Biotechnology Journal International
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Effects of the Combined Treatment of Ethanol Extract of Moringa oleifera and Pleurotus ostreatus on Blood Glucose, Amylase and Lipid Profile of Alloxan-induced Diabetic Wistar Albino Rats
No full textObjective: To investigate the effect of the combined treatment of Moringa oleifera and Pleurotus ostreatus on blood glucose, amylase and lipid profile of diabetic rats.
Study Design: Animal experimental study.
Place of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science University of Port Harcourt P.M.B 5323 Port Harcourt Nigeria.
Year of Analysis: 2015.
Methods: Diabetes mellitus type 1 was induced to the animals intraperitoneally with 120 mg/kg body weight of alloxan. The combined ethanol extract was administered to the diabetic wistar albino rats at a different combination percentage of 60% (1,800 mg/kg) Moringa oleifera and 40% (600 mg/kg) Pleurotus ostreatus and 40% (1,200 mg/kg) Moringa oleifera and 60% (900 mg/kg) Pleurotus ostreatus respectively. The rest of the diabetic rats were treated with 100% (3,000 mg/kg) Moringa oleifera, 100% (1,500 mg/kg) Pleurotus ostreatus, while 7.1 mg/kg of metformin was used as the standard drug. The effect of the combined treatment of the extracts of Moringa oleifera and Pleurotus ostreatus on the diabetic animals were monitored by measuring the blood glucose, serum amylase and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL) in the blood samples.
Results: The combined ethanol leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Pleurotus ostreatus significantly (p<0.05) lowered the concentration of blood glucose, amylase concentration and cholesterol in the diabetic rats been treated when compared with the diabetic control rats that were not treated.
Conclusion: This study concluded that the combined ethanol extracts of Moringa oleifera and Pleurotus ostreatus produced a significant hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats and are capable of controlling hyperlipidemia
Anatomical, Proximate, Mineral and Vitamin Studies on Celosia argentea (Linn.)
No full textAnatomical, Proximate, Vitamin and Mineral studies were carried out on the various parts (root, stem, leaf and petiole) of Celosia argentea L. using standard techniques. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the statistical analysis. Anatomical result revealed similar features in their epidermis and cortex and differences in their vascular bundles arrangement. Proximate analysis revealed that protein and fat contents were highest in the leaf (13.11±0.01%) and (10.61±0.00%) respectively. Crude fibre, ash and moisture contents were highest in the stem (20.85±0.07%), (23.91±0.02%) and (31.11±0.00%) respectively. Vitamins A and C contents were highest in leaf (9.02±0.03 µg/g) and (56.00±3.66 mg/100g) respectively. Mineral analysis showed that Zinc, phosphorus and iron contents were highest in leaf (0.82 ± 0.01 mg/100 g), (39.77±5.06 mg/100 g), (8.19±1.02 mg/100 g) respectively. This work has indicated that Celosia argentea is highly nutritious and should be included in our diet. Apart from the leaf eaten by our people, other parts of the plant (root and stem) should also be used as food. Also the anatomical result is an additional aid to the taxonomic characterization of the plant
Insilico Prediction of T-cell Epitopes to Therapeutic Interferon -Beta (IFN-β) Protein
No full textAims: Several studies have reported the existence for T helper cell epitopes with the persistence of unwanted immune reactions for several protein drugs. T-cell epitope is an amino acid or set of amino acids that are capable of being recognized form one or more T-cell receptors. There is also an indication that T helper cells are involved in the anti-drug antibodies development to therapeutic interferon beta-1a. Protein drugs containing Major histocompatibility complex class II T cell epitopes are likely to elicit anti-drug antibodies. Binding specificity between T-cell epitopes and major histocompatibility molecules are the most important determinant step in finding the T-cellular immune responses. The data obtained from the present study provides new insights into prediction of therapeutic Interferon beta T helper cells epitopes using T cell epitope prediction tools, mapping of clusters of predicted epitopes.
Study Design: Insilico analysis by bioinformatics tools was to predict T-cell epitopes of Interferon beta-1a.
Methodology: Several Insilico prediction tools (immunoinformatics tools) including Proped, NetMHCIIpan3.0 and Immune Epitope Database Analysis Resource (IEDB-AR) are available to map the potential major histocompatibility class II T cell epitopes. After predicting potential T-cell epitopes, epitopes were mapped on interferon beta-1a using MIMOX2 server.
Results: The potential MHC class II immunogenic sequence of 50 amino acids “TRGKLMSSLHLKRYYGRILHYLKAKEYSHCAWTIVRVEILRNFYFINRLTG” With IFN-β-1a (position 111-161) were identified. This study can provide the understanding the relevance to T-cell activation for prediction and assessment of unwanted immune responses.
Conclusions: Insilico prediction by using the available tools helps in reducing the time and cost for the immunologists during the vaccine design. By predicting them we will come to know, which peptides play major role and synthesize them using invitro technologies
Molecular Characterization of Orobanche crenata in Egypt Using ISSR Markers and Its Relation to Faba Bean Breeding
No full textOrobanche crenata is an annual parasitic weed that causes heavy losses to its host crop faba bean (Vicia faba). Determining the genetic diversity in Orobanche germplasm is a preliminary crucial step in faba bean breeding.It helps in identifying liable criteria of host tolerance. The current study aimed to determine the genetic diversity for Orobanche collected from two divergent locations in Egypt (Giza and Sids). The inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers were used to determine genetic relationships among and within the collected groups. The number of produced fragments covered 218 to 980 bp of the total of Orobanche crenata genome. The five used primers generated a total of 73 ISSR products with an average of 14.6 products / primer. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.86- 0.94.
Analyses of molecular variance indicated significant difference within each region. The difference between the two locations was not significant (3%) due to great variation within locations (97%). The cluster analysis devided the 96 Orobanche samples into five sub-clusters. The study signified the efficiency of ISSR molecular technique in estimating genetic relationships across the two divergent locations at the genomic level. It also was consistence with the predominantly allogamous behaviour of O. crenata. Because of Orobanche diversity, faba bean breeders should develop host varieties with heterogeneous background and don‟t release any pure line host in infested soils
Amylase Producing Bacteria from Ensete ventricosum (Welw) Cheesman (Ensete) and Their Abilities to Hydrolyse Starch in a Locally Designed Bioreactor
No full textEnset is a herbaceous perennial crop used as a basic diet for millions of people at various agro ecological settings of Ethiopia. As it takes up the nutrients from the soil environment, it makes mutual relation with rhizospheric microorganism which can contribute to the discovery of novel potential amylases producing bacteria. The bacteria isolated from enset are considered as an ideal source for the production of bulk extracellular amylase for industrial application. Therefore, starch degrading bacteria in starch rich enset using mini bioreactor was performed to isolate andcharacterize amylase producing bacterial strains. Amylase producing bacilli and Micrococcus species were identified. Based on biochemical tests, three isolates were confirmed as Bacillus badius, Bacillus licheniformis and Micrococcus varians. Effects of temperature, pH, and type of substrate on the activity of amylases producing bacteria were determined. All amylases produced by these isolates were able to hydrolyze starch after 48 hrs of fermentation. Bacillus licheniformis and Micrococcus varians were able to grow up to 50°C, whilst Bacillus badius was able to grow up to 80°C. Though, all isolates were able to grow from 4-9 pH values, the pH of 6 was found to be optimum for Bacillus badius, while pH of 7 was an optimum for remaining isolates. Findings from this research work has shown that bacterial isolates from Enset with thermophilic, and alkalophilic characteristics have wide range potential for industrial applications and need to be further optimized for efficient use
DNA from Oral Rinse- A Comparison of Three Protocols for Amplification of VDR, FTO and Beta-Globin Genes
No full textAims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of three different protocols for DNA extraction from oral rinse on the basis of their quantity and quality of DNA, simplicity, cost effectiveness and rapidity, as well as its efficiency for amplification of vitamin D receptor (VDR), Fat mass and obesity (FTO) and β-globin genes.
Methodologies: The three methods included; Method 1 (organic solvent extraction), Method 2 (spin column) and Method 3 (ion-exchange extraction). DNA extracted from oral rinse was used for PCR amplification of β-globin, VDR-FOK1 and FTO gene.
Results: The amplified products of 268bp (β-globin), 265bp (VDR-Fok1) and 182bp (FTO) were observed on HeroLab Gel doc system (Germany). Method 2 provided the average highest DNA yield (9.54±1.85 ng/µl) compared to 6.66±1.14 ng/µl and 7.57±0.96 ng/µl by method 1 and 3. Method 2 was found to have a better performance in terms of DNA quantity and quality, however, method 3 was the fastest and method 1 was the most cost effective methods but the PCR amplification from DNA from all three methods was the same.
Conclusion: Oral rinse was found one of the alternative non-invasive sources for DNA extraction and is sufficient for good quality and quantity of DNA extracted by three different methods. It may be concluded that method 1 can be employed for large scale epidemiological and molecular biological studies
Decolorization of Different Azo Dyes and Detoxification of Dyeing Wastewater by Pseudomonas stutzeri (SB_13) Isolated from Textile Dyes Effluent
No full textAims: The present study aimed to estimate the decolorization of three individual azo dyes or in mixture, as well the decolorization of dyeing wastewater was evaluated using bacterial strain of Pseudomonas stutzeri (SB_13) or bacterial consortium isolated from textile dyes effluent. The cytotoxicity effect of dyeing wastewater and its biodegraded metabolites, as well the detoxification efficacy were evaluated.
Study Design: Soil and water samples were collected from the textile dyeing industrial area for bacterial isolation. Effect of different parameters on the dye decolorization by bacterial strains was optimized.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was performed in Botany & Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-azhar University, from July 2014 until January 2016.
Methodology: Pseudomonas stutzeri strain (SB_13) was isolated from textile dyes effluent and its ability for decolorization of different azo dyes and detoxification of dyeing wastewater samples was investigated. Comparison the decolorization effectiveness of bacterial strain (SB_13) which was used individually and in a bacterial consortium which contains two previously studied Klebsiella strains of (Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) and Klebsiella variicola (Kv)) was also observed. Decolorization of Disperse Blue (R16), Disperse Yellow (D4), and Reactive Red Synozol (R4) dyes which were used singly and in mixture was estimated under different concentrations and incubation conditions.
Results: The highest decolorization rates of single or mixtures of azo dyes were observed with 2% glucose or sucrose, 2% ammonium sulfate, and 3% (v/v) bacterial inoculum size, at pH of 5-7, temperature of 35ºC, and after 72-96 hrs. Mixed cultures of (SB_13 &Kp), (SB_13 &Kv), and (SB_13& Kp& Kv) significantly decolorized 59.5% of Disperse Blue (R16), 52% of Disperse Yellow (D4), and (18.3%) of Reactive Red Synozol (R4) dyes, respectively more than those found by individual strain (SB_13). Individual strain of (SB_13) showed the highest decolorization 61% capacity of azo dyes mixture compared to those observed by bacterial consortiums. The treatment of dyeing wastewater with SB_13 strain significantly reduced the phytotoxicity of wastewater (from 100% of abnormal mitosis to 23.6%) as compared with other treatments
Incorporation of Silver Nanoparticles with Natural Polymers Using Biotechnological and Gamma Irradiation Processes
No full textAim: In this study, silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) was synthesized by two processes. Chemical process using natural polymers as citrus pectin (CP), chitosan (Cs) and alginate (Alg) and biological process using aqueous extract of fermented fenugreek by Pleurotus ostreatus (AEFF).
Methodology: Gamma radiation was used to improve reduction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by a chemical process (citrus pectin, chitosan and alginate) and biological process (aqueous extract of fermented fenugreek by Pleurotus ostreatus). Optimization of conditions using general factorial design was performed. AgNPs were further characterized by UV-Visible, Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Evaluating the anticancer and antioxidant activities of AgNPs was performed.
Results: chemical and biological processes can reduce the silver ions to AgNPs. The maximum AgNPs produced at condition as follows: 1). Chemical process [CP 1%, metal concentration 1 mM, pH 7, radiation dose 5 kGy, size TEM (26 nm), DLS (32 nm) and anticancer IC50 EAC= 35 µg/ml, CACO=39 µg/ml] and 2). Biological process (Aqueous extract of fermented fenugreek powder, metal concentration 0.5 mM, pH 7, radiation dose 20 kGy, size TEM (12.5 nm) DLS (10.3 nm), anticancer IC50 EAC= 2 µg/ml, CACO= 2.4 µg/ml). The incorporation of AgNPs with natural polymer like CP, Cs, Alg and AEFF increases the antioxidant activity.
Conclusion: Synthesis of AgNPs by biological method (AEFF powder by Pleurotus ostreatus) it’s superior to chemical method (natural polymers as CP, Cs and Alg). AgNPs can be incorporated with natural polymer like CP, Cs, Alg and AEFF; it furthermore, incorporated AgNPs can be used to inhibit the cancer cell and as antioxidant. 
Computational Insight into PCR Amplified Pectate Lyase Genes from Different Species of Aspergillus
No full textPectate lyase (PL) is an important member of pectinase group of enzyme associated with cleaving α -1, 4 linkages in pectate polymers by a β-elimination mechanism, producing 4, 5–unsaturated oligogalacturonates. In the present study, PCR amplification of pectate lyase genes from different species of Aspergillus (namely A. oryzae, A. flavus, A. terreus, A. fumigatus and A. niger) was attempted. The expected size bands resulting from amplification using different sets of primers were gel eluted and sequenced using gene specific primers. The sequences of putative 23 pectate lyase (PL) genes subjected to BLAST analysis revealed its identity to pectate lyase sequences available in databases. Ten sequences of PCR amplified PL genes of A. oryzae namely PL-001 to PL-010 representing five identified PL genes from two different strains revealed maximum identity with the available sequences of A. oryzae RIB40 pectate lyases, A. flavus NRRL 3357 in the range of 98-100%. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on protein sequence of putative PL genes representing different strains of A. oryzae, A. terreus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus revealed several clusters and sub-clusters. A total of 12 PL gene sequences representing A. oryzae MTCC 3782, A. oryzae MTCC 6993, A. fumigatus MTCC 3070, A. fumigatus MTCC 2584 and Aspergillus flavus MTCC 8835 were submitted to GenBank and were assigned accession numbers KP869835 to KP869846
Essential Oil Constituents from the Fruit of Alpinia menghaiensis
No full textThe chemical composition of volatiles from the fruits of Alpinia menghaiensis S. Q. Tong & Y. M. Xia (Zingiberaceae) has been studied. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The components of the essential oils were identified by comparison of their mass spectra (MS) data and linear retention indices (LRI) with literature data. The essential oil content was 0.32% (v/w), calculated on a dry weight basis. The fruit oil of A. menghaiensis comprised mainly of compounds of monoterpene represented by β-pinene (40.4%), α-pinene (11.3%) and 1,8-cineole (8.2%). The chemical composition of the essential oil from the fruit of the plant was being reported for the first time.
Aims: The objective of the present paper was to report the volatile constituents identified in essential oil of the fruit of Alpinia menghaiensis S. Q. Tong & Y. M. Xia growing in Vietnam.
Study Design: The study involves the collection of the fruit samples, hydrodistillation of essential oil from the sample and analyses of the oil sample by means of gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Place and Duration of Study: Mature fruits of A. menghaiensis were collected from Pù Mát National Park, Nghean Province, Vietnam, in August 2014.
Methodology: The hydrodistilled essential oil from the air-dried fruits A. menghaiensis was analysed by means of GC-FID and GC-MS. The constituents were identified by comparison of their mass spectra and retention indices with known data base of authentic samples of essential oil. Co-injection with authentic compounds was also done where necessary.
Results: Monoterpene hydrocarbons (68.0%) and oxygenated monoterpene (14.9%) represent the main classes of compounds identified in the oil. The fruit of A. menghaiensis afforded oil whose major compounds were β-pinene (40.4%), a-pinene (11.3%) and 1,8-cineole (8.2%).
Conclusion: The high amount of both β-pinene and a-pinene makes the composition of the fruit oil of A. menghaiensis similar to those found for the leaf of A. malaccensis, flower of A. breviligulata, and flower of A. speciosa previously studied from Vietnam. However, there are some other quantitative and qualitative variations between the oil samples. The present result may contribute to the understanding of the chemotaxonomy of Alpinia plants