Muhammad Ovais Omer

Comparative study to evaluate the anti-viral efficacy of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract and ribavirin against the Newcastle disease virus

Background: The Newcastle disease represents as one of the most infectious viral disease, which afflicts almost every species of the birds. The causative agent of the disease is a single-stranded RNA virus with rapid replication capability. Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the comparative anti-viral efficacy and toxicity of Glycyrrhiza glabra aqueous extract and ribavirin against the Newcastle disease virus. Materials and Methods: The embryonated eggs were divided into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F). Groups A, B, C, and D were further subdivided into three subgroups. The virus was identified by hemagglutination inhibition test. Spot hemagglutination test and viability of embryos were also evaluated. Three different concentrations i-e., 30 mg/100 ml, 60 mg/100 ml, and 120 mg/100 ml of the Glycyrrhiza aqueous extract and 10 μg/ml, 20 μg/ml, and 40 μg/ml ribavirin in deionized water were evaluated for their toxicity and anti-viral activity in the embryonated eggs. Results: 60 mg/100 ml concentration of Glycyrrhiza extract did not produce any toxicity in the embryonated eggs and showed anti-viral activity against the virus. Similarly, 20 μg/ml ribavirin was non-toxic in the embryonated eggs and contained anti-viral activity. Conclusion: It may conclude from the presented study that 60 mg/100 ml Glycyrrhiza extract inhibits replication of Newcastle disease virus and is non-toxic in the embryonated eggs. So, Glycyrrhiza glabra extract may be further evaluated in future to determine the potentially active compounds for their anti-viral activity against Newcastle disease virus. Furthermore, the mechanism of action of these active phytochemicals as an antiviral agent would be helpful to elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease.

Mutagenic and cytotoxic potential of Endosulfan and Lambda-cyhalothrin - in vitro study describing individual and combined effects of pesticides.

Excessive use of pesticides poses increased risks to non target species including humans. In the developing countries, lack of proper awareness about the toxic potential of pesticides makes the farmer more vulnerable to pesticide linked toxicities, which could lead to diverse pathological conditions. The toxic potential of a pesticide could be determined by their ability to induce genetic mutations and cytotoxicity. Hence, determination of genetic mutation and cytotoxicity of each pesticide is unavoidable to legislate health and safety appraisal about pesticides. The objective of current investigation was to determine the genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of Endosulfan (EN) and Lambda-cyhalothrin (LC); individually and in combination. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay was utilized to determine cytotoxicity, while two mutant histidine dependent Salmonella strains (TA98, TA100) were used to determine the mutagenicity of EN and LC. Moreover, mutagenicity assay was conducted with and without S9 to evaluate the effects of metabolic activation on mutagenicity. Even though a dose dependent increase in the number of revertant colonies was detected with EN against both bacterial strains, a highly significant (p<0.05) increase in the mutagenicity was detected in TA98 with S9. In comparison, data obtained from LC revealed less mutagenic potential than EN. Surprisingly, the non-mutagenic individual-concentrations of EN and LC showed dose dependent mutagenicity when combined. Combination of EN and LC synergistically induced mutagenicity both in TA98 and TA100. MTT assay spotlighted comparable dose dependent cytotoxicity effects of both pesticides. Interestingly, the combination of EN and LC produced increased reversion and cytotoxicity at lower doses as compared to each pesticide, concluding that pesticide exposure even at sub-lethal doses can produce cytotoxicity and genetic mutations, which could lead to carcinogenicity.

EFFECT OF PUNICA GRANATUM (POMEGRANATE) FRUIT EXTRACT ON ANGIOGENESIS

Angiogenesis, which is the development of blood vessels from previously existing vessels, is a physiological process. It is a common and most important process in the formation and development of blood vessels, so it is supportive in healing of wound and granulation tissue. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of pomegranate whole fruit extract on angiogenesis by using CAM assay and to verify either the extract is angiogenic or antiangiogenic. To explore the effect on angiogenesis we used CAM model which is an extraembryonic membrane model in Chicken embryos and SPIP (scanning probe image processor) for quantification of resultant images. For this study fertilized eggs were collected from a local hatchery in Lahore and different aqueous dilutions of whole fruit extract were applied on developing CAM on day 6. A noticeable reduction in surface roughness of the blood vessels was observed. The diameter of tertiary, secondary and primary blood vessels was also reduced as compared to the blood vessels of control group CAM. The maximum effect was seen with 0.5% dilution. The study proved that Punica granatum (Pomegranate) fruit extract was anti-angiogenic and can be included in the studies for the development of new drug studies to treat cancer (as an anti angiogenic agent).

EFFECT OF DICLOFENAC SODIUM ANGIOGENESIS USING CHORIOALLANTOICMEMBRANE (CAM) ASSAY

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a hallmark of almost all neoplastic and non-neoplastic degenerative diseases. This process supports normal physiology as well as it contributes in progression of different diseases. Angiogenesis contributes in growth of tumor and progressive arthritis. Inflammatory mediators are involved in cancer induced angiogenic process. Cyclo-oxygenases promote these mediators which help in cell migration and endothelial cell spreading. To explore the role of diclofenac sodium in angiogenesis we have used in vitro Chorioallantoic membrane assay. A novel image probing system SPIP (scanning probe image processor) was utilized for assessment and quantification of structural changes in CAMs. Fourteen parameters of 3D surface roughness were also evaluated for quantification. Application of diclofenac sodium on Chorioallantoic membrane at day six of incubation (0.7% concentration of diclofenac sodium) showed anti-angiogenic effect. Results showed marked changes in architecture of CAMs, thinning of primary, secondary and tertiary blood vessels, reduction in surface roughness parameters, increase in kurtosis of surface, and decrease in Abbott curve. The substantial quantities of diclofenac sodium use locally may exhibit anti-angiogenic activity in the same manner those seen in in-vitro and explain its clinical efficacy.

A pharmacological evidence for the presence of antihistaminic and anticholinergic activities in Equisetum debile Roxb

Objective: The study was designed to evaluate possible antihistaminic and anticholinergic activities of Equisetum debile. Materials and Methods: Effects of crude ethanolic (Ed.Eth) and effects of crude aqueous (Ed.Aq) extracts of E. debile were studied using isolated guinea pig ileum, rabbit jejunum, and rabbit trachea. Tissue responses were recorded using isotonic and isometric transducers, connected with PowerLab data acquisition system. Results: A dose-dependent (0.1–0.3 mg/ml) rightward shift was demonstrated in histamine concentration-response curves. Whereas a complete relaxation of carbachol (1 μM)-induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum (3 mg/ml) and tracheal (10 mg/ml) preparations was observed, similar to dicyclomine at 1 and 3 μM, respectively. However, no significant difference between the effects of Ed.Eth and Ed.Aq was observed. Conclusion: Study provides pharmacological evidence for the presence of antihistaminic and anticholinergic activities in crude extracts of E. debile and also highlight its medicinal significance in the management of airway and gastrointestinal disorders.