- Email: [email protected]
Curcumin modulation of angiogenesis and obesity
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Abstracts
Poster — [A-10-1277-1] Prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school children (12–14 yr) in the city of Mashhad, Iran, 2010–11 Khosro Shafaghia, Mobarhan Majid Ghayourb, Mohd Shariff Zalilahc, Mohd Nasirc, Abdul Rahman Hejarc, Hadi Jabarid a UPM University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Iran b MUMS, New Science and Technology Department, Iran c Health Sciences, Iran d Ferdowsi University, Statistics Department, Iran E-mail addresses: [email protected] (K. Shafaghi), [email protected] (M.M. Ghayour), [email protected] (M.S. Zalilah), [email protected] (M. Nasir), [email protected] (A.R. Hejar), [email protected] (H. Jabari) Introduction: Obesity is an important public health problem worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing with changes in dietary habits and activity level. The highest rate of childhood obesity is in USA, Near/Middle East and Europe respectively. Unhealthy dietary behaviors such as overeating of energy dense food and beverages, snack consumption and sedentary lifestyle such as long TV viewing can influence childhood obesity. Childhood obesity are linked to increased adult morbidity through predisposing to a variety of conditions such as insulin resistance, lipoprotein abnormalities, and diabetes mellitus type II, cardiovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis and elevated blood pressure. The main objective of this research is to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school children (12–14 yr) in the city of Mashhad, Iran, 2010–11. Methods and materials: This is a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in Mashhad city, capital of Khorasan Razavi province, north-east of Iran, to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and type of obesity using height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences (WC) and to determine associated factors including dietary patterns, TV watching, and demographic information in secondary school children. Mashhad includes 7 departments of education and training which was divided into 2 socioeconomic strata — North (low socio-economic) and South (high socio-economic). Total secondary school children were approximately 110,000 students. 10 schools were selected through a stratified multistage random sampling. The sample size was calculated using the Lemeshow equation and the ultimate sample size was 1191 students (581 male and 610 females). Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school children (male and female) in Mashhad city was 17.2% and 11.9%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among males was 7.7% and 7.1% respectively. While the prevalence of overweight and obesity in girls was 9.4% and 4.8%, respectively. Differences between males and females were significant by chi-square test (P= 0.022). Conclusion: Childhood obesity seems to be an increasing problem at an alarming rate in Mashhad, Iran. Besides, data on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Iranian Children and adolescents are few and scattered, thus there is a need to confirm the findings through up-to date studies. Keywords: Prevalence, Overweight, Obesity, School children, Mashhad doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.08.581
Poster — [A-10-1387-1] Potential anti-inflammatory properties of oats avenanthramides Meydani Mohsen Vascular Biology Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston MA 02111, United States E-mail address: [email protected] (M. Mohsen)
It is well established that dietary factors play significant etiologic roles in the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Studies have clearly shown that the consumption of soluble fiber of oats lowers total plasma and LDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of CVD. β-Glucan is the active ingredient that reduces cholesterol levels. In addition, oat consumption has recently been shown to improve endothelial function and reduce blood pressure. Although the mechanism of these effects is not known, we have plausible experimental evidence that these effects are mediated through increasing production of NO by the vessel wall. In addition, oats contain unique polyphenols, a venanthramides (Avns) with antioxidant activity, which are not present in other cereal grains. Administration of Avns in rats increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in skeletal muscle, liver and kidneys, and glutathione peroxidase in heart and skeletal muscles attenuated exercise-induced production of reactive oxygen species. Avns are bioavailable in humans and inhibit LDL oxidation synergistically with vitamin C. These compounds may also interact with cellular components of the vascular system not only through their antioxidant activity but also by interactions with molecular and signaling pathways regulated by redox sensitive signal transduction that govern cellular responses during the inflammation of arterial walls and lesion development. In this regard, we have examined the potential health benefit of an Avns-enriched extract of oats in the prevention of atherosclerosis. These unique oat polyphenols inhibit expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin) and monocyte adhesion to human aortic endothelial cell monolayer. Further, they reduce the production of several inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. We now have evidence that the above-observed effects of Avns are mediated through inhibition of nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB), which is known to regulate expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Avns of oats also regulate molecules involved in cell cycle signaling cascades at both transcriptional and translational levels. Further, our data revealed that Avns inhibit VSMC proliferation and increase eNOS expression and production of NO by both endothelial cells and VSMC. In addition, our cell culture studies indicate that the Avns of oats may prevent colonic tumorigenesis through their anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities. Taken together, these data strongly support the potential health benefits of oat consumption in the prevention of chronic disease beyond the benefits from their soluble fiber content. Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, Oats avenanthramides doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.08.582
Poster – [A-10-1387-2] Curcumin modulation of angiogenesis and obesity Meydani Mohsen Vascular Biology Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA E-mail address: [email protected] Angiogenesis is necessary for growth of tumors and any growing tissues such as adipose tissue. There is a reciprocal regulation of angiogenesis and adipogenesis, which suggests that inhibition of angiogenesis may inhibit adipose tissue formation. Several natural polyphenols, including catechins, resveratrol and curcumin with antiangiogenic activities may modulate adiposity, body weight gain and associated inflammation by interfering in adipocyte development, macrophage activation and production of inflammatory mediators. We examined the effect of curcumin, a natural polyphenol present in
Abstracts
turmeric, on angiogenesis, pre-adipocyte growth, lipid accumulation in adipocytes and macrophages, differentiation, apoptosis and gene expression involved in lipid and energy metabolism in cell culture systems and on body weight gain and adiposity in mice fed high fat diet supplemented with 500 mg curcumin/kg diet for 12 weeks. Curcumin in a dose-dependent manner suppressed adipocyte differentiation and caused apoptosis. It also inhibited adipokineinduced angiogenesis of HUVEC and accumulation of lipids in adipocyte and macrophage. Supplementing the high fat diet of mice with curcumin did not affect food intake but reduced body weight gain, hepatosteatosis, adiposity, and microvessel density in adipose tissue, which coincided with reduced expression of VEGF and its receptor VEGFR-2. Curcumin increased AMPK phosphorylation, reduced GPAT-1, and increased CPT-1 expression, which lead to increased oxidation and decreased fatty acid esterification. The in vivo effect of curcumin on the expression of these enzymes was also confirmed by RT-PCR. In addition, dietary curcumin significantly lowered blood cholesterol levels and the expression of PPAR-g and C/ EBP-a, two key transcription factors involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis. Furthermore, curcumin through suppression of aP2 expression inhibited accumulation of lipids in adipocytes and THP-1 macrophages. Our findings suggest that curcumin in addition to suppressing angiogenesis in adipose tissue together with its effect on lipid metabolism and reduction of lipid accumulation in adipocytes and macrophages may contribute to a lower body fat and body weight gain and reduces obesity associated inflammation. Keywords: Curcumin modulation, Angiogenesis, Obesity
doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.08.583
Poster — [A-10-1406-1] Curcumin effects on blood lipid profile in obese individuals Akram Mohamadia, Amir Hosein Sahebkarb, Mehrdad Iranshahib, Saeed Akhlaghic, Majid Ghayour Mobarhana a Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science (MUMS), Mashhad, Iran b Biotechnology Research Center and Scholar Pharmacy, Mashhad, Iran c Deputy of Research—Biotechnology E-mail addresses: [email protected] (A. Mohamadi), [email protected] (A.H. Sahebkar), [email protected] (S. Akhlaghi), [email protected] (M. Ghayour Mobarhan) Introduction: Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound which has been shown to possess diverse biological activities. In recent years, there have been several reports on cholesterol reduction effects of curcumin in animals and healthy subjects. However, no controlled human trials have examined the effect of curcumin on cholesterol in obese individuals. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of curcumin supplementation on serum lipid profile in obese individuals. Materials and methods: Thirty dyslipidemic patients with BMI >30 were treated with curcumin (1 g/day), or matched placebo for 4 weeks and then crossed over to the alternate regimen. There was a 2 week wash-out interval between the regimens. Fasting lipid profile and hs-crp were measured at baseline and at the end of each period. Results: No significant effect was observed from curcumin on weight, BMI, serum hs-CRP titre (p > 0.05). In regard to the lipid profile, there was a significant decrease in serum triglyceride levels following curcumin therapy (p = 0.011). No significant reduction was observed from curcumin on other parameters (LDL-C, HDL-C and total cholesterol) (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The present study provides evidence with respect to the effectiveness of curcumin supplementation (1 g/day) on serum
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triglycerides reduction. However, BMI, weight, hs-CRP titres and other lipid profile parameters do not appear to be affected by 4-week curcumin supplementation. Keywords: Curcumin, Profile, Obese, hs-CRP doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.08.584
Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Poster – [A-10-10-1] Comparative pH optima of β-galactosidase activity in partial purification of Citrus sinensis, Allium cepa, Allium sativum and Citrus limon Sareh Aberumand, Mohammad Aberumand Ahwaz Jondishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran E-mail addresses: [email protected] (S. Aberumand), [email protected] (M. Aberumand) Introduction: The enzyme β-galactosidase (β-d-galactohydrolase, lactase) occurs in nature very frequently, e.g., it is found in plants and animals, as well as in a wide variety of micro-organisms including yeasts. β-Galactosidase is among the most common industrial enzymes due to its various applications in dairy and food industry. Methods: The enzyme was partially purified by procedures including precipitation with acetone, 1-butanol and ammonium sulfate from four fruits randomly selected. Results: Optimum pH of β-galactosidase enzyme showed maximum activity for orange (Citrus sinensis), onion (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum) and sweet lemon (Citrus limon) at pH 3.6, 4.4, 6.0 and 4.4 for selected fruits, respectively. In conclusion, in order to use fruit as a source of β-galactosidase activity, the orange (Citrus sinensis) with optimum pH 3.6 is a good choice for purification. Keywords: β-galactosidase, Optimum Ph, Orange, Onion, Garlic and Sweet lemon doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.08.585
Poster – [A-10-12-1] Mutagenesis of Aspergillus niger MS82 for cellulase production Muhammad Sohaila, Shakeel Khanb, Aqeel Ahmadb a University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan b Karachi-75270, Pakistan E-mail addresses: [email protected] (M. Sohail), [email protected] (S. Khan), [email protected] (A. Ahmad) Aspergillus niger MS82 was selected for mutagenesis on the basis of its ability to elaborate higher amounts of both, endoglucanase and bglucosidase in the presence of many cellulosic substrates. Mutants were generated after an exposure of A. niger MS82 to various mutagenic agents (EMS, MMS and Ebr) followed by an exposure to 2-deoxy-2-d-glucose. One of the selected mutants (MS301) gave 1.25 to 2.0 fold higher enzyme productivity than the parent strain. It was revealed that the parent strain started the production of endoglucanase while in stationary phase of the growth when the initial pH of the medium was 4.0 or 5.0, and the enzyme appeared while the fungus was in the log-phase when the pH was adjusted to 6.0 or 7.0. On the other hand, the endoglucanase production from the mutant strain was initiated while the fungus was in the logphase. The production of endoglucanase by both the strains started earlier than b-glucosidase. The mutant strain has, however, had a longer generation time, ‘g’ than the parent strain. The partial characterization
Abstracts
Poster — [A-10-1277-1] Prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school children (12–14 yr) in the city of Mashhad, Iran, 2010–11 Khosro Shafaghia, Mobarhan Majid Ghayourb, Mohd Shariff Zalilahc, Mohd Nasirc, Abdul Rahman Hejarc, Hadi Jabarid a UPM University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Iran b MUMS, New Science and Technology Department, Iran c Health Sciences, Iran d Ferdowsi University, Statistics Department, Iran E-mail addresses: [email protected] (K. Shafaghi), [email protected] (M.M. Ghayour), [email protected] (M.S. Zalilah), [email protected] (M. Nasir), [email protected] (A.R. Hejar), [email protected] (H. Jabari) Introduction: Obesity is an important public health problem worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing with changes in dietary habits and activity level. The highest rate of childhood obesity is in USA, Near/Middle East and Europe respectively. Unhealthy dietary behaviors such as overeating of energy dense food and beverages, snack consumption and sedentary lifestyle such as long TV viewing can influence childhood obesity. Childhood obesity are linked to increased adult morbidity through predisposing to a variety of conditions such as insulin resistance, lipoprotein abnormalities, and diabetes mellitus type II, cardiovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis and elevated blood pressure. The main objective of this research is to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school children (12–14 yr) in the city of Mashhad, Iran, 2010–11. Methods and materials: This is a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in Mashhad city, capital of Khorasan Razavi province, north-east of Iran, to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and type of obesity using height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences (WC) and to determine associated factors including dietary patterns, TV watching, and demographic information in secondary school children. Mashhad includes 7 departments of education and training which was divided into 2 socioeconomic strata — North (low socio-economic) and South (high socio-economic). Total secondary school children were approximately 110,000 students. 10 schools were selected through a stratified multistage random sampling. The sample size was calculated using the Lemeshow equation and the ultimate sample size was 1191 students (581 male and 610 females). Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school children (male and female) in Mashhad city was 17.2% and 11.9%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among males was 7.7% and 7.1% respectively. While the prevalence of overweight and obesity in girls was 9.4% and 4.8%, respectively. Differences between males and females were significant by chi-square test (P= 0.022). Conclusion: Childhood obesity seems to be an increasing problem at an alarming rate in Mashhad, Iran. Besides, data on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Iranian Children and adolescents are few and scattered, thus there is a need to confirm the findings through up-to date studies. Keywords: Prevalence, Overweight, Obesity, School children, Mashhad doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.08.581
Poster — [A-10-1387-1] Potential anti-inflammatory properties of oats avenanthramides Meydani Mohsen Vascular Biology Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston MA 02111, United States E-mail address: [email protected] (M. Mohsen)
It is well established that dietary factors play significant etiologic roles in the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Studies have clearly shown that the consumption of soluble fiber of oats lowers total plasma and LDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of CVD. β-Glucan is the active ingredient that reduces cholesterol levels. In addition, oat consumption has recently been shown to improve endothelial function and reduce blood pressure. Although the mechanism of these effects is not known, we have plausible experimental evidence that these effects are mediated through increasing production of NO by the vessel wall. In addition, oats contain unique polyphenols, a venanthramides (Avns) with antioxidant activity, which are not present in other cereal grains. Administration of Avns in rats increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in skeletal muscle, liver and kidneys, and glutathione peroxidase in heart and skeletal muscles attenuated exercise-induced production of reactive oxygen species. Avns are bioavailable in humans and inhibit LDL oxidation synergistically with vitamin C. These compounds may also interact with cellular components of the vascular system not only through their antioxidant activity but also by interactions with molecular and signaling pathways regulated by redox sensitive signal transduction that govern cellular responses during the inflammation of arterial walls and lesion development. In this regard, we have examined the potential health benefit of an Avns-enriched extract of oats in the prevention of atherosclerosis. These unique oat polyphenols inhibit expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin) and monocyte adhesion to human aortic endothelial cell monolayer. Further, they reduce the production of several inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. We now have evidence that the above-observed effects of Avns are mediated through inhibition of nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB), which is known to regulate expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Avns of oats also regulate molecules involved in cell cycle signaling cascades at both transcriptional and translational levels. Further, our data revealed that Avns inhibit VSMC proliferation and increase eNOS expression and production of NO by both endothelial cells and VSMC. In addition, our cell culture studies indicate that the Avns of oats may prevent colonic tumorigenesis through their anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities. Taken together, these data strongly support the potential health benefits of oat consumption in the prevention of chronic disease beyond the benefits from their soluble fiber content. Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, Oats avenanthramides doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.08.582
Poster – [A-10-1387-2] Curcumin modulation of angiogenesis and obesity Meydani Mohsen Vascular Biology Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA E-mail address: [email protected] Angiogenesis is necessary for growth of tumors and any growing tissues such as adipose tissue. There is a reciprocal regulation of angiogenesis and adipogenesis, which suggests that inhibition of angiogenesis may inhibit adipose tissue formation. Several natural polyphenols, including catechins, resveratrol and curcumin with antiangiogenic activities may modulate adiposity, body weight gain and associated inflammation by interfering in adipocyte development, macrophage activation and production of inflammatory mediators. We examined the effect of curcumin, a natural polyphenol present in
Abstracts
turmeric, on angiogenesis, pre-adipocyte growth, lipid accumulation in adipocytes and macrophages, differentiation, apoptosis and gene expression involved in lipid and energy metabolism in cell culture systems and on body weight gain and adiposity in mice fed high fat diet supplemented with 500 mg curcumin/kg diet for 12 weeks. Curcumin in a dose-dependent manner suppressed adipocyte differentiation and caused apoptosis. It also inhibited adipokineinduced angiogenesis of HUVEC and accumulation of lipids in adipocyte and macrophage. Supplementing the high fat diet of mice with curcumin did not affect food intake but reduced body weight gain, hepatosteatosis, adiposity, and microvessel density in adipose tissue, which coincided with reduced expression of VEGF and its receptor VEGFR-2. Curcumin increased AMPK phosphorylation, reduced GPAT-1, and increased CPT-1 expression, which lead to increased oxidation and decreased fatty acid esterification. The in vivo effect of curcumin on the expression of these enzymes was also confirmed by RT-PCR. In addition, dietary curcumin significantly lowered blood cholesterol levels and the expression of PPAR-g and C/ EBP-a, two key transcription factors involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis. Furthermore, curcumin through suppression of aP2 expression inhibited accumulation of lipids in adipocytes and THP-1 macrophages. Our findings suggest that curcumin in addition to suppressing angiogenesis in adipose tissue together with its effect on lipid metabolism and reduction of lipid accumulation in adipocytes and macrophages may contribute to a lower body fat and body weight gain and reduces obesity associated inflammation. Keywords: Curcumin modulation, Angiogenesis, Obesity
doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.08.583
Poster — [A-10-1406-1] Curcumin effects on blood lipid profile in obese individuals Akram Mohamadia, Amir Hosein Sahebkarb, Mehrdad Iranshahib, Saeed Akhlaghic, Majid Ghayour Mobarhana a Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science (MUMS), Mashhad, Iran b Biotechnology Research Center and Scholar Pharmacy, Mashhad, Iran c Deputy of Research—Biotechnology E-mail addresses: [email protected] (A. Mohamadi), [email protected] (A.H. Sahebkar), [email protected] (S. Akhlaghi), [email protected] (M. Ghayour Mobarhan) Introduction: Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound which has been shown to possess diverse biological activities. In recent years, there have been several reports on cholesterol reduction effects of curcumin in animals and healthy subjects. However, no controlled human trials have examined the effect of curcumin on cholesterol in obese individuals. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of curcumin supplementation on serum lipid profile in obese individuals. Materials and methods: Thirty dyslipidemic patients with BMI >30 were treated with curcumin (1 g/day), or matched placebo for 4 weeks and then crossed over to the alternate regimen. There was a 2 week wash-out interval between the regimens. Fasting lipid profile and hs-crp were measured at baseline and at the end of each period. Results: No significant effect was observed from curcumin on weight, BMI, serum hs-CRP titre (p > 0.05). In regard to the lipid profile, there was a significant decrease in serum triglyceride levels following curcumin therapy (p = 0.011). No significant reduction was observed from curcumin on other parameters (LDL-C, HDL-C and total cholesterol) (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The present study provides evidence with respect to the effectiveness of curcumin supplementation (1 g/day) on serum
S239
triglycerides reduction. However, BMI, weight, hs-CRP titres and other lipid profile parameters do not appear to be affected by 4-week curcumin supplementation. Keywords: Curcumin, Profile, Obese, hs-CRP doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.08.584
Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Poster – [A-10-10-1] Comparative pH optima of β-galactosidase activity in partial purification of Citrus sinensis, Allium cepa, Allium sativum and Citrus limon Sareh Aberumand, Mohammad Aberumand Ahwaz Jondishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran E-mail addresses: [email protected] (S. Aberumand), [email protected] (M. Aberumand) Introduction: The enzyme β-galactosidase (β-d-galactohydrolase, lactase) occurs in nature very frequently, e.g., it is found in plants and animals, as well as in a wide variety of micro-organisms including yeasts. β-Galactosidase is among the most common industrial enzymes due to its various applications in dairy and food industry. Methods: The enzyme was partially purified by procedures including precipitation with acetone, 1-butanol and ammonium sulfate from four fruits randomly selected. Results: Optimum pH of β-galactosidase enzyme showed maximum activity for orange (Citrus sinensis), onion (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum) and sweet lemon (Citrus limon) at pH 3.6, 4.4, 6.0 and 4.4 for selected fruits, respectively. In conclusion, in order to use fruit as a source of β-galactosidase activity, the orange (Citrus sinensis) with optimum pH 3.6 is a good choice for purification. Keywords: β-galactosidase, Optimum Ph, Orange, Onion, Garlic and Sweet lemon doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.08.585
Poster – [A-10-12-1] Mutagenesis of Aspergillus niger MS82 for cellulase production Muhammad Sohaila, Shakeel Khanb, Aqeel Ahmadb a University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan b Karachi-75270, Pakistan E-mail addresses: [email protected] (M. Sohail), [email protected] (S. Khan), [email protected] (A. Ahmad) Aspergillus niger MS82 was selected for mutagenesis on the basis of its ability to elaborate higher amounts of both, endoglucanase and bglucosidase in the presence of many cellulosic substrates. Mutants were generated after an exposure of A. niger MS82 to various mutagenic agents (EMS, MMS and Ebr) followed by an exposure to 2-deoxy-2-d-glucose. One of the selected mutants (MS301) gave 1.25 to 2.0 fold higher enzyme productivity than the parent strain. It was revealed that the parent strain started the production of endoglucanase while in stationary phase of the growth when the initial pH of the medium was 4.0 or 5.0, and the enzyme appeared while the fungus was in the log-phase when the pH was adjusted to 6.0 or 7.0. On the other hand, the endoglucanase production from the mutant strain was initiated while the fungus was in the logphase. The production of endoglucanase by both the strains started earlier than b-glucosidase. The mutant strain has, however, had a longer generation time, ‘g’ than the parent strain. The partial characterization