic effects: of Peganum harmala extracts on hematological and growth parameters using rabbit model. Thirty five rabbits (1200-1700 g) of either sex were randomly divided into 3 groups D, E and F. The rabbits in group D were given P. harmala chloroform extract, while the members in group E were administered P. harmala water extract. The animals in group F were given normal saline. The groups D and E were furth,er divided into three sub-groups of 5 each receiving l, 5 and 10 mg/ml of extract. Blood samples from each rabbit were collected at day 0 (pre-medication), day 9 and day 30 (post-medication). Feed efficiency and daity weight gain in group D3 and E3 on day 30, was significantly lower (P<0.05) compared to control group F. Erythrocytes count in group D3 was significantly lower (P<0.05) than control group F on day 30. A non-signiticant difference (P>0.05) was observed in hemoglobin concentration and leukocyte count in rabbits of all treatments groups. It was concluded that parenteral administration of chloroform extract of P. harmala at 10mg/kg had more deleterious pronounced effect on growth rate and erythrocyte count in rabbits compared to aqueous extract of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]