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HIV inhibitor from Thai bitter gourd
W Jiratchariyakul1, C Wiwat, M Vongsakul
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Sri Ayudhya Road, Bangkok, Thailand. pywju@mahidol.ac.th
Planta Medica
|July 19, 2001
Summary
Thai bitter gourd protein (MRK29) shows potential against HIV-1. This protein inhibits viral reverse transcriptase and reduces p24 expression, suggesting therapeutic possibilities for HIV treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd, is traditionally used in folk medicine.
- Research into plant-derived compounds for therapeutic applications is ongoing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel protein from Thai bitter gourd with potential antiviral properties.
- To investigate the protein's inhibitory effects on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Main Methods:
- Protein isolation using ammonium sulfate fractionation and gel filtration chromatography.
- Characterization via isoelectric focusing and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS).
- Assessment of inhibitory activity against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and p24 expression.
Main Results:
- A protein, designated MRK29, was purified with a molecular weight of 28.6 kD and pI > or = 9.
- MRK29 demonstrated 50% inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase at 18 µg/ml.
- A concentration of 0.175 µg/ml of MRK29 reduced HIV p24 expression by 82% and increased TNF activity threefold.
Conclusions:
- Thai bitter gourd protein MRK29 exhibits significant antiviral activity against HIV-1.
- MRK29 may modulate immune cells, as indicated by increased TNF activity.
- Further research into MRK29 as a potential therapeutic agent for HIV is warranted.