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The present study focused on partial purification of conotoxin from the crude venom of Conus virgo and tested for its anticancer potential against human colon cancer cell line HT-29. The screening of crude venom was carried out using human cancer cell lines such as MCF-7 and HT-29 by MTT method. The result showed IC50 for HT-29 at 40 μg/ml for 24 h. incubation whereas MCF-7 cell line failed to show the decreased cell viability (71% cell viability at a maximum concentration of 140 μg/ml). The conotoxin was purified using DEAE-cellulose column chromatography; purified fraction-1 exhibited significantly decreased cell viability at 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 ng/ml concentrations in HT-29cells and IC50 was found at 120 ng/ml for 24h. incubation. In Cytomorphological observation, distinct cellular changes such as cell shrinkage, loss of adherence and loss of colony formation were observed. The nuclear morphological damages were observed in propidium iodide staining. DNA fragmentation was observed in the treatment of fraction-1 on HT-29 cells when compared to control cells using agarose gel electrophoresis. Based on these findings, the fraction 1 conotoxin induced the nuclear damage and caused cell death in HT-29 cells, so it could be a good candidate for colon cancer chemotherapy.

Graphical abstract, This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative and antioxidant properties of crude venom from the nematocyst of Jellyfish Acromitus flagellates on human lung cancer (A549) and liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines. The prepared crude venom was subjected to analyses of the biochemical constituents, protein profiles, antioxidant and anticancer activities by standard methods. The extracted venom was pale-yellow in color and viscous/sticky. The biochemical composition such as, protein (1.547 mg/ml), lipid (0.039 mg/ml) and carbohydrate (0.028 mg/ml) was estimated. Protein profiles were determined by SDS PAGE, the result revealed that the molecular weight range from 205 − 3.5 kDa. The free radical scavenging activity was analyzed by the reducing potential (56.36%), DPPH (72.47%), hydroxyl (68.50%), superoxide anion (65.75%), and nitric oxide (33.04%). The cell viability was observed by using different concentrations (20 to 100 µg/ml) of crude venom on A549 and HepG2 cancer cell lines and the IC50 values were recorded in (60 μg/ml and 40 μg/ml) respectively, while it had none cytotoxic effects on Vero cell line up to the concentration of 90 μg/ml. These results suggest that crude venom from nematocyst of A. flagellatus possesses anti-cancer activity and able to develop novel drugs on marine-derived compounds.

The marine environment has been represented as the most vital source of bioactive constituents. In the present work, we intended to purification, characterization, and investigation of the apoptotic effect of the bioactive molecule from edible mollusc Donax variabilis on NSCLC cell lines. The bioactive molecules were purified using Anion Exchange Chromatographic method with different millimolar of NaCl concentrations. The fractions were further performed to check the proliferative effect on A549 and NCI-H23 cells by MTT assay. The molecular mass of the active purified protein fraction (PPF-V) was 40 kDa, determined by SDS-PAGE. Furthermore, MALDI-TOF/MS was disclosed that it shared a 91% protein sequence similarity with FMRFamide peptide. Meanwhile, the apoptotic effect of PPF-V on A549 and NCI-H23 cells were investigated. Immunoblot analysis found that the PPF-V treatment groups showed the upregulation of Bax, Cytochrome-c, Cleaved Caspase-9 and 3 expression and downregulation of Bcl-2 protein expression on both NSCLC cell lines. In addition, purified protein fraction induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on lung cancer cells. Altogether, our results proved that the PPF-V from Donax variabilis inducing apoptosis against NSCLC cell lines, which could be a potential natural candidate for lung cancer therapy.

The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized biologically through a green synthesis method using the flower extract of Datura inoxia, a well-known medicinal plant for its antispasmodic, pacifying, pain relief, and for respiratory ailments. The synthesized AgNPs were structurally characterized and the cytotoxic efficiency of the AgNPs on human breast cancer cell line (MCF7) was appraised by cell viability assay, followed by cytomorphological analysis. However, apoptosis initiated by the AgNPs administration was assessed through nuclear fragmentation assay, cell cycle arrest, and comet assay. The synthesized AgNPs inhibited the propagation of cells at an IC50 concentration of 20 μg/mL after 24 h incubation. The AgNPs promoted apoptosis through DNA damage. Thus, this study reveals that the green synthesis is an ecofriendly method for production of AgNPs from Datura inoxia flower extract which provided a powerful anti-proliferative action on MCF7 cell line, suggesting them as a novel chemotherapeutic agent against human breast cancer.

The present investigation was focused on the effect of Bacillus megaterium enriched to the Artemia nauplii and sprayed on the supplemented feed was fed to the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae (PL) to obtain high survival and growth. Artemia nauplii enriched with different levels of B. megaterium (5×107, 5×109 and 5×1011 cfu /mL) fed to postlarvae for a period of 30 days. Similarly, supplemented feed with probiotic of different levels fed to PL for a time period of 15 days. Postlarvae fed with 5×109 cfu cells (E2) of B. megaterium enriched Artemia nauplii and supplemented feed produce better survival and growth when compared to that of other concentrations and control group. The specific growth rate was found to be maximum in postlarvae fed with B. megaterium enriched Artemia and supplemented feed when compared to the control group. The biochemical constituents, such as protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents were considerably more in PL fed with both feeds, particularly at 5×109 cfu cells. In the challenging study, results showed a higher survival rate in postlarvae fed with enhanced Artemia nauplii and supplemented feed of E2. Therefore, it is evident that 5×109 cfu cells of B. megaterium can be considered as an appropriate concentration for the growth and survival of L. vannamei postlarvae.

Metals are abundantly present in the earth’s crust and have many occupational uses. They are also vital for living organisms as they are required in small quantities to carry out physiological functions. However, increased exposure leads to accumulation of metals leading to toxic effects. Metals are distributed in environment due to pollution and industrial effluents thus increasing the human exposure to toxic metals. Elevated levels of metals in the body facilitate their transportation to various organs including the brain resulting in physiological disturbances. Neurotoxic effects of metals lead to dementia and cognitive defects resulting in neurodegenerative disorders. The highly toxic metals include mercury, lead, aluminum, iron, cadmium, and arsenic. Although iron is essential for cellular homeostasis, yet when present in excess leads to wide variety of neurodegenerative disease. In this chapter, we have focused on these six metals and their neurotoxic complications.

The marine invertebrates are one of the main leads to the derivation of anticancer compounds. The present investigation was to explore the anticancer effect of a potentially active polysaccharide fraction from marine clam Donax variabilis on human lung cancer cells (A549). A polysaccharide was purified from the whole tissue of D. variabilis by GFC and characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. Subsequently, fraction 2.1 (F2.1) showed a significant inhibitory effect on A549 cells (p

Various preclinical studies by researchers have established that there exist an inevitable relationship between the gut microbiota and neonatal brain development. This was further extrapolated to humans. This communication can be majorly through the regulation of the blood-brain barrier function as well as epithelial barrier, glial cell activation and its maturation plays a key role. The hormonal and neural directive through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), as well as modulation of immunity as well as metabolic activities along with neurotransmitter release, contributes to the other part. The researchers’ even link between the nutritional interventions of the mother hat can shape neurodevelopment in the modulation of the neonate’s microbiome. Thus, in this review, we present the importance of gut microbes and its diversified functions in neonatal brain development. We further emphasis on the reputation of the hormonal, immune as well as reproductive systems in the brain development by linking to the mother’s nutritional status.

Photolysis or light activation of electrons to an energy excited state to aid a release of energy could be utilized in many applications like industries and semiconductors as well as for antimicrobial action. This electron transfer mechanism is widely being incorporated to metals and metal oxides or sometimes with nanoparticles (NPs) to increase its reactivity. However, three forms of NP formulations are used for antibacterial action like nanocomposites, doped NPs, and metal oxide NPs. The preparation, synthesis, and antimicrobial application of the metal oxide NPs are explained coherently in this chapter. Moreover, the future prospects of these NP-assisted light-activated antimicrobial actions are also dealt in detail.

The aim of this study is to investigate on anticancer properties of crude skin extract from marine catfish Tachysurus dussumieri on human colon cancer cell line. The biochemical contents protein, lipid and carbohydrate were estimated to be 1.02, 2.96 and 3.26 mg/ml respectively. The protein profiles were analysed by NATIVE and SDS-PAGE, results indicated both high and low molecular weight proteins ranging from 135 to 25 kDa. The crude extract was tested for its anticancer activity against human colon cancer cell line (HT 29) by MTT assay, the Inhibition concentration (IC50) was obtained on 600 μg/ml at 24 h. Fluorescent microscopy was used to study the cell morphology, nuclear condensation, early and late apoptotic stages by definite staining methods. DNA fragmentation and flow cytometric results revealed that the skin extract induces chromatin condensation, apoptotic cell death and also induce cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase on colon cancer cell line.

Various environmental hazards occurring in present days are the results of population explosion, industrial pollution, unsafe agricultural practices, and several miscellaneous reasons. Hence, remediation process becomes very crucial in limiting the pollution. The process of treatment of contaminated environmental media, i.e., soil and water, in order to remove the toxicants present in it is called as “remediation/environmental remediation.” “Bioremediation” is a process of swabbing contaminated media with biological agents/microbes or naturally extracted chemicals. Bioremediation depending on site of application is further categorized into ex situ bioremediation, in situ bioremediation, phytoremediation, and permeable reactive barrier (PRB). However, if the percentage of contaminant is higher in the media, microbes used for bioremediation will get digested by toxicants/contaminants resulting in the ineffectiveness to remove the bacteria. While the usage of nanoparticles in bioremediation process is one of the key factors for reducing the limitations of this technique, the combination/addition of nanoparticles along with biological agents and applying on the contaminated media can give better results than individual bioremediation techniques. Nanoparticles due to their specific physical and chemical properties possess high reactivity with contaminated area. Nanomaterials are used in different forms in bioremediation process like nanoiron, nanofibers, nanorods, nanotubes, nanoribbons, nanocomposites, nanoporous materials, nanofoam, and nanocrystalline materials. Due to the powerful potential executed by the combination of nanoparticles and biological agents in bioremediation, their usage in future gets widened.

This study was aimed to address the promising evaluation of Cissus quadrangularis plant (stem) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS from bacteria) supplemented diets on innate immune response in Lates calcarifer fingerlings against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Fingerlings were fed supplemented diets containing four different concentrations of C. quadrangularis (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g kg−1 feed), LPS (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg kg−1 feed) and control (normal formulated diet) for 60 days. The fish fingerlings fed supplemented diet displayed significant differences (P

The mycosynthesis approach for nanoparticle synthesis using edible mushrooms is attracting considerable interest over other conventional physical and chemical methods because this approach excludes the use of toxic chemicals. The present study reports the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of Pleurotus djamor var. roseus and its cytotoxicity against human prostate carcinoma (PC3) cells. Nanoparticle formation was confirmed by UV–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The UV–vis spectrum had an absorption peek at 440 nm, corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs. The TEM image confirmed the nanostructure and spherical shape of AgNPs, with sizes ranging from 5 to 50 nm. The FTIR spectroscopy results showed the binding properties of bio-constituents to identify the possible biomolecules responsible for capping and efficiently stabilizing the nanoparticles. The purity and crystalline structure were confirmed by XRD analysis. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of biosynthesized AgNPs was evaluated using cell viability and nuclear fragmentation assays. It is evident from the results that the biosynthesized AgNPs inhibited proliferation of PC3 cells with an IC50 of 10 μg/ml during a 24-h incubation. These results suggest that AgNPs may exert their antiproliferative effect on the PC3 cell line by suppressing its growth, reducing DNA synthesis and inducing apoptosis. The morphological analysis of propidium iodide (PI) staining showed the presence of shrunken nuclei, DNA condensation and damage, which revealed cytotoxic effect on PC3 cells by AgNPs.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by thedopaminergic neurons loss in the midbrain. Even though there are some drugs in the market to ease parkinsonian symptoms, an accurate drug to prevent or cure the disease is still unknown. This study is an attempt to estimate in silico; a bioactive plant fucocoumarinImperatorin; for its ability as an anti-PD drug, using Autodock 4.2, Pre-ADMET and molinspiration tools against the antioxidants involved in neuropathology of PD, keeping amantadine as a positive control. The molecules selected for the study are Cyclo- Oxygenase 1 (COX-1), Homo-Oxygenase-1(HO-1), NRF2-Keap1, Lipo-Oxygenase 1(LOX-1), Phospholipase A2 (pA2), DJ-1 and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The reliability of the 3 Dimensional (3-D) structures generated were confirmed using WHATIF Server. The study predicted Imperatorin as a potent anti-PD drug, being good inhibitors of COX-1, HO-1 and LOX-1, having less human toxicity and better ability to cross Blood Brain-Barrier (BBB).

Plant sterols have been widely used as chemotherapeutic agents for colorectal cancer for years together. In this study, a novel phytosterol was isolated and characterized from the leaf extract of a medicinal plant, Datura inoxia and was coined as RinoxiaB (RB). This phytosterol was observed to have antiproliferative activity against human colon adenocarcinoma cells, HCT 15. The cell viability assay revealed the IC50 value of the RB as 4 µM. Moreover, RB treated cells showed prominent morphological changes dose dependently and progressively increased the number of dead cells. Additionally, results of the comet, flow cytometry, and cell cycle analysis revealed that the majority of cells were arrested in their S and G2/M phase by blocking the mitotic spindle formation. The western blot analysis (Bcl-2, BAX, Cytochrome C, Caspases 9 & 3) clearly indicated that RB has the ability to induce apoptosis by significantly upregulating (P

The present study demonstrates the efficacy of Datura inoxia for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The aqueous extract obtained from the leaves of D. inoxia was mixed with AgNO 3 and incubated for the synthesis of AgNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The toxicity of AgNPs was evaluated using cell viability, nuclear fragmentation and cell cycle. Our results showed that biosynthesized AgNPs inhibited proliferation of human breast cancer cell line MCF7 with an IC 50 of 20 µg/ml at 24 h incubation. These results suggest that AgNPs may exert its antiproliferative effect on MCF7 cell line by suppressing its growth, arresting the cell cycle phases, reducing DNA synthesis and inducing apoptosis.

Although hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an admirable treatment for many cancer types, but the clinical impact of H2O2 on immune cells is not known. In the present study, we have demonstrated that H2O2 is a crucial factor to determine the cell mediated cytotoxicity of immune cells to the cancer cells. Natural killer (NK) cells and T cells were isolated from healthy donors and were activated and enriched the population at ex-vivo condition. At day14, activated NK and T cells were exposed to colon cancer cell at the ratio of 10:1 (Effector: Target) with or without H2O2 (50 µM and 100µM) treatment for 6 h and 12 h. Cytotoxicity assay showed that cytotolytic ability of NK and T cells was strongly suppressed in the presence of H2O2. H2O2 induced NK and T cell dysfunction was analyzed and results demonstrated that NK and T cells were lose their viability on dose and time dependent manner. Also, flow cytometry analysis revealed that H2O2 significantly suppresses the activation and proliferation CD8 T cell population. Whereas, NK cell subset (CD56bright and CD56dim) was dramatically altered by H2O2. When exposed to H2O2, CD56dim population was considerably increased at different time points. Hence, we conclude that H2O2 directly or functionally defect the NK and T cell mediated cytotoxicity and however, further studies are warranted to confirm the concept with mild dose of H2O2 with different cancer cell lines.

Metallic nanoparticles are major concern, particularly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in various applications. In the present investigation, we report a novel strategy with biological approach for synthesis of AgNPs using sodium para-hydroxybenzoate tetrahydrate (SPHT) isolated from Vitex negundo leaves. The synthesized SPHT-AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The various pH and temperature were evaluated to find their stability effects on SPHT-AgNPs synthesis peak at 430 nm. The size of SPHT-AgNPs were ranging from 26 to 39 nm and were spherical in shape. The hydroxyl and carboxylic functional groups from bio-reducing mediators of SPHT have a stronger ability towards synthesis of AgNPs, which was confirmed using FT-IR spectrum. In addition, anticancer activity were determined by MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI and cell cycle analysis.

The aim of present study was to elucidate anti-initiating efficacy of galangin against benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P)-induced lung carcinogenesis in male Swiss albino mice. Therefore, the activities of xenobiotic metabolic enzymes such as phase I and II were examined in lung as well as liver tissues (to compare the effects between target and non-target organs). Besides, the activities/levels of tissue marker enzymes, antioxidants, lipid peroxidation (LPO), cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) expressions and histological observation of lungs were also analyzed. B(a)P (50 mg/kg body weight) was administered to male Swiss albino mice (20–25 g) to experimentally induce lung cancer. B(a)P-induced animals showed increased activity of phase I (Cytochrome P450, Cytochrome b5, NADPH Cytochrome P450 redcutase and NADH Cytochrome b5 reductase) drug metabolic enzymes, LPO levels, tissue marker enzymes and decreased activity of phase II metabolic enzymes (glutathione-S-transferase, DT-diaphorase and UDP-glucuronyl transferase) as well as antioxidant levels. Histological examination of lungs revealed severe alveolar and bronchiolar damages in B(a)P-induced mice. Immunohistochemical and western blot analysis of CYP1A1 increased significantly in lung tissues of B(a)P-induced animals. Treatment with galangin (20 mg/kg body weight) efficiently counteracted all the above anomalies and restored cellular homeostasis. Our results demonstrate that galangin can modify xenobiotic enzymes in murine model of pulmonary tumorigenesis.

Objective: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a leading cause of mental disability and death worldwide. Even though there are many advances in drug development against PD, a potent low dosage drug with fewer side effects are still in its nursery. This is a pioneer in silico attempt to test the anti-PD actions of esculin and hinokitol to act novel drugs.Methods: In this study, using Auto dock tools 4.2, esculin and hinokitol (β-Thujaplicin) were predicted for its inhibitory actions with Alpha-Synuclein (AS) Apo site, Dopamine D3 Receptor (D3R), Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Beta (GSK3β), Mono Oxidase B (MAO-B), Parkin and Tyrosine 3-Hydroxylase (TH) with levodopa standard. The reliability of the 3D predicted model of these proteins were analysed using RAMPAGE. Further, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) crossing ability of the natural compounds were analysed using cbligand. The In silico ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) properties of esculin and hinokitol were compared with that of levodopa using molinspiration and admetSAR @ LMMD software.Results: The predictions were that hinokitol, being blood-brain barrier positive (BBB+) with fewer side effects could be a potent anti-PD drug than esculin as it proved to be blood-brain barrier negative (BBB-). Hinokitol was predicted to be good inhibitors of AS, MAO-B and Parkin.Conclusion: The study revealed that hinokitol could be a potent anti-PD drug, being BBB+. Hinokitol was additionally predicted as a good inhibitor of AS, MAO-B and Parkin than levodopa standard.

Low vision and blindness are important health problems that affect millions of people throughout the world. The most common and important pathologies are diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma as well as cataracts. The latter consists of an opacification of the lens of the eye which impedes the passage of light and represents one of the most important causes of vision loss. Among the risk factors for cataract development, there are life-style factors such as the use of tobacco, abuse of alcohol and unhealthy diet. In light of this, dietary components that possess anti-oxidant activity, such as polyphenols for instance, can be considered good candidates for human studies in the prevention and or treatment of such diseases. Among dietary components, the antioxidant capacity of certain polyphenols is well known, and these could be good candidates. In this review we focus our attention on the current scientific literature regarding to the effects of resveratrol on cataracts and other ocular diseases, along with its potential mechanism/s of action. A large number of preclinical studies support the involvement of resveratrol in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases induced by oxidative stress and inflammation, such as age-related cataract.