-
Scientific Reports Mar 2021This study investigated the biochemical properties, enzyme activities, isoenzyme pattern, and molecular weight of three types of digestive enzyme from six freshwater...
This study investigated the biochemical properties, enzyme activities, isoenzyme pattern, and molecular weight of three types of digestive enzyme from six freshwater fish species: Puntius gonionotus (common silver barb), Puntioplites proctozysron (Smith's barb), Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia), Hemibagrus spilopterus (yellow mystus), Ompok bimaculatus (butter catfish), and Kryptopterus geminus (sheatfish). The optimum pHs for amylase and alkaline protease activities were 7.0-8.0 and 8.0-10.0, and the optimum temperatures were 45-60 °C and 50-55 °C, respectively. A pepsin-like enzyme was detected in all three carnivorous fishes (Ompok bimaculatus, Kryptopterus geminus, and Hemibagrus spilopterus) with optimum reaction pH of 2.0 for each and optimum reaction temperatures 50-55 °C. In optimum reaction conditions, the amylase and alkaline protease from Puntioplites proctozyron showed the highest activities. Lower activities of all enzymes were observed at temperature (29 °C) of Lam Nam Choen swamp than at the optimum reaction temperatures. The fish species contained one to three and five to eight isoforms of amylase and alkaline protease, respectively, with molecular weights from 19.5 to 175 kDa. Both the alkaline proteases and amylases were stable in wide pH and temperature ranges.
Topics: Amylases; Animals; Body Weight; Enzyme Stability; Fishes; Fresh Water; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Isoenzymes; Molecular Weight; Organ Size; Peptide Hydrolases; Temperature; Time Factors
PubMed: 33709639
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85258-7 -
Journal of Medicine and Life Apr 2022Islamic praying (Namaz) can be considered a mental, spiritual, and physical practice. The study aimed to investigate the early effect of Namaz on stress-related hormones...
Islamic praying (Namaz) can be considered a mental, spiritual, and physical practice. The study aimed to investigate the early effect of Namaz on stress-related hormones and the expression of stress-induced genes such as IL6 and BDNF. Eighty-three healthy women and men who continually practice Namaz participated in the study. The saliva samples were taken before and after Namaz to measure cortisol and alpha-amylase hormone levels. Also, to evaluate the expression of BDNF and IL6 genes, 11 specimens were selected randomly. Based on baseline sampling, the participants were classified into three groups: cortisol levels lower than 5, between 5-15, and upper than 15 ng/ml. The results indicated that cortisol significantly increased and decreased in the first and third groups after Namaz, respectively. In addition, the increase of alpha-amylase also occurred in subjects with a low baseline level of its concentration. Regarding genetic expression examination, there was a significant decrease in BDNF gene expression after the Namaz. In addition, the change of cortisol and alpha-amylase hormones after Namaz related to the baseline level changed to approach the optimal range after Namaz. These findings were reported for the first time and need more studies.
Topics: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Interleukin-6; Male; Saliva; Stress, Psychological; alpha-Amylases
PubMed: 35646186
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2021-0167 -
Bioorganic Chemistry Jun 2024Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which can be counteracted by the inhibition of α-glucosidase (α-Glu) and α-amylase (α-Amy),...
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which can be counteracted by the inhibition of α-glucosidase (α-Glu) and α-amylase (α-Amy), enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of carbohydrates. In recent decades, many natural compounds and their bioinspired analogues have been studied as α-Glu and α-Amy inhibitors. However, no studies have been devoted to the evaluation of α-Glu and α-Amy inhibition by the neolignan obovatol (1). In this work, we report the synthesis of 1 and a library of new analogues. The synthesis of these compounds was achieved by implementing methodologies based on: phenol allylation, Claisen/Cope rearrangements, methylation, Ullmann coupling, demethylation, phenol oxidation and Michael-type addition. Obovatol (1) and ten analogues were evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory activity towards α-Glu and α-Amy. Our investigation highlighted that the naturally occurring 1 and four neolignan analogues (11, 22, 26 and 27) were more effective inhibitors than the hypoglycemic drug acarbose (α-Amy: 34.6 µM; α-Glu: 248.3 µM) with IC value of 6.2-23.6 µM toward α-Amy and 39.8-124.6 µM toward α-Glu. Docking investigations validated the inhibition outcomes, highlighting optimal compatibility between synthesized neolignans and both the enzymes. Concurrently circular dichroism spectroscopy detected the conformational changes in α-Glu induced by its interaction with the studied neolignans. Detailed studies through fluorescence measurements and kinetics of α-Glu and α-Amy inhibition also indicated that 1, 11, 22, 26 and 27 have the greatest affinity for α-Glu and 1, 11 and 27 for α-Amy. Surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRI) measurements confirmed that among the compounds studied, the neolignan 27 has the greater affinity for both enzymes, thus corroborating the results obtained by kinetics and fluorescence quenching. Finally, in vitro cytotoxicity of the investigated compounds was tested on human colon cancer cell line (HCT-116). All these results demonstrate that these obovatol-based neolignan analogues constitute promising candidates in the pursuit of developing novel hypoglycemic drugs.
Topics: alpha-Amylases; alpha-Glucosidases; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors; Lignans; Structure-Activity Relationship; Humans; Molecular Structure; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Molecular Docking Simulation; Hypoglycemic Agents; Enzyme Inhibitors
PubMed: 38723423
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107392 -
Current Neuropharmacology 2022Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is pathologically characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary... (Review)
Review
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is pathologically characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. In a neurodegenerative brain, glucose metabolism is also impaired and considered as one of the key features in AD patients. The impairment causes a reduction in glucose transporters and the uptake of glucose as well as alterations in the specific activity of glycolytic enzymes. Recently, it has been reported that α-amylase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, is present in the human brain. The enzyme is known to be associated with various diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperamylasaemia. With this information at hand, we hypothesize that α-amylase could have a vital role in the demented brains of AD patients. This review aims to shed insight into the possible link between the expression levels of α-amylase and AD. Lastly, we also cover the diverse role of amylase inhibitors and how they could serve as a therapeutic agent to manage or stop AD progression.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Biomarkers; Brain; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glucose; Humans; Plaque, Amyloid; alpha-Amylases
PubMed: 34951390
DOI: 10.2174/1570159X20666211223124715 -
Journal of Food and Drug Analysis Jun 2023Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal), an Indian medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to treat insomnia, exhibits a variety of biological activities,...
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal), an Indian medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to treat insomnia, exhibits a variety of biological activities, such as improving cognitive function, immunity and anxiety. In this study, the effect of enzyme-treated Ashwagandha root extract (EA) and on sleep was evaluated using rodent models. Starch contained in the Ashwagandha root extract was removed by amylase treatment to prepare EA. To evaluate the sleep-promoting activity of EA, a pentobarbital-induced sleep test and electroencephalogram analysis were performed. In addition, the sleep-promoting mechanism of EA was elucidated by analyzing the expression of sleep-related receptors. In the pentobarbital-induced sleep test, EA dose-dependently increased sleep duration. Additionally, electroencephalogram analysis revealed that EA significantly increased δ-wave and non-rapid eye movement sleep times, which are involved in deep sleep, thereby improving sleep quality and quantity. EA also effectively relieved caffeine-induced insomnia symptoms. Furthermore, the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in the brain and mRNA and protein expression of GABA, GABA, and serotonin receptors were significantly increased by EA compared to the normal group. In particular, EA showed sleep-promoting activity by binding to various GABAA receptor sites. Collectively, EA exhibited sleep-promoting activity through the GABAergic system and may be used as a functional material to improve sleep deprivation.
Topics: Receptors, GABA; Withania; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Pentobarbital; Amylases; Plant Extracts; Sleep; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
PubMed: 37335157
DOI: 10.38212/2224-6614.3456 -
PloS One 2023The effects of filtration (F) and alpha-amylase depletion (AD) were assessed in n = 34 saliva samples. Each saliva sample was split into three aliquots and treated as...
The effects of filtration (F) and alpha-amylase depletion (AD) were assessed in n = 34 saliva samples. Each saliva sample was split into three aliquots and treated as follows: (1) no treatment; (2) 0.45μm commercial filter; and (3) 0.45μm commercial filter and affinity depletion of alpha-amylase. Then, a panel of biochemical biomarkers consisting of amylase, lipase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), calcium, phosphorus, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid was measured. Differences between the different aliquots were observed in all measured analytes. The most marked changes were found in triglycerides and lipase data for filtered samples, and in alpha-amylase, uric acid, triglycerides, creatinine, and calcium results in alpha-amylase-depleted aliquots. In conclusion, the salivary filtration and amylase depletion methods employed in this report caused significant changes in saliva composition measurements. Based on these results, it would be recommended to consider the possible effects of these treatments in salivary biomarkers when filtration or amylase depletion is performed.
Topics: alpha-Amylases; Creatinine; Uric Acid; Calcium; Triglycerides; Biomarkers; Amylases
PubMed: 37235564
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286092 -
Post-Pancreatectomy Acute Pancreatitis-The New Criteria Fail to Recognize Significant Presentations.Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery :... Feb 2023Post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) is a newly described clinical entity defined as elevated serum amylase sustained ≥ 48 h postoperatively,... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) is a newly described clinical entity defined as elevated serum amylase sustained ≥ 48 h postoperatively, radiological findings consistent with acute pancreatitis, and associated clinically relevant features. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of PPAP and the rate of major complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with only transiently elevated serum amylase.
METHODS
A retrospective single-center observational study was conducted including consecutive patients ≥ 18 years of age undergoing PD at Karolinska University Hospital, between 2008 and 2020. Serum amylase on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 2 and records from computer tomography were analyzed and correlated with postoperative major complications by logistic regressions.
RESULTS
Of some 1078 patients that underwent PD, 284 exhibited sustained elevated serum amylase (according to PPAP criteria) and 183 transiently elevated serum amylase on either POD1 or POD2. Of the patients with sustained elevated levels, 43% (n = 123) developed major complications, but only 6.3% (n = 18) showed findings consistent with acute pancreatitis on imaging. Of the 183 cases that exhibited only transiently elevated serum amylase on either POD1 or POD2, 32% (n = 58) developed major complications.
CONCLUSION
Sustained hyperamylasemia was observed in 26% of patients after PD, and an additional 17% of patients had a transient elevation of serum amylase postoperatively. Acute pancreatitis after PD may be underdiagnosed, partly by overlooking transiently elevated serum amylase and partly by requiring imaging that potentially fails to recognize mild but complication-prone acute pancreatitis.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatitis; Pancreatectomy; Amylases; Retrospective Studies; Acute Disease; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 36449249
DOI: 10.1007/s11605-022-05533-4 -
BMC Genomics Apr 2023Starch hydrolysates are energy sources for plant growth and development, regulate osmotic pressure and transmit signals in response to both biological and abiotic...
BACKGROUND
Starch hydrolysates are energy sources for plant growth and development, regulate osmotic pressure and transmit signals in response to both biological and abiotic stresses. The α-amylase (AMY) and the β-amylase (BAM) are important enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of plant starch. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is treated as one of the most drought-tolerant crops. However, the mechanisms of how AMY and BAM respond to drought in cassava are still unknown.
RESULTS
Six MeAMY genes and ten MeBAM genes were identified and characterized in the cassava genome. Both MeAMY and MeBAM gene families contain four genes with alternative splicing. Tandem and fragment replications play important roles in the amplification of MeAMY and MeBAM genes. Both MeBAM5 and MeBAM10 have a BZR1/BES1 domain at the N-terminus, which may have transcription factor functions. The promoter regions of MeAMY and MeBAM genes contain a large number of cis-acting elements related to abiotic stress. MeAMY1, MeAMY2, MeAMY5, and MeBAM3 are proven as critical genes in response to drought stress according to their expression patterns under drought. The starch content, soluble sugar content, and amylase activity were significantly altered in cassava under different levels of drought stress.
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide fundamental knowledge for not only further exploring the starch metabolism functions of cassava under drought stress but also offering new perspectives for understanding the mechanism of how cassava survives and develops under drought.
Topics: Drought Resistance; Manihot; beta-Amylase; alpha-Amylases; Droughts; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Stress, Physiological; Plant Proteins
PubMed: 37024797
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09282-9 -
Psychological Medicine Apr 2023Dysfunction in major stress response systems during the acute aftermath of trauma may contribute to risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current...
BACKGROUND
Dysfunction in major stress response systems during the acute aftermath of trauma may contribute to risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study investigated how PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity, depressive symptoms, and childhood trauma uniquely relate to diurnal neuroendocrine secretion (cortisol and alpha-amylase rhythms) in women who recently experienced interpersonal trauma compared to non-traumatized controls (NTCs).
METHOD
Using a longitudinal design, we examined diurnal cortisol and alpha-amylase rhythms in 98 young women ( = 57 exposed to recent interpersonal trauma, = 41 NTCs). Participants provided saliva samples and completed symptom measures at baseline and 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up.
RESULTS
Multilevel models (MLMs) revealed lower waking cortisol predicted the development of PTSD in trauma survivors and distinguished at-risk women from NTCs. Women with greater childhood trauma exposure exhibited flatter diurnal cortisol slopes. Among trauma-exposed individuals, lower waking cortisol levels were associated with higher concurrent PTSD symptom severity. Regarding alpha-amylase, MLMs revealed women with greater childhood trauma exposure exhibited higher waking alpha-amylase and slower diurnal alpha-amylase increase.
CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest lower waking cortisol in the acute aftermath of trauma may be implicated in PTSD onset and maintenance. Findings also suggest childhood trauma may predict a different pattern of dysfunction in stress response systems following subsequent trauma exposure than the stress system dynamics associated with PTSD risk; childhood trauma appears to be associated with flattened diurnal cortisol and alpha-amylase slopes, as well as higher waking alpha-amylase.
Topics: Female; Humans; alpha-Amylases; Hydrocortisone; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Adverse Childhood Experiences; Survivors
PubMed: 37310311
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291721004050 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Nov 2023The increased pancreatic enzymes have recently been reported in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). However, its significance has not been...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
The increased pancreatic enzymes have recently been reported in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). However, its significance has not been elucidated clearly. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence, clinical characteristics of elevated pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase) and its association with AP in patients with SFTS.
METHODS
Data of demographics, comorbid conditions, clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters and survival time of patients with SFTS were collected. Patients were assigned into the non-AP and AP groups according to the diagnostic criteria of AP. Patients in the non-AP group were divided into the normal (
3×ULN) groups according to the serum amylase and lipase levels, and then their clinical data were compared. RESULTS
A total of 284 patients diagnosed with SFTS were retrospectively enrolled, including 248 patients in the non-AP group and 36 patients in the AP group. Patients in the non-AP group were composed of 48, 116 and 84 patients in the normal, EPE and HPE groups, respectively. Compared with patients in the normal and EPE groups, patients in the HPE group had higher serum levels of laboratory parameters referring to liver, kidney, heart and coagulation system injury, as well as higher viral load. The cumulative survival rate of patients in the HPE group was significantly lower than that of patients in the normal group. In addition, patients in the AP group also had higher serum levels of laboratory variables reflecting liver, heart, coagulation dysfunction and viral load than patients in the HPE group. The cumulative survival rate of patients in the AP group was significantly lower than that of patients in the HPE group.
CONCLUSION
The increased pancreatic enzymes are very common in patients with SFTS, but they are not always associated with AP. Though AP accounts for the majority of deaths for patients with elevated pancreatic enzymes, patients with pancreatic enzymes >3×ULN except for AP also have a high in-hospital mortality rate.
Topics: Humans; Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome; Retrospective Studies; Prevalence; Phlebovirus; Lipase; Amylases
PubMed: 37943950
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011758