Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus aqueous extracts attenuate the progression of renal injury in 5/6 nephrectomy rats.

Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (HS) is a tropical wild plant with antioxidant, antibacterial, antihypertensive, and lipid-lowering properties. In several animal models, HS aqueous extracts reduced the severity of the multi-organ injuries such as hypertension and diabetic nephropathy.

Fasciola gigantica: histology of the digestive tract and the expression of cathepsin L.

The digestive tract of Fasciola gigantica is composed of the oral sucker, buccal tube, pharynx, esophagus, and caecum. The tegumental-type epithelium lines the first four parts of the digestive tract while the caecal-type epithelium lines the remaining parts from the caecal bifurcation. The caecal-epithelial cells are classified into 3 types according to their staining properties and ultrastructural characteristics, as related to the amount of food contents in the caecal lumen.

Cloning, characterization, and expression of vitelline protein BI and its encoding gene in the liver fluke, Fasciola gigantica.

A cDNA containing a 813 bp open reading frame encoding vitelline protein BI (FgVPBI) of Fasciola gigantica was cloned. FgVPBI has 96% sequence identity with VPBI of Fasciola hepatica and 84% identity with VPBII F. hepatica.

Classification of the parenchymal cells in Fasciola gigantica based on ultrastructure and their expression of fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs).

Parenchymal cells in adult Fasciola gigantica can be classified into three types based on their ultrastructural features and different quantities of fatty acid binding protein (FABP) being stored. Parenchymal cell type 1 (Pc1) has pale cytoplasm consisting largely of a loose network of fine fibers, and it contains few mitochondria but numerous glycogen particles. This cell type may be specialized in the storage and metabolism of glycogen and glucose.

Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody against recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST) of Fasciola gigantica.

A monoclonal antibody (MoAb) against a recombinant glutathione S-transferase (rGST) of F. gigantica was produced in BALB/c mice. Reactivity and specificity of this monoclonal antibody was assessed by ELISA and immunoblotting.