Protective effect of partially purified 35 kDa protein from silk worm (Bombyx mori) fecal matter against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity and in vitro anti-viral properties.
BACKGROUND
It has been found that many proteins from silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) fecal matter have been active against human immunodeficiency virus, Sendai virus, herpes simplex virus type-1, and nuclear polyhedrosis virus.


OBJECTIVE
A partially purified 35 kDa protein from silkworm was screened for its hepatoprotective activity, and in vitro antioxidant, and antiviral properties against camelpox and goatpox viruses.


METHODS
The study investigated the efficiency of the partially purified 35 kDa protein from silk worm fecal matter against CCl₄-induced liver damage measured in terms of enzyme levels such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin, which maintain liver integrity. In vitro antioxidant potential of this protein was determined based on its ability to scavenge 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anions scavenging activity. Further, in vitro cytotoxic effect on Vero cells and antiviral activity against goatpox and camelpox viruses were also studied.


RESULTS
The protein had significant hepatoprotection against CCl₄-induced liver damage and scavenging of DPPH radical and superoxide anion activity. However, the protein did not inhibit the multiplication of either virus tested at its maximum non-toxic concentration (MNTC) in vitro.


CONCLUSIONS
The partially purified 35 kDa protein from silk worm Bombyx mori L fecal matter possessed protective effect against CCl₄-induced oxidative stress in rat model. The protein was found to be ineffective against camelpox and goatpox viruses at its MNTC in vitro.
Raghavendra
Ramappa
R
Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Biochemistry, Jnana Sahyadri, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.
Neelagund
Shivayogeeswar
S
Kuluvar
Gouthamchandra
G
Bhanuprakash
Veerakyathappa
V
Revanaiah
Yogisharadhya
Y
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D012831:Bombyx / Q000378:metabolism*; D002162:Camelus; D018151:Capripoxvirus / Q000187:drug effects; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride / Q000633:toxicity; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005243:Feces; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D011212:Poxviridae / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014709:Vero Cells
D000975:Antioxidants; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D019476:Insect Proteins; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride