The study is aimed at investigating the effect of dry eye disease on the level of protein and lipids in tears of postmenopausal women. The study was carried out on 33 postmenopausal women with dry eye symptoms and 22 postmenopausal women that were asymptomatic. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire classified participants as being symptomatic or asymptomatic of dry eye. Tear stability and tear volume were assessed with Fluorescein Tear Break up Time (FBUT) and Schirmer’s test respectively. Tears were analysed for protein (total protein, albumin, and globulin) and lipid (cholesterol and triglycerides). The mean total protein for Dry Eye (DE) was higher than that for Non-dry eye (NDE). Albumin and globulin were also higher for the DE group when compared to the NDE group. These were however, not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in triglycerides and cholesterol between DE and NDE. There was no significant correlation between clinical signs (tear volume and tear breakup time) and total protein, albumin, globulin cholesterol and triglycerides in the NDE and DE eye groups. The study shows that proteins and lipids do not change in postmenopausal women irrespective of the presences of dry eye disease.
Pleurotus tuberregium, the king tuber mushroom, is an edible gilled fungus native to the tropics, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. Experimental studies have shown that extracts of Pleurotus tuberregium caused a decrease in intraocular pressure in steroid induced ocular hypertension stimulating increasing interest in it as a potential anti-glaucoma drug. This study investigated the possible existence of similar active ingredients found in the antiglaucoma medications under study (2% Pilocarpine, 0.5 % Timolol, 0.5% Betaxolol and 0.005% Latanoprost) and the fractions of the mushroom extract. Column chromatography was performed using silica gel to isolate active compounds from the extract of Pleurotus tuberregium. Thin layer chromatographic analysis was then performed on the fractions alongside known anti-glaucoma medications to determine and compare their retardation factors and migration speeds. Further analytical study was carried out using UV-VIS spectrophotometry. Data obtained was presented in bar charts and graphs, and analyzed using one sample t-test in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Thin layer chromatography showed comparative corresponding separation spots of the extracts with those of the antiglaucoma medication, and thus similar retardation factors. This study serves to further corroborate the postulated intraocular pressure lowering effect of P. tuberregium extract thereby contributing to the journey of the possible discovery of a potential anti-glaucoma medication.
Pleurotus tuberregium, an edible fungus, occurs in both tropical and subtropical regions of the world Scientific evidences exist for the use of P. tuberregium in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetic hypertriglyceredemia, fungal and bacterial infections, tumours and raised intraocular pressure. However, its comparative chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis with anti-glaucoma medications has not been extensively explored. This study separated the bioactive constituents of the mushroom extract and compared it with 0.5% Timolol and 0.005% Latanoprost. Fractions of the extracts were obtained through Column chromatography utilizing silica gel. Retardation factors and migration speeds of the fractions were then obtained using Thin Layer Chromatography. UV-VIS spectrophotometry was then utilized to obtain a more refined result. The experiment produced comparative retardation factors and retardation factors of the extracts with those of the antiglaucoma medication. Spectroscopic studies on the extract revealed that it has an absorption spectrum within the ultra violet wavelength range with a λmax of 320nm. All spots for this study were produced with a reproducibility factor better than 1.5% RSD.
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