Search

Plant-based anticancer agents have the potential to stimulate the immune system to act against cancer cells. A standardized bioactive subfraction of the Malaysian herb, Strobilanthes crispus (L.) Blume (S. crispus) termed F3, demonstrates strong anticancer effects in both in vitro and in vivo models. The anticancer effects might be attributable to its immunomodulatory properties as S. crispus has been traditionally used to enhance the immune system. The current study examined whether F3 could stimulate anti-tumorigenic immunogenicity against 4T1 cells in vitro and in 4T1 cell-induced mammary carcinoma mouse model. We observed that F3 induced significant increase in MHC class I and class II molecules. CD4+, CD8+ and IL-2+ (p+ macrophages was significantly lower in F3-treated mice. We conclude that the antitumor and antimetastatic effects of S. crispus involve strong infiltration of T cells in breast cancer potentially through increased tumor antigen presentation via MHC proteins, as well as reduction of infiltrating tumor-associated macrophages.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Strobilanthes crispus (L.) Blume, locally known in Malaysia as “Pecah kaca” or “Jin batu”, has been traditionally used for treatment of various ailments including cancer. We previously demonstrated that a standardized bioactive subfraction of S. crispus, termed as F3, possessed potent anticancer effects in both in vitro and in vivo breast cancer models. Aim of the study To investigate the potential of F3 from S. crispus to prevent metastasis in breast cancer. Materials and methods The antimetastatic effects of F3 were first investigated on murine 4T1 and human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell (BCC) lines using cell proliferation, wound healing and invasion assays. A 4T1-induced mouse mammary carcinoma model was then used to determine the expression of metastasis tumor markers, epithelial (E)-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, mucin (MUC)-1, nonepithelial (N)-cadherin, Twist, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vimentin, using immunohistochemistry, following oral treatment with F3 for 30 days. Results Significant growth arrest was observed with F3 IC50 values of 84.27 µg/ml (24 h) and 74.41 µg/ml (48 h) for MDA-MB-231, and 87.35 µg/ml (24 h) and 78.75 µg/ml (48 h) for 4T1 cells. F3 significantly inhibited migration of both BCC lines at 50 μg/ml for 24 h (p = 0.018 and p = 0.015, respectively). Similarly, significant inhibition of invasion was demonstrated in 4T1 (75 µg/ml, p = 0.016) and MDA-MB-231 (50 µg/ml, p = 0.040) cells compared to the untreated cultures. F3 treatment resulted in reduced tumor growth compared to untreated mice (p Conclusions Our findings suggest that F3 exerts anti-metastatic effects independent of its cytotoxic effects, and these are supported by the increased expression of E-cadherin concurrent with downregulation of MMP-9, MUC1, N-cadherin, Twist, VEGF and vimentin expression in breast cancer.

Aim: The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize orf virus isolated from clinical infections in goats in Sokoto metropolis. Materials & methods: Embryonated chicken eggs were used to isolate orf virus according to the established protocol. Viral DNA was extracted and full coding region of B2L gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, sequenced and blasted for identification and phylogenetically analyzed. Results and discussion: The B2L gene sequences of the isolate showed slight variability (96–98.7%) with the reference sequences as it clustered within the same clade with Korean, Zambian and Ethiopian strains, signifying a close genetic relationship. Unique amino acid substitutions were noted. This is the first genetic characterization of B2L gene of orf virus circulating in Nigeria. Conclusion: This study has provided in sight into the genetic diversity of orf virus in the study area., Lay abstract Contagious ecthyma has for long been affecting the goat and sheep population in Nigeria leading to huge economic losses to livestock farmers through death and poor market value of the affected animals. Recently, increased death due to this disease has been reported in north-central Nigeria, but the nature of the disease-causing agent has not been reported yet. It is the aim of this study to understand the nature of the virus causing the disease in goats in Sokoto using molecular biology techniques so as to facilitate better vaccine design for the effective control of the disease in Nigeria.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Locally known as ‘pecah batu’, ‘bayam karang’, ‘keci beling’ or ‘batu jin’, the Malaysian medicinal herb, Strobilanthes crispus (S. crispus), is traditionally used by the local communities as alternative or adjuvant remedy for cancer and other ailments and to boost the immune system. S. crispus has demonstrated multiple anticancer therapeutic potential in vitro and in vivo. A pharmacologically active fraction of S. crispus has been identified and termed as F3. Major constituents profiled in F3 include lutein and β-sitosterol. Aim of the study In this study, the effects of F3, lutein and β-sitosterol on tumor development and metastasis were investigated in 4T1-induced mouse mammary carcinoma model. Materials and methods Tumor-bearing mice were fed with F3 (100 mg/kg/day), lutein (50 mg/kg/day) and β-sitosterol (50 mg/kg/day) for 30 days (n = 5 each group). Tumor physical growth parameters, animal body weight and development of secondary tumors were investigated. The safety profile of F3 was assessed using hematological and histomorphological changes on the major organs in normal control mice (NM). Results Our findings revealed significant reduction of physical tumor growth parameters in all tumor-bearing mice treated with F3 (TM-F3), lutein (TM-L) or β-sitosterol (TM-β) as compared with the untreated group (TM). Statistically significant reduction in body weight was observed in TM compared to the NM or treated (TM-F3, TM-L and TM-β) groups. Histomorphological examination of tissue sections from the F3-treated group showed normal features of the vital organs (i.e., liver, kidneys, lungs and spleen) which were similar to those of NM. Administration of F3 to NM mice (NM-F3) did not cause significant changes in full blood count values. Conclusion F3 significantly reduced the total tumor burden and prevented secondary tumor development in metastatic breast cancer without significant toxicities in 4T1-induced mouse mammary carcinoma model. The current study provides further support for therapeutic development of F3 with further pharmacokinetics studies.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Strobilanthes crispus Blume is traditionally consumed among local Malay and indigenous communities for the treatment of cancer and other ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory wounds of snake bite and immune system activation amongst others. We previously demonstrated that a bioactive fraction of S. crispus leaves (F3) was cytotoxic to breast cancer cells in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU)-induced breast cancer rat model. F3 also normalized the white blood cell count in the tumor-bearing animals, indicating its potential immuno-stimulatory effect. Aim of the study To evaluate the immune stimulatory effects of F3 from S. crispus in NMU-induced rat mammary tumor model. Materials and methods Immunohistochemistry analysis of cellular immune parameters (CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, CIITA, MHC-II and CD68) was performed on NMU-induced rat mammary tumor nodules, followed by evaluation of the serum level of 34 cytokines using the cytokine antibody array. Results Significant increase in MHC-II, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell and CIITA expression by tumor cells was observed in F3-treated rats compared to the tumor control group. F3-treated rats also displayed a significant decrease in the serum level of CCL2 and CD68+ infiltrating macrophages. Serum IFN-γ level in this group was increased by 1.7-fold suggesting enhanced infiltration of T cells, and upregulation of CIITA and MHC-II expression in the tumor cells might be triggered by F3-induced production of IFN-γ. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated for the first time that a subfraction from S. crispus, F3, is capable of activating the immune system in rats-bearing NMU-induced mammary tumor, which may contribute to the anticancer effects of F3, and additionally support the traditional use of S. crispus leaves to boost the immune system.

Background: Peptic ulcer disease remains endemic in our society affecting about four million people every year worldwide. Hannoa klaineana is used traditionally in the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases including ulcer.Aim: This study aims at evaluating the gastroprotective effect of ethylacetate fraction of the leaves of Hannoa klaineana (Simaroubaceae).Methods: The gastroprotective effect of ethylacetate fraction of the Hannoa klaineana (50, 100 and 200mg/kg b.wt) was evaluated using aspirin and histamine induced ulcer models.Results: In aspirin-induced ulcer model, the ethylacetate fraction of the Hannoa klaineana demonstrated significant (p

Obstructive urolithiasis is the retention of urine subsequent to the lodgement of calculi in the urinary tract from the kidney up to the urethral orifice. This report describes the post-mortem and chemical analysis findings of the calculi in an 18-month old Ouda-Yankasa cross ram presented at the Large Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The patient was presented on 20th of March, 2013 with reports of anorexia, disinclination to drink water and anuria that developed four days before presentation at the clinic. On clinical examination, urethral blockage and mild ascites were observed. Cystocentesis was performed to relieve the patient and plain radiograph taken but was not diagnostic. The patient died before definitive diagnosis was made for rational treatment. The post - mortem findings include frothy exudate in the trachea and bronchial airways, congestion of the lungs, hydroperitoneum with recovered fluid measuring 2,350 ml, splenomegaly, hydronephrosis, distended urinary bladder, severe haemorrhagic cystitis, urinary calculi in the bladder and throughout the urethral length and urethral stricture. The urinary calculi recovered were white, friable and amorphous, ranging from small particles to 5mm in diameter. Histopathologic section of the kidney showed atrophied glomeruli. It can thus be concluded that the atrophied glomeruli in turn impaired glomerular filtration which invariably pre-disposed the patient to uraemia leading to its death. The chemical analysis of the calculi showed that the calculi was either oxalate, phosphate or silicate, or any of these mixtures. Keywords: calculi, obstruction, phosphate, uraemia

To determine the acute toxicity effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on haematological parameters, twenty albino Wistar rats weighing between 108-254 g were split into four groups of fives rat each. Different doses of the extract were administered to the 3 groups and one group is used as control. Moringa oleifera 80% methanol leaf extract was administered at 2000 mg/kg to group, 1000 mg/kg to group, and 500 mg/kg while one group was used as control. The result recorded 4 deaths (60% mortality) in groups that received 2000 mg/kg and 1 death (20% mortality) in groups that received 1000 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected from the survived rats for hematological analysis. The result showed variation in Park cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), Red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). There are significant differences at p > 0.05, p > 0.01 and p > 0.001 between groups that exposed to different doses Moringa oleifera extract and the control group. The result also shows slight variation in total and differential leucocyte count, but all the values obtained from both treated and control groups are within the normal range. There are no recorded values of eosinophil, basophil and band cells in both the control and the experimental groups. From this result, it can be concluded that high dose of this extract caused alteration in normal red cells indices with significant differences, but have mild or no effect on total and differential leucocyte count. Hence, low toxicity of this plant made it safe and good medicinal agent and or supplement. Histopatological screening as well as phytochemical study to identify the compounds that affect the blood chemistry is highly recommended.

Medicinal plants have been used in healthcare since time immemorial. Studies have been carried out globally to verify their efficacy and some of the findings have led to the production of plant-based medicines. The global market value of medicinal plant products exceeds $100 billion per annum. This study was conducted to know the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf on Serum biochemistry of experimental exposed Wister rats. Moringa oleifera leaf was extracted with distilled water and concentrated to semisolid form with rotary evaporator at 42°C. Twenty apparently healthy rats weighing 128-233g were exposed to different concentration of Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract. Control group were exposed to only distill water. The animals were divided into 3 groups of five rats each, with Group-I exposed to 500 mg/kg crude extract. Group-II exposed to 1000 mg/kg crude extract and Group-III exposed to 2000 mg/kg crude extract. There significant difference (p< 0.05) in analyzed serum biochemical parameters (Creatinine, Urea, Aspartate amino transferase and Alanine amino transferase) between the experimental and control group. From this finding, it can be concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf extract up to 2000mg/kg is safe and cause slight changes in serum biochemistry. Toxicity studies of this plant extracts as well as phytochemical studies to reaffirm it effect in several body tissues and organs and identify the bioactive compounds are highly recommended.

Auwalu Abdullahi,1–3 Azmi Hassan,1 Norizhar Kadarman,2 Ahmadu Saleh,4 Yusha’u Shu’aibu Baraya,5 Pei Lin Lua,61Institute for Community Development and Quality of Life (i-CODE), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Kampus Gong Badak, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia; 2Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Kampus Kota, Jalan Sultan Mahmud, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia; 3Department of Animal Health and Husbandry, Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta, Kano, Nigeria; 4School of Animal Science, Faculty of Bio-resources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu, Malaysia; 5Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia; 6Community Health Research Cluster, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Kampus Gong Badak, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia Purpose: Foodborne diseases are common in the developing countries due to the predominant poor food handling and sanitation practices, particularly as a result of inadequate food safety laws, weak regulatory structures, and inadequate funding as well as a lack of appropriate education for food-handlers. The most frequently involved foods in disease outbreaks are of animal origin. However, in spite of the adequate legislation and laws governing the abattoir operation in Malaysia, compliance with food safety requirements during meat processing and waste disposal is inadequate. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practice toward compliance with abattoir laws among the workers in Terengganu, Malaysia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using simple random sampling technique in the six districts of Terengganu: two districts were used for the pilot study and the remaining four were used for the main study. One hundred sixty-five abattoir workers from the selected districts were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results: The mean and standard deviation of knowledge, attitude, and practice scores of the workers were 6.02 and 1.954, 45.16 and 4.496, and 18.03 and 3.186, respectively. The majority of the workers (38.8%) had a low level of knowledge and 91.7% had a positive attitude, while 77.7% had a good practice of compliance. Sex had a significant association with the level of knowledge (P