Journal of Experimental and Molecular Biology
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BIOACTIVITY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY OF GUIERA SENEGALENSISJ.F.GMEL (COMBRETACAE)
Get PDFThe phytochemical constituents of Guiera senegalensis, a widely used traditional medicinal plant in Africa, were investigated for their potential biological activities. Ethanolic extracts of G. senegalensis leaves were fractionated, and the resulting fractions were analyzed using GC-MS and NMR techniques. Forty compounds were identified by comparing their spectral data with published references. The hexane extract exhibited promising anti-leishmanial activity against Leishmania major, with an IC₅₀ of 16.69 ± 0.3 µg/mL. The ethyl acetate fraction showed moderate activity (IC₅₀ = 89.63 ± 0.6 µg/mL), while dichloromethane fractions were inactive at concentrations exceeding 100 µg/mL. The extract demonstrated limited antibacterial activity, inhibiting only Bacillus subtilis with a 60.31% inhibition rate, and showed no antifungal effects. Cytotoxicity testing on 3T3 cells revealed less than 50% inhibition, indicating minimal toxicity at tested concentrations. These findings support the ethnopharmacological relevance of G. senegalensis and highlight its potential as a source of anti-leishmanial drug candidates
HAEMATOLOGY, SERUM BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES AND LIPID PROFILE OF RABBIT DOES FED DIETARY SUPPLEMENTAL LEVELS OF TURMERIC (Curcuma longer) RHIZOME MEAL
No full textThis study was undertaken to examine the haematological characteristics, serum biochemical indices, and lipid profile responses of rabbit does following dietary supplementation with turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome meal. A total of twenty-four rabbit does were randomly distributed into four treatment groups comprising six animals each, with each group further divided into three replicates of two does per unit. The animals were raised under intensive management in wired hutches, with all necessary welfare protocols observed. Four experimental diets were prepared to include turmeric rhizome meal at 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% inclusion levels. At the end of a 16-week feeding period, 3 ml of blood was collected from a randomly selected doe per replicate into EDTA-treated tubes for haematological analysis. Additional samples were collected for serum biochemical assays. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) under a completely randomized design (CRD) with SPSS version 21. The results indicated that turmeric supplementation significantly (p<0.05) affected packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). PCV was highest in groups T3 and T1, with values of 39.33% and 38.00%, respectively. Significant (p<0.05) effects were also observed on serum urea, enzymes, and creatinine levels. Total protein values ranged from 64.50 to 71.50 g/dL. These findings suggest that incorporating turmeric at a 2.0% dietary level enhances haematological and biochemical profiles, thereby promoting improved health status in rabbit does
Neuroprotective Potentials Of Extracts From Moringa Oleifera And Musa Sapientum Against Cadmium Chloride-Induced Neurotoxicity In Rats Cerebri
Get PDFCadmium (Cd)-exposure in humans causes nervous system dysfunctions. In rats, Cd-exposure resulted in increases of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation levels in the hippocampus. This study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of active drug compounds extracted from Moringa oleifera leaves (MO11) and Musa sapientum suckers (MS06) in cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Adult male Wistar rats totalling 24 in number, were grouped randomly into six with four rats per group. Group 1 served as the control. An intraperitoneal single-dose of CdCl2 was administered to rats of Groups 2 to 4 and 6 on Day 1. MO11-dose, MO11+MS06-doses, and Doxorubicin-dose were respectively administered to rats of Groups 3, 4, and 6 for post-treatment of CdCl2-induced neurotoxicity. Rats of Group 5 were administered Olive Oil-dose (vehicle) for 17 days. Tissue concentrations of catalase, superoxide dismutase, cyclo-oxygenase-2 and cytochrome P450 in rats’ cerebri were determined using ELISA. Statistical analyses (p ≤ 0.05) of data were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U Test. Results showed increased catalase levels, similar superoxide dismutase levels, decreased cytochrome P450 levels and decreased cyclo-oxygenase-2 levels in rats of Groups 3, 4, and 6 in comparison with Group 2. The tested extracts impacted some levels of neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, antioxidant and anticancer capacities against neurotoxicity caused by CdCl2 exposure
ANALYSIS OF GENETIC POLYMORPHISM FOR SCAB RESISTANT COWPEA VARIETIES USING SSR AND SNP MARKERS
Get PDFCowpea scab disease, caused by Sphaceloma sp., significantly reduces yield. This study screened nine cowpea varieties for resistance to scab using both phenotypic and molecular markers (SSR and SNP). The varieties were artificially inoculated, and disease incidence and severity were recorded. Genetic analysis with SSR markers revealed polymorphisms between resistant and susceptible varieties. Results showed significant genetic diversity among cowpea varieties, with IT99K-573-1-1 and TVx-3236 being resistant, while FUAMPEA-4 and UAM-09-130-20-4 were susceptible. SSR markers CP 29/30, CLM 0348, and CP 67/68 were the most informative in tracking resistance
Milk Supplementation Ameliorates Lead-induced Hepatic Injuries through Improvement in Liver Functions and Hematology
No full textLead poisoning poses one of the major health challenges affecting all organ systems but mostly the nervous, renal, haematopoietic, liver and cardiovascular systems.This study investigated the effect of milk supplementation on markers of hepatic function and hematological parameters of lead acetate exposed albino rats.Twenty male albino rats were randomized into four groups of five rats each. Normal control received feed and water only. Lead group (Pb) received 80mg/kg body weight lead acetate. Standard control (Pb+Vit C) was given 80mg/kg lead acetate daily plus 100mg/kg of vitamin C, while treatment group (Pb+Milk) was given 80mg/kg lead acetate plus 400mg/kg milk. Animals were allowed access to feed and water. All administration was done once daily by oral gavage for 42days. Biochemical analyses were done using standard procedures.Rats exposed to lead showed a significant (p˂0.05) increase in the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin level, indicating liver dysfunction with a significant (p˂0.05) decrease in plasma albumin when compared with the control groups. The results also showed significant (p˂0.05) decrease in red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration with significant elevations in the mean corpuscular volume and platelet concentrations when compared with the control.Milk supplementation ameliorated the negative effect of lead on the liver and improved hematological parameters
INVOLVEMENT OF HLA-DRB1*11 AND HLA-DRB1*12 ALLELES IN THE OCCURRENCE OF DENGUE FEVER IN BURKINA FASO
Get PDFDengue has become the world's most common arbovirosis. In some individuals, genetic factors can increase the risk of developing severe dengue fever. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are one of the most extensively studied gene groups in human disease. The present study investigated HLA DRB1*11 and HLA DRB1*12 polymorphisms in dengue cases and their susceptibilities in the development of dengue in a population in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
This was a case-control study involving 56 patients with clinically and biologically confirmed dengue fever and 65 others who had never been in contact with DENV, for a total of 121 individuals. A blood sample was taken from each study participant. After extraction of genomic DNA using the salting-out technique, characterisation of carriage of the HLA-DRB1*11 and 1*12 alleles was carried out using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The χ² test, odds ratio (OR), and confidence interval (CI) were calculated using SPSS software to estimate associations and assess the level of risk.
Allele frequencies in the general population were 64.4% and 62.8% for HLA DRB1*11 and HLA DRB1*12, respectively. The HLA-DRB1*12 allele was present in 28.9% of cases and 33.9% of controls. The HLA-DRB1*11 allele was present in 32.2% of both cases and controls. In this study, no direct association was found between the presence of the HLA-DRB1*11 and HLA-DRB1*12 alleles and the surveillance of dengue infection. Furthermore, the absence of the HLA-DRB1*11 allele was associated with protection against the development of severe disease (OR = 0.03; 95% CI [0.11 - 0.80]; and p = 0.01).
No risk of developing severe dengue fever was found in individuals carrying the HLA-DRB1*11 and HLA-DRB 1*12 alleles. However, further study of other HLA alleles involved in the development of severe dengue may provide more information.
Abstracts book of the Scientific Session of the Faculty of Biology (SSFB), New Trends in Biology: from Molecules to Complex Systems, 4th edition, October 25th - 26th, 2024
No full textAbstracts of the scientific works that have been presented at the Scientific Session of the Faculty of Biology (SSFB), New Trends in Biology: from Molecules to Complex Systems, 4th edition, October 25-26, 2024, Iasi, Romani
TACKLING THE SOIL MICROBIOME – CHALLENGES AND OPORTUNITIES
Get PDFThe health of the terrestrial ecosystems is directly dependent on the microbial composition that fulfills essential functions, such as sustaining plant growth, nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration. The study of the soil microbiome has gained popularity in the last decades due to its significant impact on the health of the environment and its inhabitants. This review explores the diversity and functions of soil microbial communities, with a particular focus on microbial dark matter, a subset of organisms that cannot be cultured through classical microbiological techniques. The evolution of DNA extraction methods and sequencing technologies coupled with the transition from amplicon sequencing to metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and continuously developing bioinformatic pipelines has led to the discovery of novel microbial taxa, community networks, metabolic pathways and potentially useful molecules. Soil microbiome research is gaining momentum in Romania, as a big part of studies try to assess the impact of agricultural practices on the environment. Designing sustainable agricultural practices and implementing them with the goal of preserving the heterogeneity of the microbiome contributes significantly to the resilience of ecosystems, preserving the health of the environment, as well as the well-being of its residents
EVALUATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF SALVIA ROSMARINUS ON NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS
Get PDFRosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn) is an aromatic plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its remarkable therapeutic properties. Rosemary contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions, and it is recognized for its beneficial effects on mental and cognitive health. This review explores the therapeutic potential of rosemary in alleviating nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), major depressive disorder (MDD), epilepsy, Parkinson's disease (PD), addiction, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Preclinical and clinical research suggests that rosemary extracts, through their active compounds, may enhance cognitive function, protect neurons from oxidative stress, and modulate neurotransmitters involved in cognitive and emotional processes. The findings indicate that rosemary could be a promising complementary therapy in managing nervous system disorders, offering significant benefits for mental and neurological health. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of long-term use
PHYTOCHEMICALS ANALYSIS AND TOXICITY STUDIES OF ETHANOL LEAVES EXTRACT OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA, ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE, AND MORINGA OLEIFERA IN RATS
Get PDFMedicinal plants have importance medicinal properties and pharmacological activities. Medicinal value and pharmacological activities of plants are attributed to their bioactive constituents. The efficacy of medicinal plants could not only be considered but also their safety for consumption. The phytochemicals analyses were performed using standard methods. Toxicity tests were conducted using Lorke’s method. The ethanol leaves extract of Azadirachta indica, Anacardium occidentale, and Moringa oleifera contain several phytochemicals. The LD50 value of ethanol leaves extract of Azadirachta indica, Anacardium occidentale, and Moringa oleifera was 3807.89 mg/kg, 4505.55 mg/kg, and above 5000 mg/kg, respectively. The ethanol leaves extract of Anacardium occidentale and Azadirachta indica demonstrated an increase in the levels of ALT, AST, total bilirubin, and globulin, while the Moringa oleifera exhibited a decrease in the levels of ALT, AST, and total bilirubin coupled with increase in total protein and albumin levels. The administration of ethanol leaves extract of Anacardium occidentale and Azadirachta indica increased the levels of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorides, and HCO3- while decreased by the administration of the ethanol leaves extract of Moringa oleifera in rats. The ethanol leaves extract of Azadirachta indica and Anacardium occidentale demonstrated significant decrease in RBC count and PCV while Moringa oleifera exhibited significant increase in RBC count and PCV. Hemoglobin content was significantly decrease by the ethanol leaves extract of Azadirachta indica. The presence of these bioactive metabolites implies that the plants have medicinal properties. The ethanol leaves extract of Moringa oleifera at 5000 mg/kg dose is relatively non-toxic and safe for gavage administration while ethanol leaves extract of Azadirachta indica and Anacardium occidentale are slightly toxic for oral administration