Mitochondrial fusion and Bid-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis are perturbed by alcohol with distinct dependence on its metabolism

Environmental stressors like ethanol (EtOH) commonly target mitochondria to influence the cell’s fate. Recent literature supports that chronic EtOH exposure suppresses mitochondrial dynamics, central to quality control, and sensitizes mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening to promote cell death. EtOH-induced tissue injury is primarily attributed to its toxic metabolic products but alcoholism also impairs tissues that poorly metabolize EtOH. We embarked on studies to determine the respective roles of EtOH and its metabolites in mitochondrial fusion and tBid-induced mitochondrial apoptosis. We used HepG2 cells that do not metabolize EtOH and its engineered clone that expresses EtOH-metabolizing Cytochrome P450 E2 and alcohol dehydrogenase (VL-17A cells). We found that fusion impairment by prolonged EtOH exposure was prominent in VL-17A cells, probably owing to reactive oxygen species increase in the mitochondrial matrix. There was no change in fusion protein abundance, mitochondrial membrane potential or Ca2+ uptake. By contrast, prolonged EtOH exposure promoted tBid-induced outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and cell death only in HepG2 cells, owing to enhanced Bak oligomerization. Thus, mitochondrial fusion inhibition by EtOH is dependent on its metabolites, whereas sensitization to tBid-induced death is mediated by EtOH itself. This difference is of pathophysiological relevance because of the tissue-specific differences in EtOH metabolism. © 2018, The Author(s)

Implications of hybrid vigour, combining ability and per se performance in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

Three CGMS lines were crossed with 17 testers in a line × tester design during Kharif 2013 and sufficient number of hand pollinated seeds was produced. The resultant 51 hybrids along with their 20 parents and standard check variety (Maruti) were evaluated in RBD design with two replications. Combining ability analysis evinced predominance of non-additive gene effects for 7 characters indicating relevance of heterosis breeding for improving yield attributes. The gca effects of parents revealed that ICPA-2043, GRG-2009, GRG-2009-2, LAXMI, LRG-41 and JKM-197 were good general combiners for seed yield and it’s direct components. The estimates of sca effects revealed that 11 experimental hybrids had significant, desirable and positive sca effects for seed yield/plant. Among these, three best crosses were selected on the basis of per se performance for ascertaining their association with sca effects of seed yield per plant and its attributes. The investigation identified the good general combiners (ICPA -2043, GRG-2009, GRG-2009-2, LAXMI, LRG-41 and JKM-197) and promising crosses (ICPA-2043 X GRG-2009-2, ICPA-2047 X GRG-2OO9 and ICPA-2043 X ICPL-288) showing high mean and significant positive sca effects involved high × high gca effects of parents. These parental combinations may be used in breeding program for exploitation of hybrid vigour

Interpretation of genotype x environment interaction and stability analysis for grain yield of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Fourteen pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) genotypes were evaluated for their yield performance at two locations during kharif season of 2009-10 and 2010-11. A significant genotypic difference for yield character was observed. Highly significant genotype–environment interaction indicated differential response of the genotypes to the environmental changes. The stability analysis showed significance of linear component of variation for grain yield. The genotypes TJT-501 (1728.667Kg/Ha) and GRG-2009-3 (1570.000 Kg/Ha) exhibited low meanperformance along with regression value nearer to unity (bi=1) and non significant deviation from regression (S2 di=0) indicating, the high stability and wider adaptability across the different environments. The genotype ICPH-2671 (3134.833 Kg/Ha) exhibited highest mean value and regression value (bi>1) and non significant deviation (S2 di < 0). But genotypes JKM-197 (3072.667 Kg/ha), GRG-2009 (29993.167 Kg/ha), TS-3R (2823.333 Kg / Ha) and ICP-8863 (2740.417 Kg/Ha) exhibited high mean performance but higher regression value (bi>1) and significant deviation (S2 di < 0) value indicating adapted for high performance environments showing these genotypes are sensitive to environments and give maximum yield when inputs are not limited

G x E Interaction and path analysis for yield and its attributing traits in advanced genotypes of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

The present investigation was carried out during kharif-2012, 2013 and 2014 under rain fed condition at the Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi located in north eastern dry zone (Zone 2) of Karnataka, to know the stability and path analysis of the twenty genotypes of pigeonpea including check WRP-1. Highly significant differences among genotypes were observed for all the characters except primary branches. Environmental + (Genotype × Environment) interaction was significant for days to maturity, primary branch, pod bearing length, and seed yield per plant. The variance due to pooled deviation was highly significant for all the characters except for primary branches, pod length and number of seeds per pod which reflect the presence of sufficient genetic variability in the material. Out of 20 genotypes studied, RVK-275 (X=38.713, bi=1.7 and S2di = -9.67) and AKT-9913 (X =43.397, bi=2.86 and S2di= -7.42) were found to be a stable for seed yield and test weight, across the environments with good stability under rain fed conditions compared to local check. Path analysis revealed that days to flower initiation (3.942 and 1.123), days to maturity (1.493 and 0.960), primary branches (0.667 and 0.045), pod bearing length (1.153 and 0.394), number of pods per plant (0.661 and 0.463) and 100 seed weight (0.352 and 0.426) had the highest positive direct effect on grain yield both at genotypic and phenotypic level. For maximizing the grain yield per plant emphasis should be given in selection of such characters for further improvement in pigeonpea

Assessment of per se performance, combining ability, hybrid vigour and reaction to major diseases in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

An experiment was carried out using seven cytoplasmic-genetic male sterile (CGMS) lines as females and seven diversified testers as males in a line × tester design. The analysis of variance for parents, females x males, hybrids and parents vs hybrids showed significant differences for almost all characters studied indicating the presence of sufficient variability among parents. Analysis of variance for combining ability revealed that mean squares due to females and line x tester interaction were significant for most of the characters. Thereby it is suggested that the variation in hybrids in respect of seed yield may be strongly influenced by the female lines. Analysis of variance revealed that the ratio of variance due to GCA to SCA was less than unity for all the characters indicating that these traits may be under the influence of non additive gene action and these characters are more likely to be improved through heterosis breeding. The gca effects of parents revealed that ICPA-2043, ICPA-2047, ICPA-2078, AKT-9913, BDN-2 and GRG-811 were good general combiners for seed yield and it’s direct compo-nents. The top three crosses exhibiting high specific combing ability effects along with their Per se performance, standard heterosis and gca status of the parents indicated that the cross combinations ICPA-2092 x GRG-811, ICPA-2043 x ICP-7035 and ICPA-2047 x RVKP-261 were good specific combiners for seed yield. These parental combinations are being used for exploitation of hybrid vigour. The good general combiners (ICPA-2043, ICPA-2047, ICPA-2078, AKT-9913, BDN-2 and GRG-811) and promising crosses viz. ICPA-2047 x GRG-811 and ICPA-2047 x BDN-2 were resistant for SMD and Fusarium wilt diseases, having high mean performance, positive sca effects for seed yield were identified from the present investigation and these may be useful in future breeding program

Correlation and path analysis in recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of wheat (Trticum aestivum L.)

Correlation and path coefficient analysis were studied in 22 heat tolerant Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) of wheat. Analysis of variance revealed the significant difference among genotypes for all the characters. Suggested that there was ample scope for selection of promising RILs for yield improvement. A wide range of variability was exhibited by most of the traits. The results of correlation studies indicated that genotypic correlation coefficients were higher in magnitude than their corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients for all the traits which indicated that association among these characters was under genetic control and indicating the preponderance of genetic variance in expression of characters. Grain yield per plant had high, significant and positive association with number of grains per spike, spike weight, spike length, canopy temperature depression, tillers per plant, grain filling period and chlorophyll content both at genotypic and phenotypic levels indicating that these traits were main yield attributing traits. Path analysis revealed that grains per spike, tillers per plant, spike length, had the highest positive direct effect on grain yield followed by flag leaf length, flag leaf width, days 50% heading, plant height, grain filling period, membrane stability and days to maturity at genotypic level. The selection of characters such as grains per spike, tillers per plant, spike length and spike weight would be helpful for further improvement in RILs of wheat

Evaluation of anti-obesity activities of ethanolic extract of Terminalia paniculata bark on high fat diet-induced obese rats

Background: The prevalence and severity of obesity and associated co-morbidities are rapidly increasing across the world. Natural products-based drug intervention has been proposed as one of the crucial strategies for management of obesity ailments. This study was designed to investigate the anti-obesity activities of ethanolic extract of Terminalia paniculata bark (TPEE) on high fat diet-induced obese rats. Methods: LC-MS/MS analysis was done for ethanolic extract of T. paniculata bark. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups of six each, normal diet fed (NC), high fat diet-fed (HFD), HFD+ orlistat (standard drug control) administered, and remaining three groups were fed with HFD + TPEE in different doses (100,150 and 200 mg/kg b. wt). For induction of obesity rats were initially fed with HFD for 9 weeks, then, (TPEE) was supplemented along with HFD for 42 days. Changes in body weight, body composition, blood glucose, insulin, tissue and serum lipid profiles, atherogenic index, liver markers, and expression of adipogenesis-related genes such as leptin, adiponectin, FAS, PPARgamma, AMPK-1alpha and SREBP-1c, were studied in experimental rats. Also, histopathological examination of adipose tissue was carried out. Results: Supplementation of TPEE reduced significantly (P < 0.05) body weight, total fat, fat percentage, atherogenic index, blood glucose, insulin, lipid profiles and liver markers in HFD-fed groups, in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of adipogenesis-related genes such as Leptin, FAS, PPARgamma, and SREBP-1c were down regulated while Adiponectin and AMPK-1alpha were up regulated in TPEE + HFD-fed rats. Furthermore, histopathological examination of adipose tissue revealed the alleviating effect of TPEE which is evident by reduced size of adipocytes. Conclusions: Together, the biochemical, histological and molecular studies unambiguously demonstrate the potential anti adipogenic and anti obesity activities of TPEE promoting it as a formidable candidate to develop anti obesity drug

Trans-osseous intraoperative limb length measurement in hip replacement surgery

Background: Discrepancy of the limb length following total hip replacement is one of common complication. To reduce the occurrence, various modalities are used like pre-operative templating, navigation assisted measurements and intraoperative methods. This study was done using trans-osseous method of measurement using hip gauge which provides a faster, simpler assessment of limb length.Methods: A prospective study of 25 patients who underwent uncemented hip arthroplasty was taken in the study and the LLD was measured before and after the surgical procedure. Patient were re-assessed for limb length discrepancy after 6 months with functional Harris hip score and radiological analysis on weight bearing standard X-ray antero-posterior view of the pelvis with bilateral hip joint.Results: The results showed significant improvement in limb length discrepancy, and analysis of postoperative radiographs found the mean length difference of 2.44 mm and average Harris hip score was 95.5. No device related complications were reported, and none of them complained of the discomfort related to limb-length discrepancy after surgery. Conclusions: Trans-osseous fixed method using hip gauge provides a faster, reproducible and simpler method for the assessment of Limb length and aids with offset placement, acetabular anteversion for precise cup placement. This is a reliable method as it can be used both in the primary and revision hip surgery and most importantly doesn’t require any additional intraoperative imaging

Arthroscopic management of neglected complex knee injury

Meyers and mckeevers type IV comminuted pattern of avulsion fracture of the anterior tibial eminence is not an uncommon injury, however its association with root avulsions of lateral and medial meniscus is very rare combination of injury and the management of the neglected case of this complex knee injury is challenging. A 43-year-old gentleman who came with a history of pain, recurrent instability, locking of his right knee for 2 weeks with restricted activity of daily living. He also had a road traffic accident 5 years ago. He was evaluated clinically, radiologically by X Rays and MRI Scan which revealed complete tear of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with loose fragments, root tear anterior horn lateral meniscus and posterior horn tear with posterior root avulsion of the medial meniscus. He was managed with arthroscopic removal of large loose body with other loose bony fragments, ACL Reconstruction with hamstring autograft, anterior root repair of lateral meniscus with pull out sutures, with all inside repair of posterior horn tear of medial meniscus using fast-fix 360 device (Smith and Nephew, Andover, MA). At 4 years follow-up the patient was analysed clinically, and the functional outcome was measured with international knee documentation committee (IKDC) and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) Scoring system which showed good outcome. Patient has returned to his pre-injury activity level with no limitation of his activity of daily living. There is no set protocol of managing these kinds of neglected complex knee injury. Sometimes you need to think out of the box. A thorough knowledge of anatomy and pathomechanics of knee combined with appropriate technique of repair to save the meniscus and reconstruction of ACL and rehabilitation can yield good result