Branched-chain amino acids promote endothelial dysfunction through increased reactive oxygen species generation and inflammation

Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA: leucine, isoleucine and valine) are essential amino acids implicated in glucose metabolism and maintenance of correct brain function. Elevated BCAA levels can promote an inflammatory response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, there are no studies analysing the direct effects of BCAA on endothelial cells (ECs) and its possible modulation of vascular function. In vitro and ex vivo studies were performed in human ECs and aorta from male C57BL/6J mice, respectively. In ECs, BCAA (6 mmol/L) increased eNOS expression, reactive oxygen species production by mitochondria and NADPH oxidases, peroxynitrite formation and nitrotyrosine expression. Moreover, BCAA induced pro‐inflammatory responses through the transcription factor NF‐κB that resulted in the release of intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 and E‐selectin conferring endothelial activation and adhesion capacity to inflammatory cells. Pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 intracellular signalling pathway decreased BCAA-induced pro‐oxidant and pro‐inflammatory effects in ECs. In isolated murine aorta, BCAA elicited vasoconstrictor responses, particularly in pre‐contracted vessels and after NO synthase blockade, and triggered endothelial dysfunction, effects that were inhibited by different antioxidants, further demonstrating the potential of BCAA to induce oxidative stress with functional impact. In summary, we demonstrate that elevated BCAA levels generate inflammation and oxidative stress in ECs, thereby facilitating inflammatory cells adhesion and endothelial dysfunction. This might contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in patients with elevated BCAA blood levels.This study was supported by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO SAF2016‐80305‐P), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) a way to build Europe (PI14/00386, PI14/0041, PIE13/00051, PI13/01488; PI17‐01495, CiberCV, CiberDEM), FP7 grant e‐PREDICE, by the Fundación Renal Iñigo Álvarez de Toledo (FRIAT)/Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica and from Roche‐IdiPa

DIVERSITY OF INSECTS IN PULSES AT ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Not AvailableSurveys were conducted during 2018-19 and 2019-20 for evaluating the abundance and diversity of insect pests and foragers in Namsai District of Arunachal Pradesh from pulse crops (black gram, green gram and pigeonpea). The data on species richness, dominance and distribution of insects revealed a total of 38 insect pests belonging to 6 orders, 26 families and 38 species. Of these 12 species were observed as foragers. Coleoptera was the most dominant group followed by Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Mantodea and Araneae (Arachnida). Among the observed foragers Polistes sp. was found to be dominant followed by Apis dorsata (F).Not Availabl

Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance, and Diversity Analysis for Morpho Physiological Traits in Finger Millet [Eleusine coracana (l.) Gaertn.]

The study, conducted during the Kharif season of 2022, aimed to evaluate genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, and diversity for morpho-physiological traits in finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) using 39  genotypes. Significant genetic variation was identified for all studied traits through variance analysis. While moderate to high values of Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) and Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) were observed for most traits, exceptions were noted for days to 50 percent flowering, days to maturity, relative water content in leaves, and chlorophyll stability index. The study revealed high heritability with moderate to high genetic advance as a percent of the mean for most traits, suggesting the prevalence of additive gene effects. However, chlorophyll stability index and relative water content exhibited lower values. D2 analysis indicated the existence of sufficient genetic diversity among the genotypes. The genotypes were categorized into five distinct non-overlapping clusters.  Cluster I, the largest cluster with 35 genotypes, displayed maximum intra-cluster distance. Clusters V and III had the highest inter-cluster distances, Days to maturity played a significant role in overall divergence. The findings suggest that a direct selection approach in finger millet landraces could lead to a substantial increase in yield response. This research provides valuable insights into the genetic characteristics of finger millet genotypes, offering a foundation for targeted breeding programs to enhance crop improvement