Caprine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum: Effect of simulated ischemia on membrane structure and Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript>-ATPase activity

The sarcoplasmic reticulum was isolated and characterized in the pure form from normal caprine (Capra hircus) hearts. Under ischemic condition, fatty acids like palmitic acid, palmitoyl carnitine and oleic acid accumulatein vivo. These are known to have a detrimental effect on membrane components. The effects of simulated ischemia on the Ca²⁺-ATPase were studied using these fatty acidsin vitro at concentrations at which they occurin vivo in the ischemic heart. All three fatty acids inhibited Ca²⁺-ATPase activity. At lower concentrations, palmitoyl carnitine was the most potent, followed by oleic acid while palmitic acid displayed the least potency. Electron microscopy studies with fatty acids showed morphological disruptions in SR vesicles. The decline in Ca²⁺-ATPase activity could be attributed to the change in membrane morphology.     

Plasma Fatty Acid Composition and Estimated Desaturase Activities Reflect Dietary Patterns in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

Changes in plasma fatty acid (FA) composition and desaturase activities are observed in metabolic syndrome (MS). However, whether these changes are a reflection of dietary intakes of fats and FAs is not well established. The current study was aimed at assessing plasma FA composition and desaturase enzyme activities as biomarkers of dietary intakes in subjects with MS. Case control study was done on 41 MS patients and was compared with age matched 45 controls. Dietary intakes, anthropometric and clinical parameters were measured. FA composition was analysed using gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector and desaturase enzyme activities were estimated as ratios of product to precursor FAs. Higher levels of 14:0, 16:0, 16:1, 18:1, D9D-18 activity and lower levels of 18:0 and 18:2 n-6 were seen in MS group when compared to controls (p < 0.05). Strong positive correlations were seen between plasma triglyceride (TG) levels and 14:0, 16:0, 16:1, 18:1, total saturated fatty acid, total monounsaturated fatty acid, and D9D activities, while 18:0, 18:2 n-6 and total polyunsaturated fatty acid were negatively correlated with TG. Positive correlations were seen between plasma 14:0, 18:1 and D9D-18 activity with total energy intake and carbohydrate (CHO) intakes but not with fat intake. Plasma FA profile appears to be a better index of total energy intake and CHO intake than fat intake, suggesting it might be a good reflection of endogenous FA metabolism. Changes in FA composition may therefore serve as an early index of dysregulation of FA metabolism, resulting in increased risk of MS.     

Isolation and characterization of mitochondria from goat hearts

Cardiac mitochondria provide energy for the contraction/relaxation cycle. The aim of our study was to isolate and characterize mitochondria from Caprine hearts under control and in-vitro induced ischemia. A decrease in activities of all the enzymes was observed in the ischemic models. Further characterization of proteins was done by SDS-PAGE and BN-PAGE. Lipids have been characterized by analyzing the phospholipids by HPTLC and fatty acids by GLC in both groups. Our results indicated that injury occurs early in the course of ischemia and progresses during ischemia. TBARS and carbonyl content have also been measured. The in-vitro effects of fatty acids have been studied on the enzymes and complexes of mitochondria.     

长期施肥对农田黑土微生物群落的影响

研究不同磷肥处理农田黑土基本理化性质、磷脂脂肪酸、酸（碱）性磷酸酶、微生物量碳或氮等变化规律。结果表明,有机肥-化肥配施明显提高土壤有机质、总氮以及速效氮、磷、钾等养分含量,进而促进微生物量碳、微生物量碳/有机质比值、磷酸酶活力以及各菌群磷脂脂肪酸含量显著增加。长期氮磷钾配施土壤有机质活性严重退化、不利于土壤微生物生长,而单施磷肥或氮磷肥配施对微生物活力与结构影响较小。有机肥处理中单烯不饱和/饱和脂肪酸比值>1,远高于其他化肥处理,可用来指示有机质质量与可用性;而支链/单烯不饱和脂肪酸与单烯不饱和/饱和脂肪酸比值呈极显著负相关,表明G+菌对养分胁迫抗性强于G-菌。磷脂脂肪酸PCA表明,有机肥与化肥处理微生物群落结构显著不同。个别脂肪酸载荷值分析表明,真菌受无机肥施用影响显著;而G+菌更易受有机肥影响。     

Glutathione and some related enzymes in erythrocytes of patients with liver diseases

Red-cell glutathione (GSH) contents and enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) as well as glutathione reductase (GSSG-R) were assayed in 30 normal subjects, 60 cirrhotic patients and 60 cancer patients. The mean GSH level and GSSG-R activity studied showed increased values in all diseased groups compared to normal values with significant elevations only in liver metastases group. Reduced enzyme activity of GSH-Px has been noted in both the cirrhotic groups but the decrease was significant only in alcoholic cirrhotic group. Decreased red-cell GSH-Px activities below the normal range were found in all the cancer patients with remarkable reduction in liver metastases than in hepatocellular carcinoma.     

Biochemical changes in polymorphonuclear leucocytes in patients suffering from diabetes

The microbicidal capacity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes of diabetic and control subjects was evaluated by estimating the release of lysosomal enzymes viz beta-glucuronidase, lysozyme, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, in response to a particulate stimulus-serum treated zymosan (STZ). The cells untreated and pretreated with cytochalasin B were exposed to STZ The total enzyme activities were estimated after cell lysis. The total enzyme activities were not altered in diabetic subjects as compared to control subjects. The release of lysosomal enzymes by cells pretreated with cytochalasin B was high as compared to untreated cells. The release of lysosomal enzymes from the cells isolated from diabetic patients, untreated and pretreated with cytochalasin B was reduced as compared to controls. The findings of the present study that the total lysosomal enzyme activities are normal while the release of these enzymes in response to stimulus is impaired in diabetics, suggest that the bactericidal capacity of these cells which involves phagocytosis is impaired in these patients.     

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.     

Relationship Between Xanthine Oxidase,Ischemia Modified Albumin,Nitric Oxide with Antioxidants in Non Pregnants,Pre and Post-delivery of Normal Pregnants and Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder involves altered homeostasis of oxidants–antioxidants, inflammatory process and endothelial dysfunction. The present study aim was to determine the levels of oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, ischemia modified albumin and xanthine oxidase), nutrient antioxidants (vitamin C and vitamin E), enzyme antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase glutathione reductase), total antioxidant status (TAS) and its association with nitric oxide. The study population consists of three groups, non pregnants (Group 1, n = 57), normotensive pregnants (Group 2, n = 57) and Preeclampsia (Group 3, n = 57). Group 2 and 3 were followed after delivery within 48 h. In preeclampsia xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde and uric acid levels were significantly increased (p < 0.001), while TAS decreased (p < 0.05) when compared to normotensive pregnant and non pregnant. Catalase, glutathione reductase levels were increased (p < 0.005) and vitamin E, super oxide dismutase levels were decreased (p < 0.001) in preeclampsia when compared to normal pregnants. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed area under curve for xanthine oxidase (0.8), malondialdehyde (0.804), Uric acid (0.84), ischemia modified albumin (0.92) and catalase (0.88) which indicated as good markers in preeclampsia. Amongst, ischemia modified albumin is a better marker of intrauterine hypoxic reperfusion risk with sensitivity 87.7 % and specificity 91.2 %. The increased hydrogen peroxide from xanthine oxidase adds to oxidative stress and increased catalase activity in preeclampsia represents combating action. Increased oxidative stress, decreased TAS and its apparent reversible changes evinced within 48 h after delivery in preeclampsia illustrated that placental abnormality is the contributing factor in the pathogenesis.     

Polymorphonuclear leukocytic sialic acid and sialidase activity in obesity

The level of sialic acid in the obese polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) was found to be significantly reduced as compared to normal. Activity of sialic acid degrading enzyme, sialidase, was found to be increased in the obese state. Restoration in both sialic acid content and sialidase activity was also evidenced in the PMNL of treated obese patients.     

Lipid peroxidation and glutathione peroxidase in ischemic heart disease

With the growing interest in the concept of free radicals in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia, it was thought worthwhile to study the changes in lipid peroxides and antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in ischemic heart disease (IHD). The study was carried out on 76 patients of IHD-38 of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 38 of stable ischemic heart disease (SIDH). They were age and sex matched with 38 normal healthy controls. A significant increase (p<0.001) in lipid peroxides as malondialdehyde (MDA) (5.9±0.7 mmol/L) and a decrease in GPx (24.6±2.2 U/gmHb) was found in patients of AMI when compared with controls. There was no significant difference in these values in SIHD. Thus this study confirms the earlier findings that MDA and GPx are useful parameters in IHD and their magnitude is dependent on severity and/or duration of ischemia. We suggest that these tests would be of use in smaller institutions with limited facilities.     

Altered maternal thyroid function: Effect of L-carnitine supplementation on fetal and neonatal myocardial free fatty acid oxidation,in vitro

Effect of L-carnitine supplementation on myocardial free fatty acid oxidation,in vitro, in offsprings born of hypothyroid and hyperthyroid mothers was studied in rats. L-carnitine supplementation stimulated myocardial fatty acid oxidation during gestational period in offspring born of control and hyperthyroid mothers. In contrast L-carnitine supplementation induced stimulation in myocardial fatty acid oxidation was very less in fetuses born of hypothyroid mothers. However, in neonates born of hypothyroid mothers L-carnitine stimulated myocardial fatty acid oxidation to a great extent. The results suggested that during maternal hypothyroidism low availability of thyroid hormones to fetuses through maternal circulation and availability of less carnitine to neonates due to hypolactation might be responsible for decreased myocardial free fatty acid utilization. In neonates born of hypothyroid mothers and with cardiac energy insufficiency parenteral carnitine supplementation might be of great help to prevent mortality and morbidity of such offsprings.     

均衡营养调和油及其制备方法

每一个单一油品虽然各具特点,但都不能达到均衡营养。该方法制取的调和油既突出各类不饱和脂肪酸比例组成的合理性,即油酸：亚油酸：亚麻酸=5：4：1,又突出产品的营养功能,即其中含有较高的维生素E。该比例组成满足了中国营养学会推荐的单不饱和脂肪酸与多不饱和脂肪酸比例相等的要求,又满足了ω-6多不饱和脂肪酸：ω-3多不饱和脂肪酸=4：1的要求。因此是最理想的调和油。     

天仙子籽油中脂肪酸组成的研究

采用气相色谱法对天仙子籽油中脂肪酸的组成及相对含量进行了研究。鉴定了油酸、亚油酸等十种脂肪酸、其中油酸含量为１６．３２％,亚油酸含量高达７４．８１％。     

中国松科植物种子油中脂肪酸成分与分布

This paper deals with the constituents of fatty acids from the seed oils of Pinaceae in China, including 30 species belonging to 8 genera.  Discovered are three characteristic fatty acids, i.e. Cis-5,9-octadecadienoic acid, Cis-5,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid and Cis-5, 11, 14-eicosatrienoic acid. Based on the data obtained, the distribution of the three characteristic fatty acids in Pinaceae of China is also discussed.     

Effect ofCrataeva nurvala bark decoction on enzymatic changes in liver of normal and stone forming rats

The influence of Crataeva nurvala bark decoction was studied in calcium oxalate stone forming rats, in relation to oxalate metabolism in liver. The activities of the major oxalate synthesizing enzymes in liver namely, glycollate oxidase (GAO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased in the calculogenic group. Bark decoction treatment lowered the liver GAO activity considerably. Transport ATPases (Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺-ATPases) and alkaline phosphatase were enhanced in rats fed calculi producing diet, while the activities of acid phosphatase, inorganic pyrophosphatase and aminotransferases were slightly reduced. Bark decoction administration produced a marginal decrease in Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and increase in aspartate aminotransferase activities, without significantly altering other enzyme activities. The decrease in liver GAO activity seen during bark decoction treatment, with concomitant decrease in kidney oxalate level, may prove beneficial as a prophylactic measure in preventing stone recurrence.     

Effect of folic acid and vitamin B<Subscript>12</Subscript> administration on phenytoin induced toxicity in rats

Folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ are very important vitamins needed for normal cellular metabolic activities. The effects of folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ on liver integrity of growing Wistar albino rats following therapeutic dose of phenytoin administration were investigated. The activities of serum AST, ALT, ALP were investigated. Serum total protein level and lipid profile were also measured as indices of biochemical changes. The ingestion of phenytoin alone in rats significantly reduced serum protein while AST, ALT activities incresed as compared to the control (P<0.05). Supplementation of phenytoin with oral administration of 70microgram/kg body wt of folic acid resulted in a significant reversal in serum total protein and suppression in serum AST and ALT activities. Vitamin B₁₂ supplementation did not afford any significant protection against the effect of phenytoin ingestion but rather phenytoin toxicity was exacerbated in this study. However, the combined effects of vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid ameliorated the effects of phenytoin on serum enzymes of experimental rats. The effect of combination of phenytoin with folic acid or folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ is an interesting finding. Supplementation of phenytoin with folic acid or combination of these vitamins may be recommended for the purpose of ameliorating the adverse biochemical changes which are associated with phenytoin therapy. Further work is ongoing to help elucidate the effects of phenytoin and these vitamins on oxidative stress inducing mechanism.     

Genes of renin angiotensin system and coronary heart disease

The levels of cytotoxic aldehydic products in different culinary oils, with or without thermal stress, (routine domestic or commercial frying) were determined by thiobarbituric acid method. The results showed that (i) thiobarbituric acid reactivity was much higher in edible oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids than those rich in saturated fatty acids or monounsaturated fatty acids, even without thermal stress, (ii) the lipid peroxide levels were in proportion to the duration of thermal stress, (iii) nature of the container used (steel, iron or teflon-coated) had no significant effect on the extent of lipid peroxidation under identical conditions of thermal stress and (iv) thermally stressed oils collected from hotels and roadside caterers contained higher levels of cytotoxic aldehydic products, when compared to oils thermally stressed under domestic frying conditions. These results suggest that dietary ingestion of thermally or autoxidatively stressed polyunsaturated fatty acid rich culinary oils is more harmful compared with those similarly treated oils rich in saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids.     

Further studies on elastase-like activity in normal and cataractous lenses

Ca⁺⁺ was not found to be essential for the activation of the latent elastase in normal lenses. However, the activities increased 70–100% in human, bovine, sheep and goat lenses at a concentration of 5.0×10^?3M of CaCl₂. On the other hand, in cataractous human lenses, Ca⁺⁺ inhibited the process of activation. The activation process however, seems to be a divalent metal ion dependent process since ethylene diamine tetra acetate (2.0×10^?3M) blocked the activation of the elastase-like enzyme in both normal and cataractous lenses. p-Hydroxy mercuribenzoate (10^?4M) and benzamidine (1.65×10^?2M) also blocked the activation process, indicating that a trypsin-like enzyme requiring sulfhydryl groups, is involved in the activation of latent elastase.     

豆科七种野生植物籽油脂肪酸研究

采用毛细管气相色谱法,对青海境内的豆科七个属的七种野生植物种子的含油率,理化常数和脂肪酸组成及相对含量进行了测定,结查表明,所测植物籽油中,主要为棕榈酸,硬脂酸,油酸,亚油酸和亚麻酸。     

A non-invasive approach to differential diagnosis of urinary tract infections using lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme profile,N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and alanine aminopeptidase

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzyme profile, Nacety-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) and alanine aminopeptidase (AAP) enzyme activities were measured in 21 cases with well documented acute untreated urinary tract infections (UTI) and compared with a group of 68 normal healthy subjects matched for age and sex. Urinary NAG, AAP and LDH total activities were highly elevated (3–30 fold for NAG, 2–10 fold for AAP and 2–50 fold for LDH over upper limit of normal) in upper tract infections. In lower tract infections there was a marginal elevation in NAG and LDH while AAP activity was very high; though there was no overlap. Further, the isoenzyme profile of LDH showed predominance of LD-5 isoenzyme in all cases of pyelonephritis, while it was completely absent in all the cases of lower tract infections. We conclude that urinary NAG and LDH-5 isoenzyme would serve as specific non-invasive parameters for differential localization of urinary tract infections.