title: Induction of rat hepatic mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore opening by leaf extract of Olax subscorpioidea.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The induction of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (MMPT) pore has been implicated in the cascade of events involved in apoptosis (programmed cell death). Olax subscorpioidea is traditionally used for the treatment of several diseases and infection. However, its role on MMPT is not yet established. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of varying concentrations of the methanol leaf extract of O. subscorpioidea (MEOS) on MMPT pore opening, mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Opening of the pore was spectrophotometrically assayed under succinate-energized conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the absence of triggering agent (calcium), MEOS induced MMPT pore opening by 350, 612, 827, 845% at 36, 60, 86 and 112 μg/ml, respectively. MEOS further induced MMPT pore opening in the presence of a triggering agent by 866, 905, 831, 840, 949% at 12, 36, 60, 86 and 112 μg/ml, respectively. The extract significantly induced mitochondrial membrane lipid peroxidation in all the concentration used. MEOS also significantly increased mitochondrial ATP hydrolysis by mitochondrial ATPase in all concentration of the extract used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It may be deduced from this results, that MEOS contains certain bioactive components that may find use in pathological conditions that require an enhanced rate of apoptosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Oluwatobi Samuel
authors.initials: OS
authors.lastname: Adegbite
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Yetunde Ifeoma
authors.initials: YI
authors.lastname: Akinsanya
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ayobami Jahdahunsi
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kukoyi
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Wisdom O
authors.initials: WO
authors.lastname: Iyanda-Joel
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria ; Department of Biological Sciences, Crawford University, Igbesa, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Oluwatoyin O
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Daniel
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Abiodun Humphrey
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Adebayo
keywords: Apoptosis; Olax subscorpioidea; mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore