Seventeen new microsatellites for Tamarix gallica and cross-amplification in Tamarix species

Multi-targeted therapeutic exploration of Tamarix gallica flowers for anti-ulcer activity and associated complications

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer is a condition characterized by open sores resulting from excessive acid production in the stomach or digestive tract, causing damage to the mucosal lining. Tamarix gallica (TG), is traditionally known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial activity, etc. Objective: The scientific evidences based on its efficacy specifically for anti-ulcers activity are limited, hence, the study aimed to evaluate protective effect of TG against aspirin-induced peptic ulcers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical screening was performed followed by assessment of protective effect of TG against aspirin induced toxicity in rats. Network biology and polypharmacology studies were performed to determine the possible molecular targets involved in pathophysiology of ulcers.

RESULTS

The study revealed that the TG extract at high dose (500 mg/kg b.w.) significantly exhibits protective effect against aspirin induced ulcers via regulation of free acidity pepsin production, overall acidity via regulating antioxidant status (SOD, GSH, CAT, etc). Morphological studies revealed less damage with less disruption of the gastric mucosa layer having normal mucosal structure, no swelling or oedema was found in drug treated groups.

CONCLUSION

Moreover, network biology and polypharmacology outcomes revealed that SOD2, CAT, EPO, IL10, EGF, TGFB1 etc. play a significant role in functional gastrointestinal-associated disease or peptic ulcer. Hence, the study concludes that TG polyphenols including phenols and flavonoids play an important role in alleviation of peptic ulcer or associated complication and thus demonstrating TG as a natural therapeutic regimen against ulcers in glance of nature.

The genetic diversity of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni, intermediate hosts of Schistosoma japonicum in hilly regions of China, using microsatellite markers

BACKGROUND

The elimination of schistosomiasis remains a challenging task, with current measures primarily focused on the monitoring and control of Oncomelania hupensis (O. hupensis) snail, the sole intermediate host of Schistosome japonicum. Given the emerging, re-emerging, and persistent habitats of snails, understanding their genetic diversity might be essential for their successful monitoring and control. The aims of this study were to analyze the genetic diversity of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni (O. h. robertsoni) using microsatellite DNA markers; and validate the applicability of previously identified microsatellite loci for O. hupensis in hilly regions.

METHODS

A total of 17 populations of O. h. robertsoni from Yunnan Province in China were selected for analysis of genetic diversity using six microsatellite DNA polymorphic loci (P82, P84, T4-22, T5-11, T5-13, and T6-27).

RESULTS

The number of alleles among populations ranged from 0 to 19, with an average of 5. The average ranges of expected (He) and observed (Ho) heterozygosity within populations were 0.506 to 0.761 and 0.443 to 0.792, respectively. The average fixation index within the population ranged from - 0.801 to 0.211. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) within the population ranged from 0.411 to 0.757, appearing to be polymorphic for all loci (all PIC > 0.5), except for P28 and P48. A total of 68 loci showed significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05), and pairwise Fst values ranged from 0.051 to 0.379. The analysis of molecular variance indicated that 88% of the variation occurred within snail populations, whereas 12% occurred among snail populations. Phylogenetic trees and principal coordinate analysis revealed two distinct clusters within the snail population, corresponding to "Yunnan North" and "Yunnan South".

CONCLUSIONS

O. h. robertsoni exhibited a relatively high level of genetic differentiation, with variation chiefly existing within snail populations. All snail in this region could be separated into two clusters. The microsatellite loci P82 and P84 might not be suitable for classification studies of O. hupensis in hilly regions. These findings provided important information for the monitoring and control of snail, and for further genetic diversity studies on snail populations.