No abstract

Thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (TST) is an important 'enzyme of protection,' that accelerates the detoxification of cyanide, converting it into thiocyanate. The TST physiological rhythm was investigated at wks 2, 4, and 8 of post-natal development (PND) in the mouse. The results revealed a statistically significant gender-related difference, with the highest activity in females, at all the documented PND stages. In the second week of PND (pre-weaning time), the circadian rhythm of the enzyme activity was associated with ultradian components. The prominent circadian rhythm (tau=24 h) peaked at the beginning of the light span, more precisely approximately 3 HALO (Hours After Light Onset). A week after weaning (wk 4 of PND), an impairment of the rhythm, with the peak shifted toward the second half of photophase, was recorded. Four to 6 wks later, about wk 8 of PND, the circadian rhythm pattern was stabilized, with its peak then located at the beginning of the dark span (13 HALO). The obtained results showed a 12 h phase-shift of the circadian TST peak time during PND, suggesting that the rhythm stabilization is age-dependent.

No abstract

This study investigates if the serotoninergic system plays a role in chronotoxic effects of the anticancer agent oxaliplatin (l-OHP). Four groups of female rats (120 in total) synchronized with light-dark (12 h:12 h) were treated with: (i) saline, (ii) para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA, an inhibitor of serotonin biosynthesis: 300 mg/kg/d, i.p. for two consecutive days), (iii) l-OHP (23 mg/kg, i.v.) at three different dosing times, or (iv) both pCPA and l-OHP. The results show pCPA (ii) obliterates the circadian rhythm in plasma ACTH but not in corticosterone or leukocytes, and (iii) l-OHP exerts circadian time-dependent toxic effects (body weight loss, leukopenia, and intestinal lesions) with greatest toxicity coinciding with treatment at the end of the nocturnal activity span (P < 0.05). In rats whose serotonin biosynthesis was blocked (iv), the circadian rhythms in the toxic effects of l-OHP and in ACTH were obliterated, while the rhythms in corticosterone and leukocytes persisted.

<p class="Abstract">Besides its nutritional value as a dietary supplement, Tribulus terrestris is used as a remedy for fertility disorder in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine as well as by modern herbalists. The aim of this study was to explore the biological potential (antileishmanial effect) of an extract rich in saponins from Tunisian tribulus. The chloroform extract of the various parts of T. terrestris was subjected to partial purification by solvent partitioning with ethanol and n-butanol. All prepared extracts were tested for their anti-leishmanial activity. The result showed that n-butanolic extract (saponin fraction, when isolated from leaves part) exhibited the best antileishmanial effect against both pathogenic parasites Leshmania L. major (GlC94) and L. infuntum (LV50) evaluated in vitro assessment through MTT assay. n-Butanolic extract had been detected, quantified and purified using the RP-HPLC finger print (Hypersil ODS coupled to UV-vis). High peak area (5116.82 at 3.03 min) was detected at 205 nm.</p>