Syed Majid Bukhari

A novel compound isolated from Sclerochloa dura has anti-inflammatory effects

The activation of PLA 2 by means of pro-inflammatory cytokines results in the subsequent release of arachidonic acid (AA) and generates eicosanoids, which further propagate inflammation. By 6the cyclooxygenases (COX1/2) responsible for the enzymatic conversion of AA to eicosanoids, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective in relieving the pain and discomfort of inflammation. By using AA release assay as a guide for biological and anti-inflammatory activity, novel compound 1- O -(3- O -linolenoyl-6-deoxy-6-sulfo- α -D-glucopyranosyl)-glycerol (1) together with five known compounds isovitexin, byzantionoside B, tricin 4 ’ - O -(erythro- β -guaiacylglyceryl) ether 7- O - β -glucopyranoside, 1- O -feruloyl glycerol and tricin 7-glucoside were isolated from the methanol extract of the aerial parts of Sclerochloa dura using LC techniques (Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, preparative HPLC and semi-preparative HPLC). All isolated compounds were identified using spectroscopic NMR spectroscopy and MS spectrometry. Novel compound (1) was found to be an effective inhibitor of AA release with an IC 50 value of 0.09 ± 0.03 mg mL -1 .

Sedative and antinociceptive activities of two new sesquiterpenes isolated from Ricinus communis

Two new sesquiterpenes, trivially named ricinusoids A (1) and ricinusoids B (2), were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Ricinus communis. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic techniques, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The compounds (1-2) were also assessed for in-vivo sedative and analgesic like effects in open field and acetic acid induced writhing tests respectively at 5, 10, and 20 mg·kg-1 i.p. Pretreatment of both test compounds caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in locomotive activity like sedative agents and abdominal constrictions like analgesics. Both compounds (1-2) possessed marked sedative and antinociceptive effects in animal models.

Three new anthraquinone derivatives isolated from Symplocos racemosa and their antibiofilm activity

Three new alkyl substituted anthraquinone derivatives, trivially named as symploquinones A-C (Compounds 1-3) were isolated from Symplocos racemosa. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses (UV, IR, Mass, 1H- and 13C-NMR, and two-dimensional (2D) NMR techniques). The resulting data were also compared with the reported literature. These compounds were then subjected to antibacterial or antibiofilm testing. Compounds 1 and 3 exhibited good antibacterial activity in the concentration range of 160-83 μg·mL-1 against Streptococcus mutans, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis. Both compounds were further screened for anti-biofilm activity, which revealed promising activities at sub-MIC concentrations. None of the compounds were found to be active against Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Changes in thyroid function status of suicidal patients

Background This study was carried out at Punjab Institute of Mental Health and Centre for Nuclear Medicine Mayo Hospital, Lahore. It is aimed at the possible association of thyroid malfunctioning with suicide attempts of patients. Objective Determination of thyroid function status of suicidal psychiatric patients and their comparison with psychiatric patients without suicide attempt or ideation. Methods Total 54 patients with either past history of suicide attempt or current suicidal ideation were selected for analysis of their thyroid function status (age 15-55 years). Age matched 50 non-suicide psychiatric patients were included for comparison. Results Two patients with suicide attempt had overt thyroid dysfunction. Remaining patients had serum FT4, FT3 and TSH level within normal range. Suicide attempter patients had lower FT4 but increased FT3 and TSH levels compared to suicidal ideation patients. Serum FT4 and TSH levels in suicidal patients were not different from psychiatric patients. Serum FT3 in suicidal patients was lower than psychiatric patients (3.7 ± 0.8 vs. 4.3 ± 0.5; p < 0.05). Female suicidal patients had lower FT3 levels compared to male patients (3.4 ± 0.6 vs. 3.9 ± 0.8 pmol/L; p < 0.05). Discussion Local suicidal patients have higher incidence of overt thyroid disorder and lower FT3 levels compared to non-suicidal psychiatric patients.

Isolation and Characterization of Two New Secondary Metabolites From Quercus incana and Their Antidepressant- and Anxiolytic-Like Potential

The ethyl acetate fraction of Quercus incana yielded two new compounds [1 and 2]. The characterization and structure elucidation of these compounds were carried out through various spectroscopic techniques such as mass spectrometry along with one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques. The structural formula was deduced to be 2-(4-hydroxybutan-2-yl)-5-methoxyphenol [1] and 4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl) pentanoic acid [2]. The elevated plus maze (EPM) and light–dark box (LDB) tests (classical mouse models) were performed in order to reveal the anxiolytic potential of both compounds [1 and 2]. Both compounds displayed dose-dependent increases in open-arm entries and time spent in open arms in EPM (∗P < 0.05, ∗∗P < 0.01), and increased the time spent in the lit compartment and increased transitions between the two compartments in LDB test (∗P < 0.05, ∗∗P < 0.01). Co-administration of selective benzodiazepine (BZP) receptor antagonist, flumazenil (2.5 mg/kg) with compounds [1 and 2] decreased the anxiolytic-like activity of both compounds in the EPM indicating BZP-binding site of GABA-A receptors are involved in the anxiolytic-like effect. Similarly, both compounds at the dose level of 10 and 30 mg/kg, i.p. exerted pronounced antidepressant-like effect in both forced swimming as well as tail suspension tests (∗P < 0.05, ∗∗P < 0.01; ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test). The effect at 30 mg/kg was comparable to the reference drug imipramine (60 mg/kg).

Isolation and Characterization of Two New Antimicrobial Acids from Quercus incana (Bluejack Oak)

Two new compounds [1-2] were purified from ethyl acetate fraction of Quercus incana. The structure of these compounds is mainly established by using advanced spectroscopic technique such as UV, IR, one-dimensional (ID) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR techniques, and EI mass. The structural formula was deduced to be 4-hydroxydecanoic acid [1] and 4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl) pentanoic acid [2]. Both isolated compounds were tested for their antimicrobial potential and showed promising antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus.