The mechanism of nutrient-evoked insulin release is clearly complex. One part of that mechanism is postulated to be the activation of the glycogenolytic enzyme acid glucan-1,4-alpha-glucosidase. As nitric oxide (NO) has been found to be a potent inhibitor of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, we have now investigated a possible influence of exogenous NO and inhibition of endogenous NO produc...

The fermentation of cellobiose is a rare trait among yeasts. Of the 308 yeast species that utilize cellobiose aerobically, only 12 species ferment it, and only 2 species, Candida molischiana and Candida wickerhamii, also ferment cellodextrins. Candida molischiana produced beta-glucosidase activity on all carbon sources tested, except glucose, mannose, and fructose. When these sugars were added ...

Production of β-glucosidase from Fusarium oxysporum was investigated during degradation of some cellulosic substrates (Avicel, α-cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and methylcellulose). Optimized production of β-glucosidase using the cellulosic substrate that supported highest yield of enzyme was examined over 192 h fermentation period and varied pH of 3.0-11.0. The β-glucosidase produce...

The human adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 was used for studies on the biosynthesis and transport of lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase in polarized epithelial cells. Metabolic labelling revealed that in Caco-2 cells alpha-glucosidase is synthesized as a precursor form of 110 x 10(3) Mr. This form is converted into a precursor of slightly higher Mr (112 x 10(3)) by the addition of complex oligosac...

Objective. To study the effect of different proportions of Huangqi (Radix Astragali Mongolici) and Honghua (Flos Carthami) injection on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity simultaneously. Methods. The injections were prepared according to the standards of the China Food and Drug Administration. The assay for potential α-glucosidase inhibitors was based on the hydrolysis of 4-methylumbelliferyl...

Membrane associated alpha-glucosidase activity was investigated in a methanogenic bioreactor (MR) and a biosulfidogenic bioreactor (SR). Temperature and pH optima studies showed temperature optima of 50 degrees C and pH optima of 8.0 for the alpha-glucosidases from both the MR and SR. Sulfide (at a concentration of 150 mg l(-1)) resulted in the complete loss of all alpha-glucosidase activity in...

A strain of bakers' yeast was isolated which could utilize cellobiose and other beta-D-glucosides quantitatively as carbon and energy sources for growth. Cellobiose-grown cells contained a largely cryptic enzyme active against the chromogenic substrate p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucoside. The patent (intact cell) activity of such cells was inhibited by azide and, competitively, by cellobiose; neithe...

It is believed that the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes including α-amylase and α-glucosidase is one of the therapeutic approaches to decrease the postprandial glucose level after a meal, especially in the people with type 2 diabetes. Medicinal plants and their extracts are one of the main sources to find new inhibitors to the enzymes. In our study four flavonoids, namely luteoli...

This study analyzed the inhibition activity of Swietenia mahagoni seeds extract on α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes inhibition assays.  Swietenia mahagoni seeds were extracted by using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction at pressures of 20- 30 MPa and temperatures of 40- 60°C.  The oil yields obtained were analyzed with α- glucosidase and α- amylase enzymes inhibition assays.  A...