The primary objective of the present invention is the development of new mutant forms of the Sm14 protein, for producing a greater production volume. The recombinant proteins here obtained were capable of providing protection against schistosome and fasciola infection. The level of protection of Sm14 recombinant proteins obtained in the present invention was similar to that reached in the parasite saline extract. The mutant proteins of the present invention have reached approximately 100% of renaturation after the heating at 80.degree. C., different from wild forms of the Sm14 protein. Moreover, after storage for 2 months at 4.degree. C., mutant proteins have shown smaller .beta.-structure loss than wild forms that have shown formation with random structure, as demonstrated by the circular dichroism analysis, indicating the success of mutations.
The present invention relates to a process for obtaining Physalis angulata extracts, particularly to isolate ergostane-type steroidal derivatives, such as physalins, which are useful in the treatment of infections caused by protozoans. The physalins of the invention have also prophylactic and therapeutic properties for treating auto-immune diseases in mammals.The isolation process to obtain physalins comprises the steps of: (a) grinding roots, leaves or stem-bark of Physalis ssp; (b) extracting the material obtained in step (a) with solvents selected from the group consisting of water and alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, isobutanol; (c) evaporating the extract obtained in step (b) and washing the syrup material with a suitable solvent; (d) rapid filtering of the extract of step (c) and fractionating the components of the extract according to a polarity gradient of organic solvents; and (e) separating the steroidal components contained in the fractions by chromatography.
The present invention provides a method of detection of Schistosoma sp. in biological samples through PCR, as well as a method for the diagnosis of Schistosomiasis through the amplification by PCR of the DNA sequence of Schistosoma sp., followed by the separation of the products of the amplification by electrophoresis and the detection by appropriate technique. Moreover, the present invention provides a kit for the diagnosis to be used in the detection of Schistomsomiasis.
The present invention is a method for drug level detection by using a simplified and effective deproteinizing step from body fluids, such as plasma, blood, urine, saliva, tear fluid, followed by drug extraction and measurement using an accurate technique, such as a colorimetric assay or a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography method. In a particular embodiment, the invention is directed to a method to quantify rifampicin in order to monitor its levels in body fluids and also to a Kit for rifampicin concentration measurement.
The present invention refers to extracts from the fungus Guignardia sp., and also a new isolate compound from the aforementioned extract, both having antimicrobial activities, particularly antibacterial and antifungal activities, and their use in pharmaceutical compositions. The new compound, isolated from the extract of the fungus Guignardia sp., presents a dioxolanone ring, having the following formula: ##STR1##