Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences - Current Issue

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• In vitro Anticancer Activity of Quinoa and Safflower Seeds and Their Preventive Effects on Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver
• Association of Perforin and Granzyme-B Levels with Hyperandrogenism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case-Control Study
• Isometric Versus Aerobic Training Effects on Vascular Adaptation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

In vitro Anticancer Activity of Quinoa and Safflower Seeds and Their Preventive Effects on Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Posted: Background and Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not only the most common cause of liver diseases in humans but also it may complicate and become a risk factor for liver cancer. The present work aimed to evaluate the anticancer activity (in vitro) of quinoa and safflower seeds powder and their beneficial effects against NAFLD (in vivo). Materials and Methods: Proximate analysis, fatty acids profile, total phenolic and phytic acid of quinoa and safflower seeds were assessed. Also their anticancer activities (in vitro) against liver cancer were evaluated. The preventive effect of both seeds on NAFLD was evaluated using twenty four male rats. NAFLD was induced in rats by high fructose diet (HFD) for 4 weeks. The effects of HFD and HFD supplemented with 20% quinoa or safflower powder on plasma and liver lipids, lipid peroxidation, total protein, albumin as well as liver and kidney functions were determined. Results:Quinoa seeds powder was promising in cytotoxicity against hepatocarcinoma cell line HEPG2 (IC50 was 14.6 μg). Feeding rats on HFD produced dyslipidemia and significant increase in liver functions and lipid peroxidation with significant elevation in liver triglycerides and total cholesterol. Quinoa and safflower seeds powder produced improvement in the biochemical parameters with different degrees. Conclusion: Quinoa and safflower seeds powder possessed cytotoxicity against hepatocarcinoma cell line HEPG2 and afford hepato-protection against NAFLD.

Association of Perforin and Granzyme-B Levels with Hyperandrogenism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case-Control Study Posted: Background and Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is shown to be associated with hyperandrogenemia and has some features such as cytotoxic T-cells activation and release of perforin and granzyme-B. Present work was aimed to investigate the relation of perforin and granzyme-B to androgenic state in PCOS. Materials and Methods: Forty three PCOS and 40 control women were recruited. After recording demographic data, sex hormone status and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were evaluated. Perforin and granzyme-B levels were measured using sandwich ELISA kits. Results: Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were lower in patients. Luteinizing hormone (LH), free testosterone (FT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), free androgen index (FAI), perforin and granzyme-B values were higher in PCOS group. Perforin and granzyme-B were positively correlated with FT and FAI and with each other in PCOS group. In patients, granzyme-B and perforin were related with FT and FAI, respectively. Conclusion: The results of present study together with evidences about the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in insulin resistance, CVD and PCOS suggest that perforin/granzyme-B may be involved in interactions of sex hormones system in PCOS patients.

Isometric Versus Aerobic Training Effects on Vascular Adaptation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Posted: Background and Objective: Diabetes is known to be associated with arterial remodeling and dysfunction which predispose to different microvascular complications. This study was aimed to find out the effect of isometric versus aerobic training on vascular adaptation in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 40 type 2 diabetic patients (20 men and 20 women). Patients were selected from the outpatient clinic of El-Agouza Police Authority Hospital. They were assigned into 2 matched and equal groups in number. Group A with mean age of 49.55 years, received unilateral isometric handgrip exercise 22 min per session, 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks and group B with mean age 50.15 years, received aerobic exercise in form of arm ergometry for 30 min, 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. They were assessed by a Doppler ultrasound for brachial artery adaptation (the brachial artery diameter, blood velocity and shear rate) before and after 8 weeks of training. Results: Group A showed significant improvement in brachial artery adaptation as increased brachial artery diameter from 4.28±0.19 to 4.43±0.18, baseline vessel velocity from 7.09±0.41 to 8.62±0.46 and its shear rate from 66.24±4.19 to 77.65±5.27, while in group B who received the aerobic exercise the results showed a minimal change between pre training and post-training results 4.24±0.23 to 4.26±0.21 for brachial artery diameter, 7.26±0.54 to 7.46±0.67 for blood velocity and 67.8±3.16 to 68.81±4.29 for shear rate respectively. Conclusion: Isometric handgrip exercise improved brachial artery diameter, blood velocity and shear rate in patients with type 2 diabetes.