Restoration of uterine redox-balance by methanolic extract of Camellia sinensis in arsenicated rats

Arsenic, an environmental and industrial pollutant causes female reproductive disturbances and female infertility. Several researchers found that the use of Camellia sinensis (CS) (green tea) is effective as an alternative therapeutic strategy in the management of several health ailments. This study explores the role of CS extract against arsenic-induced rat uterine tissue damage. Methanolic extract of CS (10 mg/kg BW) was tested concomitantly in arsenic-treated (10 mg/kg BW) rats for a duration of two-oestrous cycle length (8 days). CS effectively attenuated arsenic-induced antioxidantdepletion and necrosis in uterine tissue. Rats treated with sodium arsenite showed significantly reduced activities of enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in uterine tissue as evidenced by the results of spectrophotometric and electrozymographic analysis. Co-administration of CS significantly reversed the above oxidative stress markers in uterine tissue along with the histopathological changes in ovarian and uterine tissue. Moreover, an increase in the level of transcription factor NF-κB in the uterine tissue in association with reduced serum levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid were mitigated in arsenic fed rats following CS co-administration

Gamma ray radiation induced absorption in Ti doped single mode optical fibres at low dose levels

Induced loss due to optical absorption of single mode optical fibres doped with TiO2 and GeO2 + TiO2 in the silica core glass matrix under Co-60 gamma radiation has been studied at different dose rates in the range of 5-10 Gy/h at 1310 nm transmission wavelength for evaluation of their radiation response behaviour. The radiation sensitivity of the fibres due to induced optical absorption of Ti3+ related colour centers shows considerable variation with Ti content in SiO2 and SiO2 + GeO2 host glass matrix of the core, fibre design and operating wavelength. The maximum sensitivity in visible region was observed at 540 nm absorption wavelength. The recovery nature as well as the effect of photobleaching and thermobleaching phenomena have also been investigated. The high radiation sensitivity along with linear response behaviour, low recovery and almost dose rate independent behaviour of the material system of TiO2 doped SiO2 and TiO2 doped SiO2-GeO2 core optical fibres under gamma radiation show their capability for application as fibre optic radiation senso

The PPAR α/γ Agonist Saroglitazar Improves Insulin Resistance and Steatohepatitis in a Diet Induced Animal Model of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract Insulin resistance and hepatic lipid accumulation constitute the metabolic underpinning of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We tested the hypothesis that saroglitazar, a PPAR α/γ agonist would improve NASH in the diet-induced animal model of NAFLD. Mice received chow diet and normal water (CDNW) or high fat western diet and ad lib sugar water (WDSW). After 12 weeks, WDSW fed mice were randomized to receive (1) WDSW alone, (2) WDSW + vehicle, (3) WDSW + pioglitazone or (4) WDSW + saroglitazar for an additional 12 weeks. Compared to mice on WDSW and vehicle controls, mice receiving WDSW + saroglitazar had lower weight, lower HOMA-IR, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and ALT. Saroglitazar improved steatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning and fibrosis stage. NASH resolved in all mice receiving saroglitazar. These effects were at par with or superior to pioglitazone. Molecular analyses confirmed target engagement and reduced oxidative stress, unfolded protein response and fibrogenic signaling. Transcriptomic analysis further confirmed increased PPAR-target expression and an anti-inflammatory effect with saroglitazar. Lipidomic analyses demonstrated that saroglitazar also reduced triglycerides, diglycerides, sphingomyelins and ceramides. These preclinical data provide a strong rationale for developing saroglitazar for the treatment of NASH in humans

ZRC3308 Monoclonal Antibody Cocktail Shows Protective Efficacy in Syrian Hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 Infection

We have developed a monoclonal antibody (mAb) cocktail (ZRC-3308) comprising of ZRC3308-A7 and ZRC3308-B10 in the ratio 1:1 for COVID-19 treatment. The mAbs were designed to have reduced immune effector functions and increased circulation half-life. mAbs showed good binding affinities to non-competing epitopes on RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and were found neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, B.1.617.2, and B.1.617.2 AY.1 in vitro. The mAb cocktail demonstrated effective prophylactic and therapeutic activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection in Syrian hamsters. The antibody cocktail appears to be a promising candidate for prophylactic use and for therapy in early COVID-19 cases that have not progressed to severe disease