No abstract

No abstract

The timing of the first zygotic cleavage is an accurate predictor of embryo quality. Embryos that cleaved early have higher developmental viability compared to their late counterparts. During embryonic development, cleavage is affected by cellular metabolic processes performed by mitochondria and its synergistic interaction with endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, in depth study on differences of mitochondria and ER ultrastructures in early- cleaving (EC) versus late- cleaving (LC) embryos is limited. This study compares mitochondria and ER ultrastructures of EC versus LC embryos using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Embryos were obtained from female ICR superovulated mice, 28-30 hours post hCG. Two-cell embryos were categorized as early-cleaving (EC), while zygotes with the second polar body and two pronuclei present were categorized as late-cleaving (LC). The LC embryos were cultured in vitro until the 2- cell stage. In EC embryos, mitochondria were mostly found at the perinuclear region and closely associated with dense ER. Meanwhile, mitochondria of LC embryos were distributed uniformly within the cytoplasm. Mitochondrial fluorescence intensity was significantly higher in EC versus LC [(18.7 ± 0.4) versus (14.6 ± 0.4)] x 105 pixel, (p<0.01). Development to the blastocyst stage was also significantly higher in EC compared to LC embryos (96.7% versus 60.9%) (p<0.01). Higher viability of EC embryos is attributed to the close association of their mitochondria to ER. This contributed to better mitochondrial fission, resulting in enhanced energy generating processes and preimplantation development.

The previous studies on N. lappaceum L. have shown that it contains certain phytoconstituents such as geraniin, ellagic acid, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic and corilagin. 8 Researchers also reported that it possesses several biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antiviral and analgesic property. 9 ABSTRACT Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that occurs in the majority of people worldwide. The number of cases in many countries has been increasing year by year. In Malaysia, the statistics show that the number of diabetic case in 2019 was 3.6 million and expected to increase in 2025 by 7 million. This disease can develop as a result of oxidative stress production in the body. Nephelium lappaceum was claimed traditionally being used to treat diabetes mellitus. This research is conducted to review the available literature regarding the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Nephelium lappaceum extracts and constituent that contributes to this activity. Methods: The studies included in this review have been selected using several databases including Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, Science Direct and Pubmed. The keywords used in database search were "Nephelium lappaceum" , "antioxidant" and "antidiabetic" and covered the period from 2007 onwards. Results: This review revealed that Nephelium lappaceum extracts have good antioxidant and antidiabetic activities when tested using various methods. These activities are due to the presence of several phytoconstituents in the extract. Conclusions: In conclusion, Nephelium lappaceum possess antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. It has the potential to be developed as an antidiabetic and antioxidant agent which can be used to treat various oxidative stress-related diseases, including diabetes mellitus.