ALTERATIONS OF LIPID PROFILE LEVELS IN 7,12-DIMETHYLBENZ(A)ANTHRACENE INDUCED ULCERATIVE COLITIS RAT MODEL

Objective: Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by intestinal inflammation and mucosal tissue damage. We examined the lipid profile levels in murine model of 7,12 Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced ulcerative colitis.Methods: Serum was separated from whole blood and was used to determine the lipid profile such as total cholesterol (TC), phospholipids (PL), triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids, high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein (HDL-C).Results: Ulcerative colitis rats exhibit low level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol. No significant difference was observed in high density lipoprotein and triglycerides and significant difference was observed in phospholipids and free fatty acid serum levels. This communication highlights the lipid profile that occurs in ulcerative colitis.Conclusion: This study, thus, provides valuable information about the disturbances in the lipids and lipoproteins occur in ulcerative colitis.Keywords: Ulcerative colitis, 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene, Lipoprotein, Low-density lipoprotein, Phospholipids

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF LEONOTIS NEPETIFOLIA (L) R.BR - A SHORT REVIEW

Leonotis nepetifolia (L) R.Br commonly known as Lion’s ear, has number of therapeutic properties and is also known as Christmas candlestic. The genus Leonotis has 12 species widely distributed in Pan Tropics and is represented by one species, Leonotis nepetifolia in India. It belongs to family Lamiaceae. Leonotis nepetifolia is an economically important medicinal plant of repute in Indian traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. The Ayurvedic name of the plant is Granthiparni, while the trade name is Barchi Buti. It has many therapeutic properties and proved in Madagascar, Brazil, Canada, Kenya and many African Countries to treat diseases, rheumatism, dysmenorrhoea, bronchial asthma, fever, diarrhoea influenza and malaria and is also an analgesic. The decoction of the leaves is used to treat coughs, burns and skin ailments. The whole plant is used for menstrual pain and unspecified female complaints. This plant exhibited various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant activity, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, wound healing, hepatoprotective activity and antimicrobial activities. Phytochemical examination of this plant indicated the presence of alkaloids (leonurine and stachydrene), iridoid glycoside (leonuride), iridoid glycosides (leonurin and leonuridine), diterpenoids (leocardin), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, hyperoside, apigenin), volatile oil, tannins and vitamin A. Leonotis nepetifolia is highly therapeutic and is used in various Ayurvedic formulations. This article briefly reviews the pharmacological and various therapeutic aspect of Leonotis nepetifolia

Computational studies on new Leishmanial drug targets against Quercetin

Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania parasite which resides in the infected sand flies. Control of Leishmaniasis remains a source of grave concern worldwide. Studies on Leishmaniasis triggered because of its outbreak in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, East Africa and South America. There is an urgent need for new therapeutic interventions such as vaccine and new drug targets as it develops resistance towards the available drugs. Quercetin, a derivative of polyphenolic flavonoid exhibits various biological activities by interacting with proteins and nucleic acids. In this study, computational analysis was performed to identify the potential drug target of Quercetin in Leishmania species by molecular docking. The newly predicted targets were subjected for subcellular localization prediction and determined the protein-protein interaction networks that would aid in the development of anti-Leishmanial drugs. This study helps in the identification of targets and development of anti-Leishmanial drugs

A novel Ag/Carrageenan-gelatin hybrid hydrogel nanocomposite and its biological applications : preparation and characterization

A novel biohybrid hydrogel nanocomposite made of natural polymer carrageenan and gelatin protein were developed. The silver nanoparticles were prepared using the carrageenan polymer as reduction and capping agent. Here, the Ag/Carrageenan was combined with gelatin hydrogel using glutaraldehyde having a cross-link role in order to create the biohybrid hydrogel nanocomposite. The manufactured composite performances were anaylised by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) methods. The swelling behaviour of the Ag/Carrageenan-gelatin hybrid hydrogel nanocomposite was also analyzed. The antibacterial activity was tested against human pathogens viz. S.agalactiae 1661, S. pyogenes 1210 and E. coli. The bacterial cell wall damage of S.agalactiae 1661 was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The cytotoxic assay was performed against the A549 lung cancer cells

Conformational Dynamics of Single pre-mRNA Molecules During \u3cem\u3eIn Vitro\u3c/em\u3e Splicing

The spliceosome is a complex small nuclear RNA (snRNA)-protein machine that removes introns from pre-mRNAs via two successive phosphoryl transfer reactions. The chemical steps are isoenergetic, yet splicing requires at least eight RNA-dependent ATPases responsible for substantial conformational rearrangements. To comprehensively monitor pre-mRNA conformational dynamics, we developed a strategy for single-molecule FRET (smFRET) that uses a small, efficiently spliced yeast pre-mRNA, Ubc4, in which donor and acceptor fluorophores are placed in the exons adjacent to the 5′ and 3′ splice sites. During splicing in vitro, we observed a multitude of generally reversible time-and ATP-dependent conformational transitions of individual pre-mRNAs. The conformational dynamics of branchpoint and 3′-splice site mutants differ from one another and from wild type. Because all transitions are reversible, spliceosome assembly appears to be occurring close to thermal equilibrium

Computational Prediction of Host-Parasite Protein Interactions between P. falciparum and H. sapiens

To obtain candidates of interactions between proteins of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and the human host, homologous and conserved interactions were inferred from various sources of interaction data. Such candidate interactions were assessed by applying a machine learning approach and further filtered according to expression and molecular characteristics, enabling involved proteins to indeed interact. The analysis of predicted interactions indicated that parasite proteins predominantly target central proteins to take control of a human host cell. Furthermore, parasite proteins utilized their protein repertoire in a combinatorial manner, providing a broad connection to host cellular processes. In particular, several prominent pathways of signaling and regulation proteins were predicted to interact with parasite chaperones. Such a result suggests an important role of remodeling proteins in the interaction interface between the human host and the parasite. Identification of such molecular strategies that allow the parasite to take control of the host has the potential to deepen our understanding of the parasite specific remodeling processes of the host cell and illuminate new avenues of disease intervention

Pharmacognostical Studies On Stem Bark Of Thevetia Neriifolia Juss

Pharmacognostical studies were carried out on the stem bark of Thevetia neriifolia Juss. which showed rhytidoma with suberized cork, cortex, starch grains, prism of calcium oxalate crystals, lignified stone cells, secondary phloem with medullary rays. Physicochemical parameters such as water and alcohol soluble extractive values were found to be 20 % and 21.6 % w/w for the stem bark. The total ash value, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash were found to be 7 %, 1.6 % and 2.5 % w/w respectively. The loss on drying (12 % w/w) was also determined

ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANT AND MYELOPEROXIDASE LEVELS IN 7, 12-DIMETHYLBENZ [A] ANTHRACENE INDUCED EXPERIMENTAL RAT MODEL: EVIDENCE FOR OXIDATIVE DAMAGE IN ACTIVE ULCERATIVE COLITIS.

Objective: Ulcerative colitis known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of unknown etiology. We examined the antioxidant and myeloperoxidase status in a murine model of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene induced colitis to elucidate the exact mechanism behind the inflammation.Methods: Male Wistar rats were exposed to ulcerative colitis using various concentration of DMBA (7,12-Dimethylbenz[A]anthracene) were periodically analysed on 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th and 32nd week from the date of induction. To determine the disease activity index changes in body weight, food consumption, the presence of gross blood in stool and consistency of feces and diarrhea were observed. Macroscopic characters were elucidated based on clinical features of the colon and rectum using scoring pattern. Tissue inflammation status was noted through myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. The antioxidant status in tissue samples was analysed by superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total reduced glutathione (GSH).Results: Gavage intubation of DMBA induced colitis showed significant changes from 4th week and severity on 32nd week. The body weight was gradually reduced. Macroscopic scoring showed severe scoring pattern the inflammation was significantly heavier by week 4; and by the end of 32 w, inflammation in rats was double that of the controls, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity showed the steady increase of neutrophil infiltration and inflammation rate every week. A significant change was noted in tissue antioxidant status and it showed the oxidation level. Statistically, significant change was recorded from 4th week till 32nd week.Conclusion: The conventional biochemical changes in colitis induced animal model revealed the association between the oxidative stress and ulcerative colitis

Overview of immunology of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy and is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Every year, approximately 500,000 new cases of oral and pharyngeal cancers are diagnosed worldwide, and a majority of these cases are seen in developing countries. OSCC arises as a result of multiple molecular events that develop from the combined influences of an individual's genetic predisposition and exposure to environmental carcinogens. Here, we discuss the course of immunological development involving OSCC. We have reviewed a literature available in Medline and Google databases. We draw attention to possible shortcomings and issues requiring clarification. Emphasis is given to precise immunology involving the OSCC. In this article, we try to approach the immunology of OSCC through a practical approach consideration of common difficulties and dilemmas faced by the oral pathologist, and where possible, we offer guidance and practical tips. The article concludes with a brief consideration of the prognostic value of immunology involving the OSCC

Growth and Decomposition of Onion Production in Maharashtra, India

The study was aimed to investigate the growth, instability and decomposition of onion in Maharashtra. The data of area, production and productivity of onion pertaining to 30 years (1989-90 to 2018-19) were made available through the secondary source of NHRDF which was further analysed using exponential function, Cuddy Della Valle’s Index and decomposition analysis model. The results of the study disclosed that, there was positive and significant growth of area, production and yield of onion during overall study period with annual growth rates of 8.43 per cent, 9.36 per cent and 0.85 per cent, respectively. There was high instability during overall period for area and production while, productivity showed a stability with low instability value of 12.89 per cent. The decomposition analysis indicated that the area under onion cultivation played an important role for the rise in production of onion with 62.80 per cent of area effect, 4.97 of yield effect and 32.21 per cent of the interaction effect during overall study period. The results of decomposition analysis have important policy implications because each growth component alone has a limited scope to expand overtime. There is need for horticulturists, breeders and entomologists which are working in the SAU and ICAR institutes to pay attention and find some technological breakthrough to increase the productivity of onion in the state