Ferulic acid is the most abundant phenolic compound found in vegetables and cereal grains. In vitro and animal studies have shown ferulic acid has anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of ferulic acid supplementation on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status in hyperlipidemia. The study design is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects with hyperlipidemia were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group (n = 24) was given ferulic acid (1000 mg daily) and the control group (n = 24) was provided with a placebo for six weeks. Lipid profiles, biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed before and after the intervention. Ferulic acid supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol (8.1%; p = 0.001), LDL-C (9.3%; p < 0.001), triglyceride (12.1%; p = 0.049), and increased HDL-C (4.3%; p = 0.045) compared with the placebo. Ferulic acid also significantly decreased the oxidative stress biomarker, MDA (24.5%; p < 0.001). Moreover, oxidized LDL-C was significantly decreased in the ferulic acid group (7.1%; p = 0.002) compared with the placebo group. In addition, ferulic acid supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the inflammatory markers hs-CRP (32.66%; p < 0.001) and TNF-α (13.06%; p < 0.001). These data indicate ferulic acid supplementation can improve lipid profiles and oxidative stress, oxidized LDL-C, and inflammation in hyperlipidemic subjects. Therefore, ferulic acid has the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Zygotes and ookinetes of the rodent malaria Plasmodium berghei can be enriched 50-fold, from whole blood cultures by ammonium chloride lysis. Three monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) raised against such enriched preparations specifically bind to a determinant of Mr 21 kD as assessed by 125I-labelled goat anti-mouse IgG probed immunoblots of Western transfers of SDS-PAGE gels. Indirect immunofluorescence indicates that the 21 kD determinant bound by specific MoAbs, whilst not detectable on gametocytes or gametes, appears on the parasite surface within 2 h of exflagellation/fertilization and increases thereafter. The three MoAbs specifically binding the 21 kD determinant block oocyst development in mosquitoes by at least 90%, as assessed either by in-vitro membrane feeds or by live feeds on passively immunized mice. These MoAbs reduce ookinete formation in vitro by between 52 and 100%. Possible mechanisms of action of these MoAbs are discussed.
By using affinity-purified ookinete surface antigen from the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei, a transmission-blocking immunity was induced in mice. Groups of mice were immunized via different routes, with total quantities of antigen ranging from 0.5 to 40 ,ug (with or without Freund adjuvant). Vaccination by the intramuscular route with 20 ,ug of antigen in the absence of adjuvant and boosted once with the same amount of protein induced a total transmission blockade. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that immune sera invariably recognized Pbs2l antigen. The isotype and titer of the anti-Pbs2l immunoglobulin G (IgG) response was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The antibody isotype was predominantly IgGl. The concentration of specific anti-Pbs2l IgG reached a peak of 182.45 92.13 ,ug/ml by week 7 postimmunization and fell progressively to 38 ,g/ml at week 34 (at which time the transmission was still inhibited by 98%).
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