Punjab University journal of zoology, Dec 31, 2022
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is among the common endocrine disorders in childbearing aged f... more Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is among the common endocrine disorders in childbearing aged females. This study is designed to compare a few anthropometric, hematological, and biochemical parameters in PCOS patients with that of normal females including correlation between interleukin-3 and blood cell count. Patients with PCOS and normal healthy females (n=60) of same age group were included in this study following Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM criteria. The parameters evaluated were; white and red blood cells and platelets figure, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils percentage and serum level of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and interleukin-3 in both groups. Two tailed, independent t-test and Pearson co-relation was applied to analyze hematological and biochemical parameters while anthropometric parameters like weight and height were compared as percentages. Results of current study showed that body mass index was significantly (P<0.05) elevated in PCOS patients when compared with BMI of control females. Number of successful pregnancies were noticed to be significantly (P<0.001) increased in control females. Percentage of infertile, hirsute and acne patients was higher in PCOS group, while serum interleukin-3 level was significantly (P<0.05) lower in PCOS patients than healthy participants. WBC count (P<0.01) and neutrophils % age (P<0.05) was significantly higher in PCOS group while eosinophils % age was statistically (P<0.01) decreased in PCOS patient in comparison to control subjects. RBCs and platelets count, lymphocytes and monocytes % age and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio did not show any significant difference in control and deceased females. The mean LH/FSH ratio was significantly (P<0.05) elevated in PCOS patients than control. In female subjects of control group, IL-3 had significant positive correlation with WBC count (r=0.360, P<0.01) and significant negative correlation with Lymphocytes % age (r=-0.481, P<0.001) while in PCOS females no such correlation was observed. In conclusion, the increased body mass index, high neutrophils % age and WBCs count are closely associated to PCOS and may be responsible for inflammation in PCOS patients with decreased serum level of IL-3. Novelty Statement | IL3 is well recognized as colony stimulating factor, which inhibits cell death and enhance the persistence of mega-karyocytes, macrophages and mast cell specifically in stress condition. This research is first contribution to find correlation of IL3 with hematological aspects in polycystic females.
Inflammation-related diseases are recognized as the major cause of morbidity around the globe. In... more Inflammation-related diseases are recognized as the major cause of morbidity around the globe. In this study, the anti-inflammatory potential of sericin, curcumin, and their mixture was investigated in vivo and in vitro. Edema was induced via 1% carrageenan and then sericin (0.03, 0.06, 0.09 mg/ml), curcumin (1%, 2%, 3%), and their mixture doses were applied topically. The paw circumference and thickness were measured after 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-hour post-carrageenan injection. The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were measured from the serum. In mice fibroblast cells, sericin (20, 40, 60 μg/ml), curcumin (5, 10, 20 μM), and mixture concentrations were applied and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Afterward, the cells were used for the analysis of gene expression, and the supernatant was collected for protein expression of IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-10. Our results demonstrated that sericin and curcumin caused a dose-dependent reduction in edema, whereas the mixture-treated group ...
In the present study, both male and females of Culex quinquefasciatus were sampled from five diff... more In the present study, both male and females of Culex quinquefasciatus were sampled from five different localities of Lahore District of Punjab, Pakistan. (that is, Jaman, Mohlanwal, Noorpur Bhatta A1, Yohanaabad-2 and GCU Lahore). Bioassays against 5% deltamethrin were performed to evaluate the level of resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus against deltamethrin. For the adult bioassays standard protocol of WHO was adopted. Results of the bioassays showed that individuals of all populations were susceptible to 5% of deltamethrin. Male specimens from all populations showed significantly higher mortality as compared to females. Biochemical tests were performed to measure the esterase activity, both in males and females of C. quinquefasciatus. Significant variation was observed in the level of esterases in C. quinquefasciatus populations, collected from five different localities. Alpha naphthyl acetate was hydrolyzed faster than beta naphthyl acetate by mosquito homogenates of Yohanabad-2, GC University Lahore and Noorpur Bhatta A1 while mosquito homogenates of Mohlanwal and Jaman population hydrolyzed the beta naphthyl acetate faster than alpha naphthyl acetate. Only one band was observed in all populations for esterases A. For esterases B band pattern was similar in Yohanabad-2 and GC University. In these two populations there were three bands (B1, B2 & B3). In the population of Noorpur Bhatta A1, Mohlanwal and Jaman band B2 was absent. There was no resistance detected in C. quinquefasciatus from Jaman, Mohlanwal populations after 1 h exposure to 5% deltamethrin while population of GC University, Yohanabad and Noorpur Bhatta A1 showed a high level of tolerance to deltamethrin.
Chromium (Cr), being an excellent tanning agent, is widely used in the leather industry and tanne... more Chromium (Cr), being an excellent tanning agent, is widely used in the leather industry and tannery workers (TW) are exposed to it either in the form of inorganic Cr(III) compounds or Cr bound to proteins (leather dust) in the process of leather production. During the present study, the effect of Cr on the hematological indices in TW was evaluated. In this study, hematological indices of 92 male TW aged 20–60 years were compared with 79 control males who hardly had a chance of exposure to chromium. Both groups were subdivided into four age groups with an interval of 10: group A, 20–29 years; group B, 30–39 years; group C, 40–49 years; group D, 50–60 years. Total erythrocyte count (TEC) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in TW of age group A, B and C than control subjects. Packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in TW of age group B while mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in TW of age group D. Within the TW, MCH was sig...
Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Open Access, 2013
Present study was designed to investigate the role of non-specific esterases, glutathione-S-trans... more Present study was designed to investigate the role of non-specific esterases, glutathione-S-transferesaes and monooxygenases in insecticide resistance in Bactocera zonat. Flies were collected from Gauva orchids of Ajnala, Sargodha. For biochemical estimation of detoxifying enzymes, flies were exposed to the selected insecticides (i.e. Trichlorofon, Malathion and λ-cyhalothrin) for one hour, and then shifted to clean jars. The activity of insecticide detoxifying enzymes in the survivors and control were compared. The activity of insecticide detoxifying enzymes was higher in survivors compared to the susceptible flies (control). The activity of beta esterases, glutathione S-transfereases and monooxygenases of Trichlorofon and Malathion treated flies did not differ. However, both groups have higher activities of detoxifying enzymes compared to the control. Higher activities of insecticide detoxifying enzymes in survivors compared to the control groups indicate the involvement of these enzymes in insecticide resistance.
In the present study, both male and females of Culex quinquefasciatus were sampled from five diff... more In the present study, both male and females of Culex quinquefasciatus were sampled from five different localities of Lahore District of Punjab, Pakistan. (that is, Jaman, Mohlanwal, Noorpur Bhatta A1, Yohanaabad–2 and GCU Lahore). Bioassays against 5% deltamethrin were performed to evaluate the level of resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus against deltamethrin. For the adult bioassays standard protocol of WHO was adopted. Results of the bioassays showed that individuals of all populations were susceptible to 5% of deltamethrin. Male specimens from all populations showed significantly higher mortality as compared to females. Biochemical tests were performed to measure the esterase activity, both in males and females of C. quinquefasciatus. Significant variation was observed in the level of esterases in C. quinquefasciatus populations, collected from five different localities. Alpha naphthyl acetate was hydrolyzed faster than beta naphthyl acetate by mosquito homogenates of Yohanabad...
In late December 2019, a disease known as Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), later known to be cause... more In late December 2019, a disease known as Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), later known to be caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was first reported from Wuhan, China. In an unprecedented event, this highly contagious disease would become a global pandemic. The hospitalized patients are being treated mainly for a typical viral pneumonia with supplemental oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation. This treatment ought to be helpful for COVID-19 patients, but the clinical outcomes are, thus far, not very promising. Therefore, there is an urgent need of new insights towards the pathophysiology of COVID-19 leading to the basis for better and more effective treatments. Recent research hints that SARS-CoV-2 may impair hemoglobin’s ability to perform gaseous exchange, which leads to oxidative stress. In this complex situation, oxygen therapy could only be of limited utility and would rather aggravate the oxidative stress and its’ downstream pathologies. We propose here that ideally th...
During chronic inflammation, neutrophils acting locally as effector cells not only activate antib... more During chronic inflammation, neutrophils acting locally as effector cells not only activate antibacterial defense but also promote the inflammatory response. Interleukin 8 (IL-8), the main cytokine produced by activated neutrophils, positively correlates with the severity of respiratory tract diseases. By screening European plants traditionally used for treating respiratory tract diseases, we found that extracts of aerial parts of Eupatorium cannabinum inhibit IL-8 release from neutrophils. Using bioassay-guided fractionation, we identified five sesquiterpene lactones, eupatoriopicrin (1), 5'-deoxyeupatoriopicrin (2), hiyodorilactone A (3), 3-hydroxy-5'- O-acetyleupatoriopicrin = hiyodorilactone D (4), and hiyodorilactone B (5), that efficiently (IC50 < 1 μM) inhibited IL-8 and TNF-α release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human neutrophils. Moreover, all these sesquiterpene lactones suppressed the adhesion of human neutrophils to an endothelial monolayer by downregulating the expression of the β2 integrin CD11b/CD18 on the neutrophil surface. Furthermore, eupatoriopicrin efficiently suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK and attenuated neutrophil infiltration in the thioglycolate-induced peritonitis model in mice. Altogether, these results demonstrate the potential of the sesquiterpene lactone eupatoriopicrin as a lead substance for targeting inflammation.
Abstract In the present study, effects of λ-cyhalothrin and emamectin benzoate on survival, locom... more Abstract In the present study, effects of λ-cyhalothrin and emamectin benzoate on survival, locomotion, avoidance behaviour and growth of Plexippus paykulli Savigny Et Audouin, 1827 were studied. P. paykulli was found highly susceptible against the recommended field rate concentration of λ-cyhalothrin. The pesticide affected survival, locomotion and growth of the spiders. On the other hand, emamectin benzoate showed a negligible effect on spiders survival. However, emamectin benzoate significantly affected the locomotion and growth of P. paykulli. It is concluded that although emamectin benzoate is less toxic than λ-cyhalothrin for P. paykulli, it cannot be recommended for IPM programme.
Cellular senescence is characterized by a permanent cell-cycle arrest and a pro-inflammatory secr... more Cellular senescence is characterized by a permanent cell-cycle arrest and a pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype, and can be induced by a variety of stimuli, including ionizing radiation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In endothelial cells, this phenomenon might contribute to vascular disease. Plasma levels of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) are increased in age-related and chronic conditions such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease. Although TNFα is a known activator of the central inflammatory mediator NF-κB, and can induce the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the question whether TNFα can induce senescence has not been answered conclusively. Here, we investigated the effect of prolonged TNFα exposure on the fate of endothelial cells and found that such treatment induced premature senescence. Induction of endothelial senescence was prevented by the anti-oxidant N-acetyl cysteine, as well as by plumericin and PHA-408, inhibitors of the NF-κB pathway. Our results indicated that prolonged TNFα exposure could have detrimental consequences to endothelial cells by causing senescence and, therefore, chronically increased TNFα levels might possibly contribute to the pathology of chronic inflammatory diseases by driving premature endothelial senescence. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the elderly population of western countries 1 . Endothelial cells form the inner lining of the vasculature and regulate vascular tone and hemostasis, thus playing a pivotal role in vascular function 2 . Evidence indicates that cellular senescence, characterized by a cell-cycle arrest and pro-inflammatory changes in gene expression 3 , occurs in endothelial cells in vivo and may play a role in age-related vascular pathology such as atherosclerosis, e.g. by reducing important vasodilatory factors such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin and promoting a pro-adhesive and pro-thrombotic phenotype . Senescence can be induced by a plethora of stimuli, including ionizing radiation 9,10 telomere dysfunction 4,11 , reactive oxygen species (ROS) , high glucose concentrations or inflammatory cytokines . It has been established that the underlying cell-cycle arrest is mediated by p21 and p16, two cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors , and that persistent DNA damage signaling drives the hallmark -inflammatory and tumorigenic -phenotype of senescent cells, termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) . This SASP, which prominently involves NF-κ B signaling , comprises adhesion molecules, metalloproteinases, and many cytokines . Some of these, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNFα , have been implicated in atherosclerosis 28,29 and diabetes . Although TNFα is a known activator of NF-κ B, and can induce the intracellular generation of ROS 31 , the question whether prolonged exposure to TNFα can induce senescence in endothelial cells has not been answered.
The effect of carbofuran on the diversity, richness, evenness and abundance of ground spiders is ... more The effect of carbofuran on the diversity, richness, evenness and abundance of ground spiders is documented in the present study. Two fields (control and treated) were selected in district Kasur during 2008 and 2009. Pitfall traps were used to collect ground spiders. A total of 1629 specimens of spiders, belonging to 8 families, 16 genera and 24 species were recoded from control field while 1173 specimens belonging to 8 families, 14 genera and 20 species were recorded from the treated field. The most dominant family and species in both the fields were Lycosidae and Lycosa terrestris, respectively. Family Lycosidae accounted more than 90% of the total spider sample. Diversity, richness and evenness of ground spiders in the treated and untreated field did not differ. However, the abundance of dominat spiders declined significantly in the carbofuran treated field. It is concluded that the use of carbofuran is a serious threat to the ground spiders, the important group of biological control agents. So, the use of carbofuran should be minimized in the fields.
This study was designed to evaluate the potential effects of acetochlor (herbicide) on the surviv... more This study was designed to evaluate the potential effects of acetochlor (herbicide) on the survival and avoidance behaviour of lycosid spiders example Lycosa terrestris. During the topical toxicity experiment, P. birmanica was found to be more susceptible to acetochlor than L. terrestris. Although, there was 10% mortality at field rate concentration by topical exposure, we did not observe any mortality during residual toxicity experiment for both spider species even at double field rate concentration. There was no difference in the time spent by both species on the herbicide or water treated part of filter paper. It was concluded that use of acetochlor at the recommended rate in the agricultural field is safe for tested spider species, which are important biological control agents in the study area.
Genetic diversity in cytochrome c oxidase I (coxI) among 7 species of Anopheles mosquitoes from P... more Genetic diversity in cytochrome c oxidase I (coxI) among 7 species of Anopheles mosquitoes from Pakistan, and 37 species from different geographical regions of the world, was recorded. Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) analysis revealed a clear gap between intraspecific and interspecific distances of 7 species from Pakistan. However, genetic distances of 37 Anopheles species failed to adequately differentiate species in a global context. Intraspecific and interspecific divergences for 7 Anopheles species of Pakistan varied from 0.0% to 2.5% (mean = 0.49%) and 8% to 22.3% (mean = 12.77%), respectively. Similarly, intraspecific distances for 37 species from different parts of world ranged from 0.0% to 11.2% (mean = 0.65%) while values of interspecific divergences ranged from 3.4% to 35% (mean = 11.75%). Although phylogenetic tree revealed separate clades for 7 Anopheles species of Pakistan, it failed to produce separate clades for 37 species of the world. It is concluded that although standard barcode region is helpful for identifying Anopheles mosquitoes, combination of multi-locus approaches and morphology may be required to accurately identify species in this genus.
diseases. A recent study identified the iridoid plumericin as a new scaffold inhibitor of the pro... more diseases. A recent study identified the iridoid plumericin as a new scaffold inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathway in endothelial cells. We here examined the impact of plumericin on the proliferation of primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Plumericin inhibited serum-stimulated proliferation of rat VSMC. It arrested VSMC in the G1/G0-phase of the cell cycle accompanied by abrogated cyclin D1 expression and hindered Ser 807/811-phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein. Transient depletion of glutathione by the electrophilic plumericin led to S-glutathionylation as well as hampered Tyr705-phosphorylation and activation of the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3). Exogenous addition of glutathione markedly prevented this inhibitory effect of plumericin on Stat3. It also overcame downregulation of cyclin D1 expression and the reduction of biomass increase upon serum exposure. This study revealed an anti-proliferative property of plumericin towards VSMC which depends on plumericin's thiol reactivity and S-glutathionylation of Stat3. Hence, plumericin, by targeting at least two culprits of vascular dysfunction -inflammation and smooth muscle cell proliferation -might become a promising electrophilic lead compound for vascular disease therapy. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of the majority of cardiovascular diseases, which represent the leading cause of mortality worldwide The pathology of atherosclerosis is from its early stages driven by a chronic ongoing inflammatory state causing leukocyte recruitment to the vessel wall, induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and generation of a collagen-rich matrix. These result in the formation of plaques in the intima, the inner-most layer of large and mid-sized arteries, causing their narrowing . Surgical interventions that aimed to repair the obstructed vessel lumen, such as angioplasty, stenting, and bypass, frequently fail due to VSMC-driven restenosis, which is the most feared complication of these therapeutic procedures 6 . Since inflammation and increased proliferation of VSMCs are two major hallmarks of plaque formation and restenosis 7,8 , the identification of compounds inhibiting both, inflammation and VSMC proliferation, could be of therapeutic relevance for combating vascular disease. Medicinal plants have been used for millennia for the treatment of diseases, and now still provide an effective source for new drug discovery . Aiming at the identification of new natural products with anti-inflammatory potential, we have previously investigated components contained in the bark material of the Amazonian tree
Punjab University journal of zoology, Dec 31, 2022
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is among the common endocrine disorders in childbearing aged f... more Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is among the common endocrine disorders in childbearing aged females. This study is designed to compare a few anthropometric, hematological, and biochemical parameters in PCOS patients with that of normal females including correlation between interleukin-3 and blood cell count. Patients with PCOS and normal healthy females (n=60) of same age group were included in this study following Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM criteria. The parameters evaluated were; white and red blood cells and platelets figure, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils percentage and serum level of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and interleukin-3 in both groups. Two tailed, independent t-test and Pearson co-relation was applied to analyze hematological and biochemical parameters while anthropometric parameters like weight and height were compared as percentages. Results of current study showed that body mass index was significantly (P<0.05) elevated in PCOS patients when compared with BMI of control females. Number of successful pregnancies were noticed to be significantly (P<0.001) increased in control females. Percentage of infertile, hirsute and acne patients was higher in PCOS group, while serum interleukin-3 level was significantly (P<0.05) lower in PCOS patients than healthy participants. WBC count (P<0.01) and neutrophils % age (P<0.05) was significantly higher in PCOS group while eosinophils % age was statistically (P<0.01) decreased in PCOS patient in comparison to control subjects. RBCs and platelets count, lymphocytes and monocytes % age and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio did not show any significant difference in control and deceased females. The mean LH/FSH ratio was significantly (P<0.05) elevated in PCOS patients than control. In female subjects of control group, IL-3 had significant positive correlation with WBC count (r=0.360, P<0.01) and significant negative correlation with Lymphocytes % age (r=-0.481, P<0.001) while in PCOS females no such correlation was observed. In conclusion, the increased body mass index, high neutrophils % age and WBCs count are closely associated to PCOS and may be responsible for inflammation in PCOS patients with decreased serum level of IL-3. Novelty Statement | IL3 is well recognized as colony stimulating factor, which inhibits cell death and enhance the persistence of mega-karyocytes, macrophages and mast cell specifically in stress condition. This research is first contribution to find correlation of IL3 with hematological aspects in polycystic females.
Inflammation-related diseases are recognized as the major cause of morbidity around the globe. In... more Inflammation-related diseases are recognized as the major cause of morbidity around the globe. In this study, the anti-inflammatory potential of sericin, curcumin, and their mixture was investigated in vivo and in vitro. Edema was induced via 1% carrageenan and then sericin (0.03, 0.06, 0.09 mg/ml), curcumin (1%, 2%, 3%), and their mixture doses were applied topically. The paw circumference and thickness were measured after 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-hour post-carrageenan injection. The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were measured from the serum. In mice fibroblast cells, sericin (20, 40, 60 μg/ml), curcumin (5, 10, 20 μM), and mixture concentrations were applied and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Afterward, the cells were used for the analysis of gene expression, and the supernatant was collected for protein expression of IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-10. Our results demonstrated that sericin and curcumin caused a dose-dependent reduction in edema, whereas the mixture-treated group ...
In the present study, both male and females of Culex quinquefasciatus were sampled from five diff... more In the present study, both male and females of Culex quinquefasciatus were sampled from five different localities of Lahore District of Punjab, Pakistan. (that is, Jaman, Mohlanwal, Noorpur Bhatta A1, Yohanaabad-2 and GCU Lahore). Bioassays against 5% deltamethrin were performed to evaluate the level of resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus against deltamethrin. For the adult bioassays standard protocol of WHO was adopted. Results of the bioassays showed that individuals of all populations were susceptible to 5% of deltamethrin. Male specimens from all populations showed significantly higher mortality as compared to females. Biochemical tests were performed to measure the esterase activity, both in males and females of C. quinquefasciatus. Significant variation was observed in the level of esterases in C. quinquefasciatus populations, collected from five different localities. Alpha naphthyl acetate was hydrolyzed faster than beta naphthyl acetate by mosquito homogenates of Yohanabad-2, GC University Lahore and Noorpur Bhatta A1 while mosquito homogenates of Mohlanwal and Jaman population hydrolyzed the beta naphthyl acetate faster than alpha naphthyl acetate. Only one band was observed in all populations for esterases A. For esterases B band pattern was similar in Yohanabad-2 and GC University. In these two populations there were three bands (B1, B2 & B3). In the population of Noorpur Bhatta A1, Mohlanwal and Jaman band B2 was absent. There was no resistance detected in C. quinquefasciatus from Jaman, Mohlanwal populations after 1 h exposure to 5% deltamethrin while population of GC University, Yohanabad and Noorpur Bhatta A1 showed a high level of tolerance to deltamethrin.
Chromium (Cr), being an excellent tanning agent, is widely used in the leather industry and tanne... more Chromium (Cr), being an excellent tanning agent, is widely used in the leather industry and tannery workers (TW) are exposed to it either in the form of inorganic Cr(III) compounds or Cr bound to proteins (leather dust) in the process of leather production. During the present study, the effect of Cr on the hematological indices in TW was evaluated. In this study, hematological indices of 92 male TW aged 20–60 years were compared with 79 control males who hardly had a chance of exposure to chromium. Both groups were subdivided into four age groups with an interval of 10: group A, 20–29 years; group B, 30–39 years; group C, 40–49 years; group D, 50–60 years. Total erythrocyte count (TEC) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in TW of age group A, B and C than control subjects. Packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in TW of age group B while mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in TW of age group D. Within the TW, MCH was sig...
Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Open Access, 2013
Present study was designed to investigate the role of non-specific esterases, glutathione-S-trans... more Present study was designed to investigate the role of non-specific esterases, glutathione-S-transferesaes and monooxygenases in insecticide resistance in Bactocera zonat. Flies were collected from Gauva orchids of Ajnala, Sargodha. For biochemical estimation of detoxifying enzymes, flies were exposed to the selected insecticides (i.e. Trichlorofon, Malathion and λ-cyhalothrin) for one hour, and then shifted to clean jars. The activity of insecticide detoxifying enzymes in the survivors and control were compared. The activity of insecticide detoxifying enzymes was higher in survivors compared to the susceptible flies (control). The activity of beta esterases, glutathione S-transfereases and monooxygenases of Trichlorofon and Malathion treated flies did not differ. However, both groups have higher activities of detoxifying enzymes compared to the control. Higher activities of insecticide detoxifying enzymes in survivors compared to the control groups indicate the involvement of these enzymes in insecticide resistance.
In the present study, both male and females of Culex quinquefasciatus were sampled from five diff... more In the present study, both male and females of Culex quinquefasciatus were sampled from five different localities of Lahore District of Punjab, Pakistan. (that is, Jaman, Mohlanwal, Noorpur Bhatta A1, Yohanaabad–2 and GCU Lahore). Bioassays against 5% deltamethrin were performed to evaluate the level of resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus against deltamethrin. For the adult bioassays standard protocol of WHO was adopted. Results of the bioassays showed that individuals of all populations were susceptible to 5% of deltamethrin. Male specimens from all populations showed significantly higher mortality as compared to females. Biochemical tests were performed to measure the esterase activity, both in males and females of C. quinquefasciatus. Significant variation was observed in the level of esterases in C. quinquefasciatus populations, collected from five different localities. Alpha naphthyl acetate was hydrolyzed faster than beta naphthyl acetate by mosquito homogenates of Yohanabad...
In late December 2019, a disease known as Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), later known to be cause... more In late December 2019, a disease known as Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), later known to be caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was first reported from Wuhan, China. In an unprecedented event, this highly contagious disease would become a global pandemic. The hospitalized patients are being treated mainly for a typical viral pneumonia with supplemental oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation. This treatment ought to be helpful for COVID-19 patients, but the clinical outcomes are, thus far, not very promising. Therefore, there is an urgent need of new insights towards the pathophysiology of COVID-19 leading to the basis for better and more effective treatments. Recent research hints that SARS-CoV-2 may impair hemoglobin’s ability to perform gaseous exchange, which leads to oxidative stress. In this complex situation, oxygen therapy could only be of limited utility and would rather aggravate the oxidative stress and its’ downstream pathologies. We propose here that ideally th...
During chronic inflammation, neutrophils acting locally as effector cells not only activate antib... more During chronic inflammation, neutrophils acting locally as effector cells not only activate antibacterial defense but also promote the inflammatory response. Interleukin 8 (IL-8), the main cytokine produced by activated neutrophils, positively correlates with the severity of respiratory tract diseases. By screening European plants traditionally used for treating respiratory tract diseases, we found that extracts of aerial parts of Eupatorium cannabinum inhibit IL-8 release from neutrophils. Using bioassay-guided fractionation, we identified five sesquiterpene lactones, eupatoriopicrin (1), 5'-deoxyeupatoriopicrin (2), hiyodorilactone A (3), 3-hydroxy-5'- O-acetyleupatoriopicrin = hiyodorilactone D (4), and hiyodorilactone B (5), that efficiently (IC50 < 1 μM) inhibited IL-8 and TNF-α release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human neutrophils. Moreover, all these sesquiterpene lactones suppressed the adhesion of human neutrophils to an endothelial monolayer by downregulating the expression of the β2 integrin CD11b/CD18 on the neutrophil surface. Furthermore, eupatoriopicrin efficiently suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK and attenuated neutrophil infiltration in the thioglycolate-induced peritonitis model in mice. Altogether, these results demonstrate the potential of the sesquiterpene lactone eupatoriopicrin as a lead substance for targeting inflammation.
Abstract In the present study, effects of λ-cyhalothrin and emamectin benzoate on survival, locom... more Abstract In the present study, effects of λ-cyhalothrin and emamectin benzoate on survival, locomotion, avoidance behaviour and growth of Plexippus paykulli Savigny Et Audouin, 1827 were studied. P. paykulli was found highly susceptible against the recommended field rate concentration of λ-cyhalothrin. The pesticide affected survival, locomotion and growth of the spiders. On the other hand, emamectin benzoate showed a negligible effect on spiders survival. However, emamectin benzoate significantly affected the locomotion and growth of P. paykulli. It is concluded that although emamectin benzoate is less toxic than λ-cyhalothrin for P. paykulli, it cannot be recommended for IPM programme.
Cellular senescence is characterized by a permanent cell-cycle arrest and a pro-inflammatory secr... more Cellular senescence is characterized by a permanent cell-cycle arrest and a pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype, and can be induced by a variety of stimuli, including ionizing radiation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In endothelial cells, this phenomenon might contribute to vascular disease. Plasma levels of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) are increased in age-related and chronic conditions such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease. Although TNFα is a known activator of the central inflammatory mediator NF-κB, and can induce the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the question whether TNFα can induce senescence has not been answered conclusively. Here, we investigated the effect of prolonged TNFα exposure on the fate of endothelial cells and found that such treatment induced premature senescence. Induction of endothelial senescence was prevented by the anti-oxidant N-acetyl cysteine, as well as by plumericin and PHA-408, inhibitors of the NF-κB pathway. Our results indicated that prolonged TNFα exposure could have detrimental consequences to endothelial cells by causing senescence and, therefore, chronically increased TNFα levels might possibly contribute to the pathology of chronic inflammatory diseases by driving premature endothelial senescence. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the elderly population of western countries 1 . Endothelial cells form the inner lining of the vasculature and regulate vascular tone and hemostasis, thus playing a pivotal role in vascular function 2 . Evidence indicates that cellular senescence, characterized by a cell-cycle arrest and pro-inflammatory changes in gene expression 3 , occurs in endothelial cells in vivo and may play a role in age-related vascular pathology such as atherosclerosis, e.g. by reducing important vasodilatory factors such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin and promoting a pro-adhesive and pro-thrombotic phenotype . Senescence can be induced by a plethora of stimuli, including ionizing radiation 9,10 telomere dysfunction 4,11 , reactive oxygen species (ROS) , high glucose concentrations or inflammatory cytokines . It has been established that the underlying cell-cycle arrest is mediated by p21 and p16, two cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors , and that persistent DNA damage signaling drives the hallmark -inflammatory and tumorigenic -phenotype of senescent cells, termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) . This SASP, which prominently involves NF-κ B signaling , comprises adhesion molecules, metalloproteinases, and many cytokines . Some of these, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNFα , have been implicated in atherosclerosis 28,29 and diabetes . Although TNFα is a known activator of NF-κ B, and can induce the intracellular generation of ROS 31 , the question whether prolonged exposure to TNFα can induce senescence in endothelial cells has not been answered.
The effect of carbofuran on the diversity, richness, evenness and abundance of ground spiders is ... more The effect of carbofuran on the diversity, richness, evenness and abundance of ground spiders is documented in the present study. Two fields (control and treated) were selected in district Kasur during 2008 and 2009. Pitfall traps were used to collect ground spiders. A total of 1629 specimens of spiders, belonging to 8 families, 16 genera and 24 species were recoded from control field while 1173 specimens belonging to 8 families, 14 genera and 20 species were recorded from the treated field. The most dominant family and species in both the fields were Lycosidae and Lycosa terrestris, respectively. Family Lycosidae accounted more than 90% of the total spider sample. Diversity, richness and evenness of ground spiders in the treated and untreated field did not differ. However, the abundance of dominat spiders declined significantly in the carbofuran treated field. It is concluded that the use of carbofuran is a serious threat to the ground spiders, the important group of biological control agents. So, the use of carbofuran should be minimized in the fields.
This study was designed to evaluate the potential effects of acetochlor (herbicide) on the surviv... more This study was designed to evaluate the potential effects of acetochlor (herbicide) on the survival and avoidance behaviour of lycosid spiders example Lycosa terrestris. During the topical toxicity experiment, P. birmanica was found to be more susceptible to acetochlor than L. terrestris. Although, there was 10% mortality at field rate concentration by topical exposure, we did not observe any mortality during residual toxicity experiment for both spider species even at double field rate concentration. There was no difference in the time spent by both species on the herbicide or water treated part of filter paper. It was concluded that use of acetochlor at the recommended rate in the agricultural field is safe for tested spider species, which are important biological control agents in the study area.
Genetic diversity in cytochrome c oxidase I (coxI) among 7 species of Anopheles mosquitoes from P... more Genetic diversity in cytochrome c oxidase I (coxI) among 7 species of Anopheles mosquitoes from Pakistan, and 37 species from different geographical regions of the world, was recorded. Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) analysis revealed a clear gap between intraspecific and interspecific distances of 7 species from Pakistan. However, genetic distances of 37 Anopheles species failed to adequately differentiate species in a global context. Intraspecific and interspecific divergences for 7 Anopheles species of Pakistan varied from 0.0% to 2.5% (mean = 0.49%) and 8% to 22.3% (mean = 12.77%), respectively. Similarly, intraspecific distances for 37 species from different parts of world ranged from 0.0% to 11.2% (mean = 0.65%) while values of interspecific divergences ranged from 3.4% to 35% (mean = 11.75%). Although phylogenetic tree revealed separate clades for 7 Anopheles species of Pakistan, it failed to produce separate clades for 37 species of the world. It is concluded that although standard barcode region is helpful for identifying Anopheles mosquitoes, combination of multi-locus approaches and morphology may be required to accurately identify species in this genus.
diseases. A recent study identified the iridoid plumericin as a new scaffold inhibitor of the pro... more diseases. A recent study identified the iridoid plumericin as a new scaffold inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathway in endothelial cells. We here examined the impact of plumericin on the proliferation of primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Plumericin inhibited serum-stimulated proliferation of rat VSMC. It arrested VSMC in the G1/G0-phase of the cell cycle accompanied by abrogated cyclin D1 expression and hindered Ser 807/811-phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein. Transient depletion of glutathione by the electrophilic plumericin led to S-glutathionylation as well as hampered Tyr705-phosphorylation and activation of the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3). Exogenous addition of glutathione markedly prevented this inhibitory effect of plumericin on Stat3. It also overcame downregulation of cyclin D1 expression and the reduction of biomass increase upon serum exposure. This study revealed an anti-proliferative property of plumericin towards VSMC which depends on plumericin's thiol reactivity and S-glutathionylation of Stat3. Hence, plumericin, by targeting at least two culprits of vascular dysfunction -inflammation and smooth muscle cell proliferation -might become a promising electrophilic lead compound for vascular disease therapy. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of the majority of cardiovascular diseases, which represent the leading cause of mortality worldwide The pathology of atherosclerosis is from its early stages driven by a chronic ongoing inflammatory state causing leukocyte recruitment to the vessel wall, induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and generation of a collagen-rich matrix. These result in the formation of plaques in the intima, the inner-most layer of large and mid-sized arteries, causing their narrowing . Surgical interventions that aimed to repair the obstructed vessel lumen, such as angioplasty, stenting, and bypass, frequently fail due to VSMC-driven restenosis, which is the most feared complication of these therapeutic procedures 6 . Since inflammation and increased proliferation of VSMCs are two major hallmarks of plaque formation and restenosis 7,8 , the identification of compounds inhibiting both, inflammation and VSMC proliferation, could be of therapeutic relevance for combating vascular disease. Medicinal plants have been used for millennia for the treatment of diseases, and now still provide an effective source for new drug discovery . Aiming at the identification of new natural products with anti-inflammatory potential, we have previously investigated components contained in the bark material of the Amazonian tree
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