Association of Type II 5′ Monodeiodinase Thr92Ala Single Nucleotide Gene Polymorphism and Circulating Thyroid Hormones Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders are common endocrinopathies, which often occur parallel. Dyslipidemia is very common in both of these conditions. The development of hypothyroidism is well-known in type 1 diabetics, but it was not distinctly understood in type 2 diabetics. Thus we tried to examine the association between type II deiodinase (D2 or DIO2) Thr92Ala single nucleotide gene polymorphism and thyroid function among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A total of 130 type 2 diabetics were screened and genotyped for DIO2 Thr92Ala polymorphism. Fasting plasma glucose, Glycosylated haemoglobin, lipid and thyroid profiles, malondialdehyde (MDA) and paraoxonase were estimated according to standard procedures. A significant altered level of thyroid hormones (TH’s) was found in Ala/Ala genotype when compared with Thr/Thr or Thr/Ala genotype. DIO2 and T₃:T₄ ratio significantly decreased, whereas total T₄ and thyroid stimulating hormone levels significantly elevated among Ala/Ala genotype (131 ± 30 ng/ml; 0.12 ± 0.05; 7.17 ± 2.05 µg/dl; 4.77 ± 3.1 µIU/ml, respectively) when compared with Thr/Thr + Thr/Ala genotypes (176 ± 33 ng/ml; 0.21 ± 0.05; 5.21 ± 1.1 µg/dl; 2.59 ± 1.61 µIU/ml respectively). Moreover, D2 levels were significantly negatively correlated with TH’s levels except total T₄ among Ala/Ala genotypes. All the patients were having a poor glycemic control, and their glycemic status was positively correlating with MDA levels. On the other hand, serum paraoxonase activity decreased among Ala/Ala genotype (104 ± 21 vs. 118 ± 18 nmol/min/ml). In conclusion, DIO2 Ala92 homozygous variant found to be associated with altered levels of DIO2, Thyroid profile and paraoxonase. Hence, we recommend to do detail study of genetic factors related to thyroid function and prevent additional diabetic complications.     

Blood selenium levels of Indians: Delhi area

Whole blood and plasma selenium levels were measured in 40 healthy Indian residents living in and around Delhi (20 males and 20 females). The mean whole blood and plasma selenium levels were 169.0±40 and 139.0±36.7 ng/ml in males and 161.2±46.2 and 128±40.6 ng/ml (mean±SD) in females, respectively. These blood levels did not differ significantly between males and females and are consistent with adequate selenium status. From regression plots based on the present results and literature data, it is expected that the probable mean selenium intake could be about 122 and 112 μg/day in males and females respectively.     

Metabolic alterations during Ramadan fast

Some biochemical parameters in 12 young Muslim students who underwent fasting during the entire one month period of Ramadan were investigated. There was a significant reduction in their body weight (72.5±4.0 to 69.4±3.0 kg) and blood glucose levels (99.6±3.5 to 82.9±7.3 mg/dl). Though the morning plasma cortisol fell (215.2±22.1 to 105±11.2 μg/l) and the evening plasma cortisol rose (58.4±5.1 to 64.4±4.8 μg/l) significantly there was no reversal of the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion. A decline in the diastolic blood pressure (80 to 75±6 of Hg) of these individuals though not significant was also noted. However, cholesterol (160.9±12.8 to 178.2±40.6 mg/dl) and HDL-Cholesterol (42.6±2.2 to 48.1±2.4 mg/dl) showed a tendency for increase. All the changed values were within the normal range.     

Session - 5 December 18, 2007 AACC Symposium

The prevalence of abnormal thyroid hormone levels in diabetes mellitus in Nigeria is not well described. To determine the incidence of abnormal thyroid hormone levels in diabetics in Calabar, Nigeria, fasting blood samples from 161 diabetic subjects and 105 non-diabetic controls were analysed. Free thyroxine (FT), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (T₃) and total thyroxine (T₄) kits obtained from Biomerica Inc. of USA were used for the analysis. TSH levels (1.80±1.62) in diabetics were significantly lower (p=0.016) than the level in non-diabetic controls (2.34±1.24). Male diabetics had lower (p<0.05) levels of TSH (1.192±0.68 miu/ml) than diabetic females (1.90±1.70 mlu/mt). The level of T₃ in diabetic males (125±97ng/ml) was higher than the level in females (98±75ng/dl). TSH (F=2.74, p=0.049), T₄(F=56.87, p=0.001), T₃(F=56.44, P=0.001) in diabetics and FT₄ (F=5.74, p=0.002) in controls showed significant variation with the ages of the subjects. Out of 161 diabetics subjects studies 26.6% had low plasma thyroid hormone levels (FT₄>2.01 ng/dl). This study has shown a high incidence (46.5%) of abnormal thyroid hormone levels among the diabetics in Nigeria (hypothyroidism 26.6%, hyperthyroidism, 19.9%). The prevalence of hypothyroidism was higher in women (16.8%) than in men (9.9%), while hyperthyroidism was higher in males (11%) than in females (8%). This study has defined thyroid function status of diabetics in Calabar, Nigeria probably the first of such work in Africa.     

Kinetics of Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase Using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cymbopogon martinii</Emphasis> (Roxb.) Wats.: A Potential Antidepressant Herbal Ingredient with Antioxidant Activity

The study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and effect of Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats. (Poaceae) leaves on the activity of monoamine oxidase and kinetics of enzyme inhibition. Ethanol extract of C. martinii and rat brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase preparation ware used to study the kinetics of enzyme inhibition using double reciprocal Lineweaver–Burk plot. The DPPH was used as a source of free radical to evaluate antioxidant potential. It is observed that, the ethanolic extract of C. martinii inhibits the monoamine oxidase activity with competitive mode of inhibition. The V _max (0.01 mM/min) remained constant while, K _m varied from 21.00 ± 1.1, 43.33 ± 1.5 and 83.33 ± 1.4 mM for 100–500 μg/ml concentration of C. martinii. The K _i values were calculated to be 90.00 ± 0.87, 75.00 ± 0.69, 68.18 ± 0.68 μg for 100–500 μg/ml concentration of C. martini. It also shows a significant DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine) radical scavenging (IC₅₀ = 0.34 ± 0.05 mg/ml) and reducing activity (IC₅₀ = 0.70 ± 0.22 mg/ml). The C. martini can be considered as a possible source of MAO inhibitor used in the treatment of depression and other neurological disorders.     

Role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in aetiopathogenesis and management of oral submucous fibrosis

Lipid peroxidation product, malonaldehyde (MDA) and antioxidants were estimated in plasma and erythrocytes of 34 cases of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) of different grades with equal number of healthy controls to evaluate the association of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and OSMF. While plasma MDA was found to be significantly higher in patients (3.3±0.4 nmole/ml, P<0.001) as compared to controls (2.4±0.5 nmole/ml), plasma beta carotene and vitamin E levels were found to be decreased significantly in patients (81.7±14.3 μg/100 ml, P<0.001; 9.3±0.9 mg/L, P<0.01 respectively) with respect to healthy controls (110±20.8 μg/100 ml and 10.1±1.2 mg/L). The decrease in beta-carotene and vitamin E was found to be more significant in OSMF grade II and III than in grade I. After 6 weeks of oral administration of beta-carotene and vitamin E, patients showed increase in plasma level of these two antioxidants along with decrease in MDA level associated with clinical improvement.     

Involvement of Depressive Catecholamines as Thrombosis Risk/Inflammatory Markers in Non-Smoker,Non-Obese Congestive Heart Failure,Linked to Increased Epidermal Growth Factor-Receptor (EGF-R) Production

The EGF-R, also known as HER-1 or erbB-1 (EGF-R/HER-1/erbB-1), is a member of the human epithelial receptor tyrosine kinase family. sEGF-R is considered to play a role in cardiac (patho)physiology. We aimed to investigate whether soluble EGF-R is increased in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients and if related to disease severity. Soluble EGF-R, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) was studied, and being evaluated in relation to Ca²⁺, lipids, hsCRP, fibrinogen, serotonin, norepinepherine (NE). The study compared non-smoker, non-obese male CHF patients (n = 50) with age and gender-matched essential hypertension (HTN) patients (n = 20). Moreover, comparison with healthy control volunteers (n = 20) were employed. EGF-R/HER-1/erbB-1 was higher (P = 0.013) in 50 CHF male patients mean 12 ± 0.7 fmol/ml, than in 20 HTN, 9.25 ± 0.6 fmol/ml or in 20 controls, 6.25 ± 1 fmol/ml. Serum EGF-R levels correlated positively with hsCRP and NE, and were highest among CVD patients (n = 70) as well as negatively with vitamin D and HDL-C. EGF-R/HER-1/erbB-1 levels are increased in HTN and more in CHF patients. This study confirms a strong association between catecholamines as well as EGF-R/HER-1/erbB-1 levels with PTH and low vitamin D levels, being related to hyperlipidemia and inflammation (hsCRP and fibrinogen) in CVD. Moreover, contributing to the complex process of the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients that leads eventually to CHF.     

Assessment of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome in Drug Naive Patients of Bipolar Disorder

The levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance (IR) and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in a sample population of bipolar disorder (BPD) patients who were newly diagnosed and psychotropically naïve were assessed and compared with an age, sex and racially matched control population. 55 BPD-I patients (15–65 years) who were non-diabetic, nonpregnant, and drug naïve for a period of at least 6 months were included in the study. Diagnosis was made using the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV axis I disorders (SCID IV). IR was assessed using homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); MS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). Data were compared with 25 healthy controls. BPD patients had significantly higher mean levels of fasting plasma insulin (13.2 ± 9.2 vs. 4.68 ± 3.1 μIU/ml, p < 0.05), postprandial plasma insulin (27.2 ± 14.5 vs. 18.1 ± 9.3 μIU/ml, p < 0.05) and a higher value of HOMA-IR (3.16 ± 2.2 vs. 1.19 ± 0.8, p < 0.05) when compared to the controls. A significantly higher proportion of patients of BPD compared to controls were manifesting levels of fasting plasma glucose, serum triglyceride and blood pressure higher than the cut off while waist circumference and serum HDL cholesterol failed to show any significant difference in the proportion. There was a significantly higher proportion of prevalence of IR between BPD cases and controls (26/55 vs. 2/25, z value 9.97, p < 0.05) while there was no significant difference in proportion of prevalence of MS between these two groups. Within BPD patients, logistic regression analysis showed that age, sex or current mood status (depressed/manic) were not significantly predictive of presence or absence of MS or increased IR.     

Loss of proteinase binding capacity of plasma alpha2 macroglobulin in some disease conditions

Alpha₂-macroglobulin (MG) levels in terms of proteinase binding capacity in fresh plasma of diabetics (males 183.9±60.3 mg MG/dl, females 173.8±49.7) and viral hepatitis patients (195.2±41.4) were comparable to normal sujbects (males 180.0±28.6, females 213.0±59.6) whereas in renal failure the values were decreased (144.0±30.0) and was found to be increased in nephrotic syndrome (331.5±47.9). MG activity was stable in normals and nephrotic patients in plasma on standing for 12 hr. at 37°C. In other conditions, the proteinase binding capacity was considerably reduced (mean decrease: 51.2% in diabetes, 64.0% in renal failure and 52.6% in viral hepatitis). Concentration of MG determined by immunoelectrophoresis did not however change in diabetic plasma on 12 hr. incubation. It is proposed that proteinases are continously generated in plasma in some disease conditions which bind to MG causing reduction in measured proteinase binding capacity.     

Serum and platelet sialic acid in acute myocardial infarction

Blood samples from 39 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 15 healthy controls were analysed for serum and platelet sialic acid. Serum sialic acid levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction were significantly higher than controls (mean 2.7±0.46 μmol/ml Vs. 1.91±0.17 μmol/ml respectively). Levels of serum orosomucoid, an acute phase reactant, containing sialic acid, were also higher in these patients, suggesting a possible non-specific mechanism of increase in serum sialic acid concentration. In contrast, platelets contained significantly less sialic acid in patients with acute myocardial infarction than control (26.73±1.57 nmol/mg protein and 31.97±2.68 nmol/mg protein respectively).     

Salivary proteolytic activities in periodontitis, gingivitis and diabetes mellitus

Elastase activity was found to be significantly increased in periodontitis (0.872±0.4270 absorbance units/mg protein, mean±S. D., 1.05±0.61 units/ml saliva), gingivitis (0.772±0.416 units/mg protein, 1.515±0.952 units/ml) and diabetes (0.549±0.286 units/mg protein, 1.20±0.769 units/ml) compared to normals (0.255±0.089) units/mg protein, 0.264±0.079 units/ml). Chymotryptic activity was not found to be increased in these disease conditions over the normal level (0.284±0.096 units/mg protein). Aminopeptidase activity was elevated only in periodontitis (0.670+0.140 units/mg protein) compared to normals (0.349±0.100 units/mg protein). Trypsin-like activity was also found to be significantly raised in periodontitis compared to normals when Pro-Phe-Arg-p-nitroanilide (0.666±0.204 units/mg protein), Ile-Pro-Arg-p-nitroanilide (1.59±0.260 units/mg protein) and Pyroglu-Pro-Arg-p-nitroanilide (1.82±0.380 units/mg protein) were used as substrates. The normal values with these three substrates were respectively, 0.454±0.110, 1.04±0.231 and 1.15±0.312 units/mg protein. Total protein level in saliva was found to be significantly elevated in gingivitis (209±66.8 mg/dl) and diabetes (204±68.0) compared to normal values (107±20.7). Increase in periodontitis was marginal (127±28.3 mg/dl). Expression of proteolytic activities normalized to protein level was useful in differential diagnosis. Increase in elastase level in saliva is not a specific marker for periodontal diseases.     

Circadian Rhythm of Serum Cortisol in Female Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients have disturbed sleep patterns which may lead to altered circadian rhythm in serum cortisol secretion. The aim of this study was to assess circadian changes, if any, in serum cortisol levels in female patients with FMS. Cortisol levels were estimated every 6 h during 24 h period; in 40 female patients satisfying ACR criteria for FMS (Age 36.4 ± 9.9), and 40 healthy females without FMS (Age 33.8 ± 11.1). A significant difference in the night time serum cortisol level was observed among the patients and control groups (patients, 12.9 ± 9.7 controls 5.8 ± 3.0; p < 0.01). However, no significant difference was found in serum cortisol levels in patients and control groups in the morning (patients, 28.4 ± 13.2 controls, 27.6 ± 14.5; p > 0.05), afternoon (patients, 14.4 ± 5.6 controls, 14.0 ± 6.6; p > 0.05) and evening hours (patients, 10.9 ± 5.8 controls, 8.9 ± 3.6; p > 0.05). It could be concluded that there is an abnormality in circadian secretion of cortisol in female FMS patients.     

Effect of green tea extract and vitamin C on oxidant or antioxidant status of rheumatoid arthritis rat model

Elevated free radical generation in inflamed joints and impaired antioxidant system has been implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Green tea extracts (GTE) have been shown to reduce inflammation in inflammatory arthritis murine model. This study investigates possible mechanisms by which vitamin C and GTE protect joints in RA rat model. This study included forty adult male rats that were divided into four groups (10 rats each); control group, collagen II induced RA group (CII), CII treated with vitamin C (CII + Vit C) and CII treated with GTE (CII + GTE) in physiology laboratory, Assiut University, Egypt. After 45 days of treatment, plasma levels of lipid peroxides (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), ceruloplasmin (CP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), uric acid (UA) and glutathione (GSH) were detected using colorimetric methods, PGE₂ using ELISA and copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) using spectrometer. In CII group, levels of LPO, NO, PGE₂, UA, CP, Cu were higher while SOD, GSH, Zn were lower than controls. In groups treated with vitamin C and GTE, levels of SOD, GSH were increased while levels of LPO, NO, PGE₂, Cu, CP were decreased compared with CII group. Levels of UA were decreased and Zn increased in GTE treated group compared with CII group. GTE treated group showed higher Zn and low Cu levels compared with vitamin C treated group. This study suggests proper GTE and vitamin C intake may effectively normalize the impaired oxidant/antioxidant system and delaying complication of RA.     

Preliminary studies on the antitubercular activity and the mechanism of action of the water extract of garlic (Allium sativum) and its two partially purified proteins (Garlic defensins?)

Water extract of garlic (Allium sativum) inhibited the growth ofMycobacterium tuberculosis H₃₇R_v andM. tuberculosis TRC-C1193 susceptible and resistant to isoniazid respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was slightly above 80 but less than 160 μg/ml and slightly above 100 but less than 200 μg/ml for the susceptible and resistant strains respectively. Gel filtration in Sephadex G-100 columns showed that two protein fractions (43 & 38 kD) possessed antitubercular activity with much lower MICs of 20–40 μg/ml and 30–60 μg/ml for susceptible strain. Water extract, when added to actively growingM. tuberculosis in their mid log phase prevented their further growth. The water extract of garlic inhibited the incorporation of¹⁴C glycine into whole cells by 81% in 6 hrs. indicating that the primary mechanism of action is by inhibition of protein synthesis.     

The Plasma DNA Concentration as a Potential Breast Cancer Screening Marker

Increased levels of plasma DNA have frequently been noticed in the blood plasma of cancer patients. The possibility of using plasma DNA level as the indicator of tumor stage in breast cancer was investigated in plasma samples obtained from 100 breast cancer patients and 100 healthy women who were included as controls. Circulatory plasma free DNA was extracted from plasma samples and quantified by fluorometer. The median concentration of plasma DNA in the plasma samples from breast cancer patients classified by TNM staging system as stage I, II, III, IV and breast surgical patients were 0.5, 235, 422, 1,280 and 0.5 ng/ml, respectively. The level of plasma DNA in the stage II- IV group was significantly higher than those in the surgical group with breast cancer and control group (P value < 0.001). The plasma DNA concentration in stage II, III and IV of breast cancer were higher when compared with healthy group. These tumor size, TNM stage and metastasis were significantly correlated with plasma DNA. The cut point of 120 ng/ml was early screening and treatment follow up breast cancer.     

Troponin T and Heart Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein (h-Fabp) as Biomarkers in Patients Presenting with Chest Pain

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a term for a range of clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of myocardial ischemia. It results in functional and structural changes and ultimately releasing protein from injured cardiomyocytes. These cardiac markers play a major role in diagnosis and prognosis of ACS. This study aims to assess the efficacy of heart type fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP) as a marker for ACS along with the routinely used hs-TropT. In our observational study, plasma h-FABP (cut-off 6.32 ng/ml) and routinely done hs-Trop T (cutoff 0.1 and 0.014 ng/ml) were estimated by immunometric laboratory assays in 88 patients with acute chest pain. Based on the clinical and laboratory test findings the patients were grouped into ACS (n = 41) and non-ACS (n = 47). The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV and ROC curve at 95 % CI were determined. Sensitivity of hs-TropT (0.1 ng/ml), hs-TropT (0.014 ng/ml) and h-FABP were 53, 86 and 78 % respectively and specificity for the same were 98, 73 and 70 % respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and NPV calculated for a cut-off combination of hs-TropT 0.014 ng/ml and h-FABP was 100, 51 and 100 % respectively. These results were substantiated by ROC analysis. Measurement of plasma h-FABP and hs-TropT together on admission appears to be more precise predictor of ACS rather than either hs-Trop T or h-FABP.     

Early detection of prostate cancer: evaluating the diagnostic performance of prostate specific antigen by comparing with histological technique among africans

This study was conducted to investigate the diagnostic performance characteristics of prostate specific antigen (PSA) by comparing serum PSA value with histological findings in patients suspevted of having prostate cancer in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Nigeria. Clinical and Laboratory records were examined and collated for serum PSA values, together with histological findings of biopsy specimen, clinical diagnosis, age of patients, and mode of presentation. The serum PSA values were determined by ELECSYS 1010 autoanalysers Roche, Germany based on electrochemiluminescence immunoassay technique. The results show that serum PSA values increase with age in the assymptomatic non-cancer patients who came for medical check up but were within normal limit. In prostatic disease conditions PSA values were raised in benign prostatic hyperplasia 35.957± 4.0315ng/ml, in undifferentiated carcinoma 56.22±4.295ng/ml and adenocarcinoma >100ng/ml as compared to the normal range (0–4ng/ml). These cases were confirmed by histological diagnosis. It is concluded that PSA evaluations is a sensitive marker for prostate cancer but because of various other conditions that affect serum PSA concentration, other methods of investigations such as Digital Rectal examination, Trans Urethral Ultra-Sonography and histological examination should be combined to confirm diagnosis. Prognosis of patients will be better if early diagnosis is made.     

Seminal plasma levels of 15-F2α-isoprostane, malondialdehyde and total homocysteine in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic males

It has been proposed that oxidative stress plays an important role in male infertility. The aims of this study were to compare seminal plasma levels of 15-F2t-isoprostane (8-iso-PGF2α), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total (sum of free and bound) homocysteine (tHcy) from normozoospermic vs. asthenozoospermic men, and to examine the relationships between tHcy and lipid peroxidation products. The study was a case-control study with a simple random sampling. The case group was consisted of 15 asthenozoospermic males. This group was compared with 15 normozoospermic men. Seminal plasma levels of 15-F2α-isoprostane and tHcy were measured using commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits. MDA levels were determined by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare two groups. Coefficients of correlation were calculated using Spearman’s correlation analysis. All hypothesis tests were two-tailed with statistical significance assessed at the p value <0.05 level. MDA levels were higher in asthenozoospermic subjects than in control subjects (0.72±0.06 μM vs. 0.40±0.06 μM; p<0.05). No differences were seen in 15-F2α-isoprostane levels in asthenozoospermic subjects and controls (65.00±3.20 pg/ml vs. 58.17±4.12 pg/ml; p>0.05). Interestingly, tHcy levels were to be slightly higher in asthenozoospermic subjects than in controls (6.18±1.17 μM vs. 4.8±0.52 μM). Sperm motility was inversely correlated with seminal plasma 15-F2α-isoprostane and MDA levels, respectively (p<0.05). In summary, seminal plasma levels of 15-F2α-isoprostane and tHcy showed no significant difference between normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men. Sperm motility was not correlated with seminal plasma levels of tHcy. No relationship was found between tHcy and lipid peroxidation.     

Enhanced production of glutaminase-free l-asparaginase by marine Bacillus velezensis and cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cell lines

BackgroundThe increasing rate of breast cancer globally requires extraordinary efforts to discover new effective sources of chemotherapy with fewer side effects. Glutaminase-free l-asparaginase is a vital chemotherapeutic agent for various tumor malignancies. Microorganisms from extreme sources, such as marine bacteria, might have high l-asparaginase productivity and efficiency with exceptional antitumor action toward breast cancer cell lines.Resultsl-Asparaginase-producing bacteria, Bacillus velezensis isolated from marine sediments, were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. l-Asparaginase production by immobilized cells was 61.04% higher than that by free cells fermentation. The significant productivity of enzyme occurred at 72 h, pH 6.5, 37°C, 100 rpm. Optimum carbon and nitrogen sources for enzyme production were glucose and NH₄Cl, respectively. l-Asparaginase was free from glutaminase activity, which was crucial medically in terms of their severe side effects. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme is 39.7 KDa by SDS-PAGE analysis and was ideally active at pH 7.5 and 37°C. Notwithstanding, the highest stability of the enzyme was found at pH 8.5 and 70°C for 1 h. The enzyme kinetic parameters displayed V_max at 41.49 μmol/mL/min and a K_m of 3.6 × 10⁻⁵ M, which serve as a proof of the affinity to its substrate. The anticancer activity of the enzyme against breast adenocarcinoma cell lines demonstrated significant activity toward MDA-MB-231 cells when compared with MCF-7 cells with IC₅₀ values of 12.6 ± 1.2 μg/mL and 17.3 ± 2.8 μg/mL, respectively.ConclusionThis study provides the first potential of glutaminase-free l-asparaginase production from the marine bacterium Bacillus velezensis as a prospect anticancer pharmaceutical agent for two different breast cancer cell lines.How to cite: Mostafa Y, Alrumman S, Alamri S, et al. Enhanced production of glutaminase-free L-asparaginase by marine Bacillus velezensis and cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cell lines. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.10.001.     

Effect of low-dose omega-3 fatty acids substitution on blood pressure, hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia in Indians with essential hypertension: A pilot study

The present study comprised 100 patients of essential hypertension who were screened for fasting hyperinsulinemia, which was detected in 77% cases. Twenty such hyperinsulinemic cases were subjected to 4 weeks of dietary control phase followed by 6 weeks of omega-3 fatty acids substitution [either 0.6 g/d (group 1) or 1.2 g/d (group 2)]. The mean basal fasting plasma insulin levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) in patients of hypertension when compared to normal controls (126.51±80.36 and 19.35±12.61 μU/ml respectively). At the end of 4 weeks of diet control only, no significant change was observed in any parameter. After substitution of omega-3 fatty acid, a significant reduction of fasting plasma insulin levels in both group 1 (29%) and group 2 (22.8%) was observed (p<0.001). Significant reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (16.4% and 25% respectively), serum cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein was also noted in both groups (p<0.001), while high density lipoprotein increased by ∼8 mg% in both groups. Thus omega-3 fatty acid substituion in low dose along-with curtailment of dietary omega-6 fatty acid may be used as an adjunctive measure in the management of essential hypertension.