Indian Journal of Experimental Biology

Wireless technologies are ubiquitous today and the mobile phones are one of the prodigious output of this technology. Although the familiarization and dependency of mobile phones is growing at an alarming pace, the biological effects due to the exposure of radiations have become a subject of intense debate. The present evidence on mobile phone radiation exposure is based on scientific research and public policy initiative to give an overview of what is known of biological effects that occur at radiofrequency (RF)/ electromagnetic fields (EMFs) exposure. The conflict in conclusions is mainly because of difficulty in controlling the affecting parameters. Biological effects are dependent not only on the distance and size of the object (with respect to the object) but also on the environmental parameters. Health endpoints reported to be associated with RF include childhood leukemia, brain tumors, genotoxic effects, neurological effects and neurodegenerative diseases, immune system dereg...

A protocol for in vitro mass multiplication of plants through seedling (shoot) cultures was established for Ophiorrhiza mungo. Maximum number of adventitious shoots per shoot culture (10.4 +/- 1.72) was initiated on MS solid medium supplemented with BAP (2.22 microM) after 3 weeks. Shoots were further multiplied (12.8 +/- 2.8) through subculture of intact shoots and reculture of nodal segments of aseptic shoots (6.5 +/- 0.94) in MS solid medium containing BAP (0.89 microM). Shoot elongation (1.27 +/- 0.12 cm) was achieved in the medium containing GA3 (1.44 microM) in two weeks. Rooting was favoured in basal agar medium supplemented with IBA (12.3 microM) plus NAA (1.07 microM). The plants were successfully established (100%) in the pots containing sand and top soil (1:1) mixture in a period of two weeks.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antibodies possess immunomodulatory effects during tuberculosis infection. Prior sensitization to environmental mycobacteria is known to suppress immune responses against BCG and M. tuberculosis. Mycobacteria-induced antibodies can influence events such as complement activation and phagocytosis during infectious process. In the present study role of anti-M. tuberculosis IgG (anti-M. tb IgG) antibody during interaction between M. tuberculosis and human macrophages mediated through complement has been examined in vitro. Anti-M. tb IgG antibody significantly enhanced complement activation by M. tuberculosis. Phagocytosis of M. tuberculosis by macrophages increased significantly in the presence of complement and/or antibody. Moreover, antibody enhanced phagocytosis in the presence of complement. Addition of antibody alone or in combination with complement also augmented intracellular viability of bacilli within macrophages. Results of this study showe...

The genomic variability of Influenza A virus (IAV) makes it difficult for the existing vaccines or anti-influenza drugs to control. The siRNA targeting viral gene induces RNAi mechanism in the host and silent the gene by cleaving mRNA. In this study, we developed an universal siRNA and validated its efficiency in vitro. The siRNA was designed rationally, targeting the most conserved region (delineated with the help of multiple sequence alignment) of M gene of IAV strains. Three level screening method was adopted, and the most efficient one was selected on the basis of its unique position in the conserved region. The siRNA efficacy was confirmed in vitro with the Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line for IAV propagation using two clinical isolates i.e., Influenza A/H3N2 and Influenza A/pdmH1N1. Of the total 168 strains worldwide and 33 strains from India, 97 bp long (position 137-233) conserved region was identified. The longest ORF of matrix gene was targeted by the selected si...

Klebsiella pneumoniae, an important opportunistic pathogen, exists as a biofilm in persistent infections and in-dwelling medical devices. With the objective of identifying natural compounds inhibiting biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae, 35clinical isolates were screened,out of which 7 strong biofilm producers were identified. Six natural compounds were tested for their inhibitory effects on bacterial growth and biofilm formation by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum concentration for biofilm inhibition (MBIC) for each compound. The results show that reserpine followed by linoleic acid, were the most potent biofilm inhibitors. Reserpine, an efflux pump inhibitor was effective at biofilm inhibition at a concentration of 0.0156 mg/mL, 64-fold lower concentration than its MIC. Linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid was effective as a biofilm inhibitor at 0.0312 mg/mL, which is 32-fold lower than its MIC. Berberine, another plant derived antimicrobial, chitosan and eugenol had an MBIC value of 0.0635 mg/mL. Curcumin, a natural phenolic compound was effective at biofilm inhibition at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL, which is 50 fold less than its MIC. Notably, the MIC and MBIC data on these 6 natural compounds was reproducible in all seven high biofilm forming isolates of K. pneumoniae. The present report is a comprehensive comparative analysis of the dose dependent inhibition of various natural compounds on biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae.

Antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extracts of leaves and flowers of D. lamarckii Ivan, (Scophulariaceae), an endemic plant species of Turkey, was tested on ten bacterial and four yeast strains. Effective antibacterial activity was observed in four bacterial strains. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was calculated by use of liquid culture tests and in all the four effective bacterial strains, the MIC was found to be ≥199.5 mg/ml. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of B. subtilis, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes was calculated to be ≥199.5 mg/ml, and MBC value for Shigella was calculated as ≥399 mg/ml.

Lithium (Li) was given to female Swiss-Webster strain mice at the doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg body weight in their drinking water. Treatment started from the first day of pregnancy until the postnatal day fifteen of delivery. Thereafter, the dams were switched to plain tap water. All offspring were subjected to various tests. The rate of body weight gain was relatively slower in Li exposed pups. Furthermore, the opening of eyes and appearance of body hairs in Li exposed pups were also slower as compared to the controls. The sensory motor reflexes in Li exposed pups were found to be affected in a dose-dependent manner. Significant relative changes were also noticed in the levels of acid and alkaline phosphatases in the liver, and acetylcholinesterase in the brain tissues of the Li exposed developing offspring in a dose-dependent manner. 'Locomotor Activity Test' was performed in the male offspring only which showed a significant suppressive effect on most of the elements of this...

A fluorescence stereomicroscope system was developed in order to observe in situ the distribution of nuclei in intravascular Bong-Han ducts and corpuscle tissues by injecting acridine orange, which stained specifically nuclei. Intravascular Bong-Han corpuscles, connected with Bong-Han ducts could be detected in the aortas of rats, mice, and rabbits.

Powdered leaves (500 mg/kg body weight) of medicinal plants M. indica and C. igneus known to possess therapeutic effect were supplemented to streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Leaf powders of both the plants were able to reduce blood glucose levels in the animals by 38 and 21% respectively after 15 days of supplementation. The preliminary results suggest that both the plants

The fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae) was found to possess significant antiulcer activity against aspirin-, indomethacin-, alcohol-, histamine-, reserpine-, serotonin- and stress-induced ulceration in experimental animal models. Significant inhibition was also observed in gastric secretion and aspirin-induced gastric ulceration in pylorus ligated rats. The lipoxygenase inhibitory, histamine antagonistic and antisecretory effects of the oil could probably have contributed towards antiulcer activity. O.sanctum fixed oil may be considered to be a drug of natural origin which possesses both anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activity.

The pharmaceutical industry is facing serious challenges as the drug discovery process is becoming extremely expensive, riskier and critically inefficient. A significant shift from single to multi targeted drugs especially for polygenic syndromes is being witnessed. Strategic options based on natural product drug discovery, ethnopharmacology and traditional medicines are re-emerging to offer good base as an attractive discovery engine. Approaches based on reverse pharmacology may offer efficient development platforms for herbal formulations. Relevant case studies from India and other countries where such approaches have expedited the drug discovery and development process by reducing time and economizing investments with better safety are discussed.

RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats) markers assay were employed to validate the genetic stability of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) plants multiplied through somatic embryogenesis with upto forty two in vitro subcultures. Out of the 160 RAPD and 21 ISSR primers screened, 30 RAPD and 12 ISSR primers produced a total of 347 (246 RAPDs + 101 ISSRs) clear, distinct and reproducible amplicons, which were monomorphic across all micropropagated plants (27) studied. Thus, a total 8592 bands (number of plants analysed x number of amplicons with all the primers) were generated which exhibited homogeneous banding patterns with both RAPD and ISSR markers. These results indicate that the micropropagation protocol developed by us for rapid in vitro multiplication is appropriate and suitable for clonal propagation of date palm and corroborated the fact that somatic embryogenesis can also be used as one of the safest modes for production of true-to-type plants.

The extract of K. pinnata was evaluated for its wound healing activity by using excision wound model in rats. On day 11, animals treated with the ethanolic leaf extract exhibited 86.33% reduction in the wound area, compared to petroleum jelly treated control (69.36%) and the mupirocin treated standard (85.49%). The hydroxyproline content of extract treated animals was higher, as compared to control and the standard groups. Histological analysis was also consistent with the proposal that K. pinnata leaf extract exhibits significant wound healing potential. The increased rate of wound contraction and hydroxyproline content in the extract treated animals supports the claims made by traditional healers of the benefits obtained from the medicinal use of K. pinnata.

The influence of ambient conditions on the development of Metarhizium anisopliae chlamydospores in tick eggs is reported for the first time. The infection of tick eggs by M. anisopliae involves common events, such as adhesion, conidial germination, appressoria formation, invasion, and development within the eggs. However, the final stage of fungal development differs according to the environmental conditions. At high humidity (close to 100 %) and moderate temperature (25 C) the fungus emerged from the eggs and formed conidiophores and conidia externally on the dead eggs. Elevating the temperature to 30 C or reducing humidity to 55-75 % induced the production of chlamydospores inside the eggs, without conidiogenesis. When eggs with mature chlamydospores were returned to the appropriate conditions (25 C and 100 % RH), conidiogenesis was recovered. Formation of chlamydospores, observed by means of histology and TEM, began with the thickening and septation of hyphae. As the chlamydospore wall thickened a new external undulated wall layer appeared. The mature chlamydospore in eggs has an oval shape (5.3 AE 0.9 mm long, 2.5 AE 0.2 mm wide); its wall comprises three distinct layers. The ability of M. anisopliae to produce chlamydospores under harsh conditions is advantageous and should be considered in application.

Snake bite, a major socio-medical problem of south east asian countries is still depending on the usage of antisera as the one and only source of treatment, which has its own limitations. In India, mostly in rural areas, health centres are inadequate and the snake bite victims mostly depend on traditional healers and herbal antidotes, as an alternative treatment. The present review has been focussed on the varied folk and traditional herbs and their antisnake venom compounds, which might be a stepping stone in establishing the future therapy against snake bite treatment and management.

Wireless technologies are ubiquitous today and the mobile phones are one of the prodigious output of this technology. Although the familiarization and dependency of mobile phones is growing at an alarming pace, the biological effects due to the exposure of radiations have become a subject of intense debate. The present evidence on mobile phone radiation exposure is based on scientific research and public policy initiative to give an overview of what is known of biological effects that occur at radiofrequency (RF)/ electromagnetic fields (EMFs) exposure. The conflict in conclusions is mainly because of difficulty in controlling the affecting parameters. Biological effects are dependent not only on the distance and size of the object (with respect to the object) but also on the environmental parameters. Health endpoints reported to be associated with RF include childhood leukemia, brain tumors, genotoxic effects, neurological effects and neurodegenerative diseases, immune system dereg...

In order to have standardized formulations, the chemical constituents from plants and their parts are required to be uniform both qualitatively and quantitatively. Furthermore, an ever increasing demand of uniform medicinal plants based medicines warrants their mass cloning through plant tissue culture strategy. A good number of medicinal plants have been reported to regenerate in vitro from their various parts, but a critical evaluation of such reports reveals that only a few complete medicinal plants have been regenerated and still fewer have actually been grown in soil, while their micropropagation on a mass scale has rarely been achieved, particularly in those medicinal plants where conventional propagation is inadequate, like, the mass clonal propagation of Dioscorea floribunda leading to its successful field trials. Such facts make it imperative to document the factual position of micropropagation of medicinal plants bringing out the advancements made along with the short falls, in this important area. The present review deals with the futuristic view on the said subject restricted to higher plants.

Heavy metal contamination due to natural and anthropogenic sources is a global environmental concern. Release of heavy metal without proper treatment poses a significant threat to public health because of its persistence, biomagnification and accumulation in food chain. Non-biodegradability and sludge production are the two major constraints of metal treatment. Microbial metal bioremediation is an efficient strategy due to its low cost, high efficiency and ecofriendly nature. Recent advances have been made in understanding metal--microbe interaction and their application for metal accumulation/detoxification. This article summarizes the potentials of microbes in metal remediation.

In order to have standardized formulations, the chemical constituents from plants and their parts are required to be uniform both qualitatively and quantitatively. Furthermore, an ever increasing demand of uniform medicinal plants based medicines warrants their mass cloning through plant tissue culture strategy. A good number of medicinal plants have been reported to regenerate in vitro from their various parts, but a critical evaluation of such reports reveals that only a few complete medicinal plants have been regenerated and still fewer have actually been grown in soil, while their micropropagation on a mass scale has rarely been achieved, particularly in those medicinal plants where conventional propagation is inadequate, like, the mass clonal propagation of Dioscorea floribunda leading to its successful field trials. Such facts make it imperative to document the factual position of micropropagation of medicinal plants bringing out the advancements made along with the short falls, in this important area. The present review deals with the futuristic view on the said subject restricted to higher plants.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays important role in developing several types of cancer especially cervical cancer. In order to understand the viral pathogenesis, the animal model of HPV infection is very necessary. This communication reports establishment of an animal model carrying implanted HeLa cells, a human cervical cancer cell line via dorsal skinfold window chambers. Nude mice were divided into 4 groups; each group contained different amount of HeLa cells, 2.5×10 5 , 5×10 5 , and 1×10 6 cells, and cell free medium (control), respectively. The results showed that even using the low number of HeLa cells (2.5×10 5 ), the tumor microvasculature was developed at 2 weeks after implantation with the enlarged tumor margin which then progressed to tumor mass in the following week. The existing tumor was confirmed to be HeLacell type by PCR, in situ hybridization, and HPV genotyping. By using linear regression analysis, it indicated that means of tumor size from each group significantly increased in relation to number of HeLa cells used (R 2 = 0.98, y = 0.1171x+4.35). This mouse model will be useful for the further HPV studies particularly anti-cancer drugs efficacy.

Aqueous leaf extract of L. speciosa (banaba) effectively decreased the blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice after 15th day of banaba exposure. Further, banaba leaf extract have the potential to inhibit lipid peroxidation and effectively intercept/neutralize reactive oxygen species such as super oxide, H2O2 and NO based free radicals. The aqueous banaba leaf extract (150 mg/kg bodyweight) duly reduced STZ generated reactive intermediates and radical species helping to regulate normal levels of antioxidative markers like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione.

Safety and immunogenicity of Brucella abortus RB51 vaccine has been evaluated in an organised dairy farm in India. All the cattle (n=29) vaccinated with strain RB51 'responded' to the vaccine as demonstrated by iELISA using acetone killed strain RB51 antigen. The percentage responders at day 35, 60 and 90 post vaccination were 100%, 95% and 20%, respectively. Strain RB51 was able to elicit a good IFN-γ response from vaccinated animals. The post-vaccination time point analysis indicated that the cumulative IFN-γ response of whole blood from vaccinates stimulated with heat killed RB51 antigen was elicited in 80% of calves at 60 days post vaccination. Absence of strain RB51 in the secretions and excretion and lack of local or systemic reaction indicated the safety of the vaccine.

Endophytic fungi are a rich source of novel organic compounds with interesting biological activities and a high level of biodiversity. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to isolate, characterize and screen the Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) root fungal endophytic fractions (TRF) for hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. Endophytic fungi from Ocimum sanctum Linn. roots were isolated and cultured aseptically in PDA media. The full fledged grown fungus cultures were fermented in potato dextrose broth and fractionated using ethyl acetate. TRF-1 and TRF-2 were subjected free radical scavenging activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl free radicals and reducing power assay. TRF-1 was found to be potential free radical scavenger with IC 50 values of 71.83 μg/ml for DPPH and 110.85 μg/ml for hydroxyl radical respectively. TRF-1 and TRF-2 were further assessed for hepatoprotective activity in CCl 4 induced hepatotoxicity in-vivo. Results showed that TRF-1 (200 mg/kg p.o.) and TRF-2 (200 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reversed the actions of carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity, as evident by restoration of serum AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, triglycerides and protein level to normal values as compared to CCl 4 treated group. Restoration of altered LPO (p<0.001), GSH (p<0.01) and catalase (p<0.01) by TRF-1 suggests that the hepatoprotective activity may be attributed to its antioxidant action. This was further supported by histopathological studies. TRF-1 was subjected to rDNA sequencing studies by PCR technique. Based on the morphological and molecular characterization, the fungus was identified as Paecilomyces variotti Bain. Therefore, endophytes from medicinal plants represent great potential for the discovery of new pharmacologically active metabolites.

Monitoring of spontaneous and luminophore amplified photon emission (PE) from non-diluted human blood under resting conditions and artificially induced immune reaction revealed that blood is a continuous source of biophotons indicating that it persists in electronically excited state. This state is pumped through generation of electron excitation produced in reactive oxygen species (ROS) reactions. Excited state of blood and of neutrophil suspensions (primary sources of ROS in blood) is an oscillatory one suggesting of interaction between individual sources of electron excitation. Excited state of blood is extremely sensitive to the tiniest fluctuations of external photonic fields but resistant to temperature variations as reflected in hysteresis of PE in response to temperature variations. These data suggest that blood is a highly cooperative non-equilibrium and non-linear system, whose components unceasingly interact in time and space. At least in part this property is provided by...

Wound healing activity of methanolic extract of leaves of Alternanthera brasiliana Kuntz was studied by excision and incision wound model (in vivo) in Sprague Dawley rats and by Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model (In vitro) in 9 day old embryonated chicken eggs. In excision wound model, compared to the control group, per cent contraction of wound was significantly higher in A. brasiliana (5% w/w ointment) treated group. In incision wound model, tensile strength of the healing tissue after treatment with A. brasiliana was found to be significantly higher compared to the control group indicating better wound healing activity of the test plant. These findings were also confirmed by histopathological examination. The extract also promoted angiogenesis as evidenced by CAM model. The results suggested that methanolic extract of A. brasiliana possess significant wound healing potential in normal wound.

A new spectrophotometric method was developed for the quantification of potassium in the culture broth supernatant of K-solubilizing bacteria. The standard curve of potassium with the new method, which is based on the measurement of cobalt, showed a regression coefficient (R 2 ) of 0.998. The quantification values of potassium obtained with flame photometric method and the newly developed method showed a significant correlation (r) of 0.978. The new method depends on the precipitation of sodium cobaltinitrite with solubilized potassium in liquid medium as potassium sodium cobaltinitrite, which develops bluish green colour by the addition of conc. HCl. The intensity of developed colour can be recorded at 623 nm. This method involves less number of steps, is easy and time saving, and can be used for the reliable estimation of available potassium in culture broth supernatant of K-solubilizing bacteria

Present study was carried out to investigate the possible neuroprotective effect of pioglitazone, an antidiabetic agent, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist on acute phase changes in mice model of cerebral ischemia induced by Bilateral Common Carotid artery Occlusion (BCCAO). BCCAO model was used to induce partial global cerebral ischemia. BCCAO induced significant brain infarct size and edema in saline treated control group along with high increase in oxidative stress showed by increase lipid peroxidation and decreased levels of antioxidants like superoxide superoxide dismutage, catalase, glutathione peroxidase. Pioglitazone (20 mg/kg, orally) administration showed neuroprotective effects by reducing cerebral infarct size significantly as compared to control group. Postischemic seizure susceptibility was also reduced as number of positive responders decreased to a significant number. Brain edema was subsided to a significant level. Pioglitazone reduced the plasma TNFα levels as compared to ischemia group significantly. Pioglitazone treatment also improved all the antioxidants levels showing activity against oxidative stress induced by BCCAO. Pioglitazone showed neuroprotection against ischemic insult suggesting the role of PPAR γ agonist in neuroprotective agents.

A proximo-distal gradient of reduced glutathione (GSH), a non enzymatic antioxidant was observed in the original tails of the lizard, H. leschenaultii. In the regenerating tails, a gradual increase in the level of GSH was noted with tail elongation. In the newly regenerated tails also the level of GSH remained higher in the proximal part than the corresponding distal parts.

An in vitro propagation protocol using mature seeds of D. membranaceus was successfully established. Scarcity of seeds in bamboos because of their long flowering periods and irregular seed set resulting in low viability and germination potential, motivated us to undertake the present study. The effects of sterilants, light conditions, exogenous application of plant growth regulators and temperature in overcoming germination barriers in ageing seeds of bamboo were studied. It was found that HgCl2 (0.1%) along with bleach (15%) was more effective in raising aseptic cultures. Dark conditions, high temperatures around 30 degrees C and soaking of seeds in GA3 solution (50 ppm) overnight stimulated high percent of seed germination with corresponding increase in shoot length (2.7 +/- 0.7 mm) and number of sprouts (2.1 +/- 0.7) per explants during culture initiation. 6-benzylaminopurine acted synergistically with kinetin to give optimum germination rate of 70 +/- 13.9% as compared to 63.13%...

A bioactive compound with antibacterial activity was isolated and purified from the extract of leaves of sunflower, Helianthus annuus. The bioactive compound was characterized using 1H and 13C NMR. The compound induced auxin, gibberellins and cytokinin in Oryza sativa and Phaseolus mungo. It also showed activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

DNA markers are being increasingly used in studies related to population genetics and conservation biology of endangered species. DNA isolation for such studies requires a source of biological material that is easy to collect, non-bulky and reliable. Further, the sampling strategies based on non-invasive procedures are desirable, especially for the endangered fish species. In view of above, a rapid DNA extraction method from fish scales has been developed with the use of a modified lysis buffer that require about 2 hr duration. This methodology is non-invasive, less expensive and reproducible with high efficiency of DNA recovery. The DNA extracted by this technique, have been found suitable for performing restriction enzyme digestion and PCR amplification. Therefore, the present DNA extraction procedure can be used as an alternative technique in population genetic studies pertaining to endangered fish species. The technique was also found equally effective for DNA isolation from fre...

Aedes aegypti mosquito is one of the most notorious vectors of dangerous diseases like dengue hemorrhagic fever and chikangunya. One method of control of the vectors is by the use of semiochemicals or pheromones. The pheromone n-heneicosane (C21) has been proved to be effective in attracting the female Aedes aegypti to lay eggs in the treated water and the growth of the larva is controlled by insect growth regulator diflubenzuron (DB). This study was planned to assess the safety of C21 alone and the combination with DB. Acute toxicity tests were carried out using two doses, viz., 1600 and 3200 mg/kg and two routes of exposure oral and intra-peritoneal. Dermal toxicity test was carried out in both male and female rats at the dose of 3200 mg/kg. Primary skin irritation test was carried out in rabbits. Sub-acute (90 days) dermal toxicity studies in male and female rats at the dose of 1 and 2 mg/kg via the per-cutaneous route were also studied. Sub-acute (90 days) toxicity test through ...

Hepatoprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Luffa acutangula (HAELA) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats was evaluated and probable mechanism(s) of action has been suggested. Administration of standard drug-silymarin and HAELA showed significant hepatoprotection against CCl 4 and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Hepatoprotective activity of HAELA was due to the decreased levels of serum marker enzymes viz., (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) and increased total protein including the improvement in histoarchitecture of liver cells of the treated groups as compared to the control group. HAELA also showed significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, increased activity of non-enzymatic intracellular antioxidant, glutathione and enzymatic antioxidants, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Results of this study demonstrated that endogenous antioxidants and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of membrane contribute to hepatoprotective activity of HAELA.

Sorghum is one of the commercially feasible lignocellulosic biomass and has a great potential of being sustainable feedstock for renewable energy. As with any lignocellulosic biomass, sorghum also requires pretreatment which increases its susceptibility to hydrolysis by enzymes for generating sugars which can be further fermented to alcohol. In the present study, sorghum biomass was evaluated for deriving maximum fermentable sugars by optimizing various pretreatment parameters using statistical optimization methods. Pretreatment studies were done with H2SO4, followed by enzymatic saccharification. The efficiency of the process was evaluated on the basis of production of the total reducing sugars released during the process. Compositional analysis was done for native as well as pretreated biomass and compared. The biomass pretreated with the optimized conditions could yield 0.408 g of reducing sugars /g of pretreated biomass upon enzymatic hydrolysis. The cellulose content in the sol...

Plantain banana (M. sapientum var. paradisiaca, MS) has been shown to possess ulcer healing activity. The present work with plantain banana was undertaken with the premise that the drug promoting ulcer healing could have effect on wound healing also. Wound healing activity of MS was studied in terms of (i) percent wound contraction, epithelization period and scar area; (ii) wound breaking strength and (iii) on granulation tissue antioxidant status [estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH), free radical (lipid peroxidation, an indicator of tissue damage) and connective tissue formation and maturation (hexuronic acid, hydroxyproline and hexosamine levels)] in excision, incision and dead space wound models respectively. The rats were given graded doses (50-200 mg/kg/day) of aqueous (MSW) and methanolic (MSE) extracts of MS orally for a period of 10-21 days depending upon the type of study. Both extracts (100 mg/kg) when studied for incision and dead space ...

Superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid, glutathione and uric acid levels were decreased and xanthine oxidase, glutathione-s-transferase activities were increased in alcohol treated (2 g/kg body weight, once daily for 30 days) group. However, treatment with ethanolic extract of ginger (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg body weight, po, once daily for 30 days) these parameters came to normalcy showing the antioxidant effect of ginger. The antioxidant compounds of ginger may modulate the oxidative stress parameters. The biochemical findings were supplemented by histopathological examination of the kidney. Severe congestion and degenerative changes in tubules in alcohol treated rats were restored by ginger extract treatment. The results confirm the renal protective effect of ginger in alcohol treated rats.

The inducible transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) plays a central role in regulation of many immune, inflammatory and carcinogenic responses. While normal activation of NF-kappaB is required for cell survival and immunity, aberrant regulation of NF-kappaB leads to development of many pathological states especially those involved in acute inflammation. Recent advances in our knowledge of the signaling mechanisms those control the activation of NF-kappaB highlights the intriguing aspect of NF-kappaB regulation, namely the ability of many different signal transduction pathways originating from a wide variety of inducing mechanisms to converge on a single target, the NF-kappaB/IkappaB complex. In this review we summarize our current understanding of the NF-kappaB signaling pathways, their role in various cellular responses and the potential of using NF-kappaB as a therapeutic target in modern medicine.

Chronic feeding of carcinogens p-dimethylamino azobenzene (initiator) and phenobarbital (promoter) for 90 and 120 days elevated activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases, levels of blood glucose and cortisol and decreased the activities of glutathione reductase, succinate dehydrogenase, and blood cholesterol and hemoglobin contents, and levels of serum estradiol and testosterone in mice. Levels of these biomarkers in both liver and spleen tissues were positively altered along with a significant reduction of tumor incidence in liver of carcinogen intoxicated mice treated with spore extract of Lycopodium clavatum. The results validate the use of this plant extract in complementary and alternative medicines against hepato-toxicity.

Melatonin is secreted only during night, irrespective of the habitat of an organism and the site of its synthesis and secretion, and hence known as "darkness hormone". Elevated melatonin levels reflect the nighttime. In vertebrates, the main site of melatonin production is the pineal gland. Species in which melatonin is also secreted from sources other than the pineal, as in some birds, relative contributions of different melatonin producing tissues to the blood melatonin level can vary from species to species. Melatonin acts through its receptors, which are members of the G protein-coupled (GPCR) superfamily. Three melatonin receptors subtypes MT1 (mel1a), MT2 (mel1b), and MT3 (mel1c) have been identified in different brain areas and other body organs of vertebrates. Melatonin synthesis and secretion are circadianly rhythmic. Changes and differences in specific features of melatonin signal can vary among species, and under a variety of natural environmental conditions. Two major physiological roles of melatonin are established in vertebrates. First, melatonin is involved in the circadian system regulated behavioural and physiological functions. Second, it is critical for the photoperiodic system. Besides, melatonin has been implicated in various ways both directly and indirectly to human health, including jet lag, sleep, immune system and cancer.

Till date knowledge regarding the effects of high dietary magnesium on thyroid gland is incomprehensive though certain epidemiological studies reported development of thyroid gland dysfunctions in people with chronic exposure to hard water (especially with high magnesium) despite sufficient iodine consumption. The present study is to explore the effects of chronic high dietary magnesium exposure on thyroid morphology and functional status. Male adult albino Wistar strain rats were treated with graded doses of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4; 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g %) for 60 days and changes in different thyroid parameters were investigated. Significantly stimulated thyroid peroxidase and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and altered idothyronine 5&#39;-deiodinase type I activities, enhanced serum thyroxine (T4) (both total and free), total triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone with decreased free T3 levels and T3/T4 ratio (T3:T4) along with enlargement of thyroid with associated histopatholog...

Immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of Achillea wilhelmsii (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 5 days) was evaluated on body weight, relative organ weight, delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response and haemagglutination titre (HT) in female Swiss albino mice. No significant body weight gain differences were recorded in various groups of animals. Significant increase in relative organ weight of spleen at 100 mg/kg was observed. No elevation in the levels of liver function test (LFT) enzymes and kidney relative weight was observed in tested doses of the plant. The extract of A. wilhelmsii elicited a significant increase in the DTH response at the dose of 100 mg/kg. In the HT test, plant extract showed stimulatory effect in all doses, however this changes were significant at 50 mg/kg. No mortality was occurred in tested doses. Overall, A. wilhelmsii showed a stimulatory effect on both humoral and cellular immune functions in mice.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by various species of Leishmania, a unicellular kinetoplastid protozoan flagellate. It manifests mainly in 3 clinical forms; visceral leishmaniasis (VL), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), of which VL is the most severe form of the disease. VL is lethal if untreated and spontaneous cure is extremely rare. Cutaneous leishmaniasis usually has milder course and often results into a self-healing of ulcers. Resolution of leishmanial infection is dependent on the coordinated interactions between components of cell mediated immune response, specifically the activation of targeted T-cell populations for appropriate cytokine production and activation of macrophages. In murine model, the development of Thl response is associated with control of infection, and Th2 response is associated with disease progression. However, Th1 and Th2 dichotomy in the human system is not as distinct as in mice and the murine model does ...

Convincing evidence supports a role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. The model includes the formation of radical oxygen species (ROS) and the misassembly and aggregation of proteins when three tiers of cellular defence are insufficient: (a) direct antioxidative systems, (b) molecular damage repairing systems, and (c) compensatory chaperone synthesis. The aim of the present overview is to introduce (a) the basics of free radical and antioxidant metabolism, (b) the role of the protein quality control system in protecting cells from free radical damage and its relation to chronic diseases, (c) the basics of the ultraweak luminescence as marker of the oxidant status of biological systems, and (d) the research in human photon emission as a non-invasive marker of oxidant status in relation to chronic diseases. In considering the role of free radicals in disease, both their generation and their control by the antioxidant system are part of the story. Exces...