HAT and HDAC: Enzyme with Contradictory Action in Neurodegenerative Diseases

In view of the increasing risk of neurodegenerative diseases, epigenetics plays a fundamental role in the field of neuroscience. Several modifications have been studied including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, histone phosphorylation, etc. Histone acetylation and deacetylation regulate gene expression, and the regular activity of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) provides regulatory stages for gene expression and cell cycle. Imbalanced homeostasis in these enzymes causes a detrimental effect on neurophysiological function. Intriguingly, epigenetic remodelling via histone acetylation in certain brain areas has been found to play a key role in the neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. It has been demonstrated that a number of HATs have a role in crucial brain processes such regulating neuronal plasticity and memory formation. The most recent therapeutic methods involve the use of small molecules known as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors that antagonize HDAC activity thereby increase acetylation levels in order to prevent the loss of HAT function in neurodegenerative disorders. The target specificity of the HDAC inhibitors now in use raises concerns about their applicability, despite the fact that this strategy has demonstrated promising therapeutic outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the cross-linking between histone modification and its regulation in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Furthermore, these findings also support the notion of new pharmacotherapies that target particular areas of the brain using histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Neuroprotective Effects of Tinospora cordifolia via Reducing the Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction against Rotenone-Induced PD Mice

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are leading mechanisms that play a crucial role in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Tinospora cordifolia shows a wide range of biological activities including immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored the neuroprotective activities of T. cordifolia ethanolic extract (TCE) against Rotenone (ROT)-intoxicated Parkinsonian mice. Four experimental groups of mice were formed: control, ROT (2 mg/kg body wt, subcutaneously), TCE (200 mg/kg body wt, oral) + ROT, and TCE only. Mice were pretreated with TCE for a week and then simultaneously injected with ROT for 35 days. Following ROT-intoxication, motor activities, antioxidative potential, and mitochondrial dysfunction were analyzed. Decrease in the activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) complex, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm), increase in Bax/Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) ratio, and caspase-3 expression are observed in the ROT-intoxicated mice group. Our results further showed ROT-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated alpha-synuclein (α-syn) accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, pre- and cotreatment with TCE along with ROT-intoxication significantly reduced α-syn aggregation and improved mitochondrial functioning in cells by altering mitochondrial potential and increasing mETC activity. TCE also decreases the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and also the expression of caspase-3, thus reducing apoptosis of the cell. Altogether, TCE is effective in protecting neurons from rotenone-induced cytotoxicity in the Parkinsonian mouse model by modulating oxidative stress, ultimately reducing mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death.

Curcumin Modulates p62-Keap1-Nrf2-Mediated Autophagy in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease Mouse Models

Autophagy mediates self-digestion of abnormally aggregated proteins and organelles present in the cytoplasm. This mechanism may prove to be neuroprotective against Parkinson's disease (PD) by clearing misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates from dopaminergic neurons. p62, an adaptor protein acts as a selective substrate for autophagy and regulates the formation as well as the degradation of protein aggregates. p62 sequesters keap1 freeing Nrf2 and consequently activating the transcription of its target genes. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the anti-parkinsonian activity of curcumin targeting primarily activation of autophagy via the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. The mice were subcutaneously injected with rotenone (2.5 mg/kg bodyweight) and co-treated with oral administration of curcumin (80 mg/kg bodyweight) for 35 days. Following completion of dosing, motor activities, anti-oxidative potential, mitochondrial dysfunction, and various protein expressions, including Nrf2, Keap1, p62, LC3, Bcl2, Bax, and caspase 3, were assessed. The results revealed that curcumin restored the motor coordination and anti-oxidative activity while improving the mitochondrial functioning in PD mice. Autophagy was evaluated by the change in the expression of autophagic markers, p62 and LC3-II. Reduced p62 and LC3-II expressions in the rotenone mouse model of PD confirmed the compromised autophagy pathway, consequently increasing the aggregation of misfolded protein α-syn. Whereas, curcumin treatment-enhanced autophagy-mediated clearance of misfolded α-syn proteins by increasing the LC3-II expression and blocked apoptotic cascade. Curcumin administration upregulated the Nrf2 expression and normalized the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, which justifies the improved anti-oxidative activity. Therefore, the findings reveal that curcumin is a Nrf2-inducer and is endowed with neuroprotective potential, which may prove to be a potential candidate for the anti-Parkinson's disease treatment therapy.

Oleuropein confers neuroprotection against rotenone-induced model of Parkinson's disease via BDNF/CREB/Akt pathway

Major pathological features of Parkinson's disease (PD) include increase in oxidative stress leading to the aggregation of α-synuclein, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons. In addition, downregulation of the expression of neurotrophic factors like-Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is also involved in PD progression. There has been a lot of interest in trophic factor-based neuroprotective medicines over the past few decades to treat PD symptoms. Rotenone, an insecticide, inhibits the mitochondrial complex I causing overproduction of ROS, oxidative stress, and aggregation of α-synuclein. It has been shown that BDNF and Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) interaction initiates the regulation of neuronal cell development and differentiation by the serine/threonine protein kinases like Akt and GSK-3β. Additionally, Transcription factor CREB (cAMP Response Element-binding protein) also determines the gene expression of BDNF. The homeostasis of these signalling cascades is compromised with the progression of PD. Therefore, maintaining the equilibrium of these signalling cascades will delay the onset of PD. Oleuropein (OLE), a polyphenolic compound present in olive leaves has been documented to cross blood brain barrier and shows potent antioxidative property. In the present study, the dose of 8, 16 and 32 mg/kg body weight (bwt) OLE was taken for dose standardisation. The optimised doses of 16 and 32 mg/kg bwt was found to be neuroprotective in Rotenone induced PD mouse model. OLE improves motor impairment and upregulate CREB regulation along with phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β in PD mouse. In addition, OLE also reduces the mitochondrial dysfunction by activation of enzyme complexes and downregulates the proapoptotic markers in Rotenone intoxicated mouse model. Overall, our study suggests that OLE may be used as a therapeutic agent for treatment of PD by regulating BDNF/CREB/Akt signalling pathway.

Wheatgrass extract imparts neuroprotective actions against scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice

The rich and diverse phytoconstituents of wheatgrass have established it as a natural antioxidant and detoxifying agent. The anti-inflammatory potential of wheatgrass has been studied extensively. However, the neuroprotective potential of wheatgrass has not been studied in depth. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective response of wheatgrass against age-related scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice. Scopolamine is an established anticholinergic drug that demonstrates the behavioural and molecular characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. In the current study, wheatgrass extracts (prepared from 5 and 7 day old plantlets) were administered to scopolamine-induced memory deficit mice. The Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze tests demonstrated that wheatgrass treatment improves the behavior and simultaneously enhances the memory of amnesic mice. We further evaluated the expression of neuroinflammation related genes and proteins in the hippocampal region of mice. Wheatgrass significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of neuroprotective markers such as BDNF and CREB in scopolamine-induced mice. Simultaneously, wheatgrass also downregulated the expression of inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and tau genes in these mice. The treatment of scopolamine-induced memory impaired mice with wheatgrass resulted in an elevation in the level of the phosphorylated form of ERK and Akt proteins. Wheatgrass treatment of mice also regulated the phosphorylation of tau protein and simultaneously prevented its aggregation in the hippocampal region of the brain. Overall, this study suggests the therapeutic potential of wheatgrass in the treatment of age-related memory impairment, possibly through the involvement of ERK/Akt-CREB-BDNF pathway and concomitantly ameliorating the tau-related pathogenesis.

Neuroprotection by Mucuna pruriens in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The medicinal plant Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) is widely known for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a well-established drug in Ayurveda and has been widely used for the treatment of neurological disorders and male infertility for ages. The seeds of the plant have potent medicinal value and its extract has been tested in different models of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson's disease (PD). Apart from PD, Mucuna pruriens is now being studied in models of other nervous systems disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and stroke because of its neuroprotective importance. This review briefly discusses the pathogenesis of PD, AD, ALS and stroke. It aims to summarize the medicinal importance of Mucuna pruriens in treatment of these diseases, and put forward the potential targets where Mucuna pruriens can act for therapeutic interventions. In this review, the effect of Mucuna pruriens on ameliorating the neurodegeneration evident in PD, AD, ALS and stroke is briefly discussed. The potential targets for neuroprotection by the plant are delineated, which can be studied further to validate the hypothesis regarding the use of Mucuna pruriens for the treatment of these diseases.

Inhibition of pan-Aurora kinase attenuates evoked and ongoing pain in nerve injured rats via regulating KIF17-NR2B mediated signaling

Kinesins (KIF's) are the motor proteins which are recently reported to be involved in the trafficking of nociceptors leading to chronic pain. Aurora kinases are known to be involved in the regulation of KIF proteins which are associated with the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Here, we investigated the effect of tozasertib, a pan-Aurora kinase inhibitor, on nerve injury-induced evoked and chronic ongoing pain in rats and the involvement of kinesin family member 17 (KIF17) and NMDA receptor subtype 2B (NR2B) crosstalk in the same. Rats with chronic constriction injury showed a significantly decreased pain threshold in a battery of pain behavioural assays. We found that tozasertib [10, 20, and 40 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)] treatment showed a significant and dose-dependent inhibition of both evoked and chronic ongoing pain in rats with nerve injury. Tozasertib (40 mg/kg i.p.) and gabapentin (30 mg/kg i.p.) treatment significantly inhibits spontaneous ongoing pain in nerve injured rats but did not produce any place preference behaviour in healthy naïve rats pointing towards their non-addictive analgesic potential. Moreover, tozasertib (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg i.p.) and gabapentin (30 mg/kg i.p.) treatment did not altered the normal pain threshold in healthy naïve rats and didn't produce central nervous system associated side effects as well. Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction studies suggested enhanced expressions of NR2B and KIF-17 along with increased nuclear factor kappa β (NFkβ), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord of nerve injured rats which was significantly attenuated on treatment with different does of Tozasertib. Findings from the current study suggests that inhibition of pan-Aurora kinase decreased KIF-17 mediated NR2B activation which further leads to significant inhibition of evoked and chronic ongoing pain in nerve-injured rats.

Unraveling the Neuroprotective Effect of Tinospora cordifolia in a Parkinsonian Mouse Model through the Proteomics Approach

Stress-induced dopaminergic (DAergic) neuronal death in the midbrain region is the primary cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). Following the discovery of l-dopa, multiple drugs have been developed to improve the lifestyle of PD patients; however, none have been suitable for clinical use due to their multiple side effects. Tinospora cordifolia has been used in traditional medicines to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Previously, we reported the neuroprotective role of Tc via inhibition of NF-κB-associated proinflammatory cytokines against MPTP-intoxicated Parkinsonian mice. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective molecular mechanism of Tc in a rotenone (ROT)-intoxicated mouse model, using a proteomics approach. Mice were pretreated with Tc extract by oral administration, followed by ROT intoxication. Behavioral tests were performed to check motor functions of mice. Protein was isolated, and label-free quantification (LFQ) was carried out to identify differentially expressed protein (DEP) in control vs PD and PD vs treatment groups. Results were validated by qRT-PCR with the expression of target genes correlating with the proteomics data. In this study, we report 800 DEPs in control vs PD and 133 in PD vs treatment groups. In silico tools demonstrate significant enrichment of biochemical and molecular pathways with DEPs, which are known to be important for PD progression including mitochondrial gene expression, PD pathways, TGF-β signaling, and Alzheimer's disease. This study provides novel insights into the PD progression as well as new therapeutic targets. More importantly, it demonstrates that Tc can exert therapeutic effects by regulating multiple pathways, resulting in neuroprotection.

Lipid-Coated MCM-41 Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loaded with Berberine Improved Inhibition of Acetylcholine Esterase and Amyloid Formation

Selective permeability of the blood-brain barrier limits effective treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study, brain-targeted lipid-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) containing berberine (BBR) were synthesized for the effective treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study involved synthesis of Mobil Composition of Matter-41 (MCM-41) mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), BBR loading, and lipid coating of MSNs (MSNs-BBR-L) and in vitro and in vivo characterization of MSNs-BBR-L. The liposomes (for lipid coating) were prepared by the thin-film hydration method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicated 5 nm thickness of the lipid coating. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and TEM results confirmed that the size of synthesized MSNs-BBR-L was in the range of 80-100 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern demonstrated retention of the ordered structure of BBR after encapsulation and lipid coating. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum confirmed the formation of a lipid coat over the MSN particles. MSNs-BBR-L displayed significantly (p < 0.05) higher acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. The study confirmed significant (p < 0.05) amyloid fibrillation inhibition and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level by MSNs-BBR-L. Pure BBR- and MSNs-BBR-L-treated AD animals showed a significant decrease in the BACE-1 level compared to scopolamine-intoxicated mice. Eight times higher area under the curve for MSNs-BBR-L (2400 ± 27.44 ng h/mL) was recorded compared to the pure BBR (295.5 ± 0.755 ng h/mL). Overall, these results highlight the utility of MSNs-BBR-L as promising drug delivery vehicles for brain delivery of drugs.

Neuroprotective Effect of Chlorogenic Acid on Mitochondrial Dysfunction-Mediated Apoptotic Death of DA Neurons in a Parkinsonian Mouse Model

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress characterize major factors involved in the activation of complex processes corresponding to apoptosis-mediated neuronal senescence of dopaminergic neurons (DA) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we evaluated the molecular mechanisms participating in the treatment of a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydopyridine- (MPTP-) intoxicated PD mouse model in response to chlorogenic acid (CGA). The results indicate that CGA treatment significantly improved the motor coordination of the MPTP-intoxicated mice. CGA also alleviated the fall in activity of mitochondrial complexes I, IV, and V in accordance with ameliorating the level of superoxide dismutase and mitochondrial glutathione in the midbrain of MPTP-induced mice. CGA inhibited the activation of proapoptotic proteins including Bax and caspase-3, while elevating the expression of antiapoptotic protein like Bcl-2 consequently preventing the MPTP-mediated apoptotic cascade. The study also revealed the improved phosphorylation state of Akt, ERK1/2, and GSK3β which was downregulated as an effect of MPTP toxicity. Our findings signify that CGA may possess pharmacological properties and contribute to neuroprotection against MPTP induced toxicity in a PD mouse model associated with phosphorylation of GSK3β via activating Akt/ERK signalling in the mitochondrial intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Thus, CGA treatment may arise as a potential therapeutic candidate for mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic senescence of DA neurons in PD.

Quality and effectiveness of counselling at antiretroviral therapy centres in India: capturing counsellor and beneficiary perspectives

BACKGROUND

Ensuring the quality and effectiveness of counselling is imperative for enabling people living with HIV to cope with treatment adherence. Countrywide assessment of antiretroviral therapy (ART) centres was undertaken to assess the quality and effectiveness of counselling. The insights gained from the assessment are expected to build an improved understanding of the counselling aspect and contribute to informing decisions strengthening the counselling provided at ART centres.

METHODS

Assessment of counselling at 357 ART centres entailed interviews with counsellors and beneficiaries using a structured questionnaire administered by trained technical experts. Two counsellors and five beneficiaries at each ART centre were interviewed to assess both the quality and effectiveness of counselling. Beneficiaries were selected from different risk groups to understand their varied concerns and experiences.

RESULTS

During the assessment, 618 counsellors were interviewed (45% women); also, 1785 beneficiaries were interviewed, consisting of 892 (49.9%) men, 857 (48.1%) women and 36 (2.0%) transgender. Counsellors were found to be relatively well informed on topics pertaining to pre-ART, ART preparedness and positive healthy living, and the psychosocial support extended to patients. Counsellors surveyed were not aware of critical areas such as counselling of pregnant women (44.5%) , drug adherence (44.8%) and the use of information, education and communication material during counselling, and pill count. The majority of beneficiaries reported being informed on issues pertaining to retention; however, 30-40% of beneficiaries were not informed regarding the critical elements of adherence such as counselling on ART side effects (68.5%), pill count (62.8%) and information on access to social benefit schemes (25.7%). Factors such as client volume, the training of the counsellors and adequate space for counselling affected the quality of counselling.

CONCLUSION

With concerted efforts in bridging the gaps in knowledge, infrastructure and information needs, India's national AIDS control programme (NACP) can enhance the counselling services at ART centres and improve the quality of services for patient retention.

Neuroprotection of Rotenone-Induced Parkinsonism by Ursolic Acid in PD Mouse Model

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. The presynaptic neuronal protein, α-Synuclein, plays a pivotal role in PD pathogenesis and is associated with both genetic and sporadic origin of the disease. Ursolic Acid (UA) is a well-known bioactive compound found in various medicinal plants, widely studied for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

OBJECTIVE

In this research article, the neuroprotective potential of UA has been further explored in the Rotenone-induced mouse model of PD.

METHODS

To investigate our hypothesis, we have divided mice into 4 different groups, control, drug only control, Rotenone-intoxicated group, and Rotenone-intoxicated mice treated with UA. After the completion of dosing, behavioral parameters were estimated. Then mice from each group were sacrificed and the brains were isolated. Further, the biochemical tests were assayed to check the balance between the oxidative stress and endogenous anti-oxidants; and TH (Tyrosine Hydroxylase), α-Synuclein, Akt (Serine-threonine protein kinase), ERK (Extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and inflammatory parameters like Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) and Tumor Necrosis Factor- α (TNF-α) were assessed using Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Western blotting was also done to check the expressions of TH and α-Synuclein. Moreover, the expression levels of PD related genes like α-Synuclein, β-Synuclein, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) were assessed by using Real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The results obtained in our study suggested that UA significantly reduced the overexpression of α-Synuclein and regulated the phosphorylation of survival-related kinases (Akt and ERK) apart from alleviating the behavioral abnormalities and protecting the dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

CONCLUSION

Thus, our study shows the neuroprotective potential of UA, which can further be explored for possible clinical intervention.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Ursolic Acid in MPTP-Induced Parkinsonian Mouse Model

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and hence may represent a target for treatment. The drugs used currently for PD only provide symptomatic relief and have adverse effects in addition to their inability in preventing degeneration of neurons. Flavonoids show potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities which is very valuable for the health of human beings. Thus, in the present study, we have tried to explore the anti-inflammatory activity of orally given ursolic acid (UA) (25 mg/kg bwt), a pentacyclic triterpenoid in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-intoxicated mouse model. Significant severe oxidative stress and biochemical alterations have been seen in Parkinsonian mice after MPTP intoxication. Whereas, UA administration has significantly rescued the harmful consequence of MPTP intoxication. Ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) were seen to be altered in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of MPTP-intoxicated mice through immunohistochemical studies. The changes in the expression level of these parameters primarily suggest increased inflammatory responses in MPTP-intoxicated mice as compared with the control. However, UA have significantly reduced these inflammatory parameters (Iba1 and TNF-α) along with transcription factor NF-κB, which regulates these inflammatory parameters and thus have inhibited MPTP-induced neuroinflammation. The immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was considerably increased by UA treatment in the SNpc of Parkinsonian mice. The neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration along with impairments in biochemical and behavioral parameters were found to be reversed on treatment with UA. Thus, UA has shown potent anti-inflammatory activity by preventing the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons from MPTP-induced Parkinsonian mice.

Quality Control in Huntington's Disease: a Therapeutic Target

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal autosomal dominantly inherited brain disease caused by excessively expanded CAG repeats in gene which encodes huntingtin protein. These abnormally encoded huntingtin proteins and their truncated fragments result in disruption of cellular quality mechanism ultimately triggering neuronal death. Despite great efforts, a potential causative agent leading to genetic mutation in HTT, manifesting the neurons more prone to oxidative stress, cellular inflammation, energy depletion and apoptotic death, has not been established yet. Current scenario concentrates on symptomatic pathologies to improvise the disease progression and to better the survival. Most of the therapeutic developments have been converged to rescue the protein homeostasis. In HD, abnormal expansion of glutamine repeats in the protein huntingtin leads to toxic aggregation of huntingtin which in turn impairs the quality control mechanism of cells through damaging the machineries involved in removal of aggregated abnormal protein. Therapeutic approaches to improve the efficiency of aggregate clearance through quality control mechanisms involve protein folding machineries such as chaperones and protein degradation machineries such as proteasome and autophagy. Also, to reduce protein aggregation by enhancing proper folding, to degrade and eliminate the aggregates are suggested to negatively regulate the HD progression associated with the disruption of protein homeostasis. This review focuses on the collection of therapeutic strategies targeting enhancement of protein quality control activity to delay the HD pathogenesis.

Neuroprotective effects of Withania somnifera in BPA induced-cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress in mice

Background

Bisphenol A (BPA), a major endocrine disruptor and a xenobiotic compound is used abundantly in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Human exposure to this compound is primarily via its leaching from the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of containers into the food and beverages. In addition, the plastics used in dental prostheses and sealants also contain considerable amount of BPA and have a high risk of human exposure. Since it is a well-known endocrine disruptor and closely mimics the molecular structure of human estrogen thereby impairing learning and memory. Withania somnifera (Ws), commonly known as Ashwagandha is known for its varied therapeutic uses in Ayurvedic system of medicine. The present study was undertaken to demonstrate the impairment induced by BPA on the spatial learning, working memory and its alleviation by Ws in Swiss albino mice. The study was conducted on thirty Swiss albino mice, randomly distributed among three groups: control, BPA and BPA + Ws. The behavioral recovery after treatment with Ws was investigated using the Y-maize and Morris water maize test. Whereas, for the estimation of recovery of NMDA receptor which is related to learning and memory in hippocampus region by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the oxidative stress and antioxidant level was assessed by biochemical tests like MDA, SOD and catalase.

Results

The study revealed that administration of Ws alleviated the behavioral deficits induced by BPA. Alongside, Ws treatment reinstated the number of NMDA receptors in hippocampus region and showed anti-oxidative property while ameliorating the endogenous anti-oxidant level in the brain.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that Ws significantly ameliorates the level of BPA intoxicated oxidative stress thereby potentially treating cognitive dysfunction which acts as the primary symptom in a number of neurodegenerative diseases.

The Role of PI3K/Akt and ERK in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Disruption of Akt and Erk-mediated signal transduction significantly contributes in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's diseases, Huntington's disease, and many others. These regulatory proteins serve as the regulator of cell survival, motility, transcription, metabolism, and progression of the cell cycle. Therefore, targeting Akt and Erk pathway has been proposed as a reasonable approach to suppress ND progression. This review has emphasized on involvement of Akt/Erk cascade in the neurodegeneration. Akt has been reported to regulate neuronal toxicity through its various substrates like FOXos, GSK3β, and caspase-9 etc. Akt is also involved with PI3K in signaling pathway to mediate neuronal survival. ERK is another kinase which also regulates proliferation, differentiation, and survival of the neural cell. There has also been much progress in developing a therapeutic molecule targeting Akt and Erk signaling. Therefore, improved understanding of the molecular mechanism behind the regulatory aspect of Akt and Erk networks can make strong impact on exploration of the neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.

Assessment of quality of antiretroviral therapy services in India, 2014-2015

Background

Following a decade of provision of free antiretroviral therapy (ART) in India, a nationwide assessment of ART services was conducted to review quality of care at ART centers. This paper presents the methods and defines replicable model of undertaking large scale assessments.

Methods

During the period January 2014-March 2015, 357 ART centers were reviewed under four domains, namely, operations, technical, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and logistics. Mixed methods, comprising of desk review and on-site facility assessment; random sample of records, interviews with both health-care staff and people living with HIV (PLHIV) were used. Grading for each of the domain was done on a scale of 5, with 1 (Very poor) being the lowest and 5 (Excellent) as highest.

Results

1720 health-care staff and 1762 beneficiaries were interviewed; 34 600 patient cards were reviewed. Of the 357 centers assessed 60, 169 and 128 scored Excellent, Average and Poor, respectively, in operations domain; 147, 176, 34 in Technical domain; 215, 115, 27 in M&E domain; 263, 71, 23 centers in logistics domain scored Excellent, Average and Poor, respectively. About 95% (1698/1785) of PLHIV were satisfied with the care provided at ART centers.

Conclusion

The methodology used for the assessment of ART centers in India yielded insights on the different domains that impact implementation and quality of service delivery. The design of this exercise may inform other researchers and managers planning similar large-scale assessments.

Feasibility of implementing an integrated tool for improvement of treatment quality and early-warning indicators for HIV drug resistance: a pilot study of centres in India

With the rapid scale-up in use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), monitoring the quality of care and factors that may lead to emergence of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) is an important focus point for programme managers. The National AIDS Control Organisation of India embarked on strengthening the ART programme for continuous quality improvement (CQI), using defined quality-of-care indicators (QCIs), including World Health Organization (WHO) early-warning indicators (EWIs) for HIVDR. In this feasibility study, done during July 2014, an integrated QCI and EWI tool developed by WHO India was pilot tested across 18 purposively selected ART centres. At seven ART centres, the EWI 1 target of >90% on-time pill pick-up was achieved for adult patients, while among the paediatric age group (<15 years old) it was not achieved by any centre. EWI 2 (retention of patients in ART care at 12 months after initiation) showed that two centres had retention of both adult and paediatric patients of >85% at 12 months of ART, while 11 centres had retention between 75% and 85%. EWI 3 (pharmacy stock-out) for adult and paediatric patients showed that 11 ART centres reported a minimum of one stock-out for the first-line ART drugs in the reporting period, while EWI 4 targets (pharmacy dispensing practices) were achieved by all the centres, for both adults and children. Average retention in care at 6, 12 and 24 months after ART initiation was 82%, 77% and 71%, respectively. This feasibility study showed that EWI analyses were much simpler to conduct if information was sought only for patients receiving ART, for whom the quality of record-keeping is better and more consistent. The activity has highlighted the need for improved quality of record-keeping at the facilities and implementation of specific interventions to ensure better patient follow-up. After modifications, use of the tool will be phased in across all the ART centres in India.

Working Length Determination of Root Canal of Young Permanent Tooth: An In vitro Study

BACKGROUND

Determination of correct working length is one of the keys to success in endodontic therapy.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of various methods to determine working length of root canal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tactile method was assessed using digital radiography and compared with electronic method using apex locator. A total sample of 30 single rooted young permanent teeth the (mandibular first premolars) with matured apices were selected for the study. Access cavity preparation was carried out. Working length was measured by tactile method using digital radiography and electronic method using apex locator with no 15 K file. Actual working length was established by grinding of cementum and dentine from the root apex and was observed under stereomicroscope. Data was collected and statistical analysis was carried out with the help of SPSS-15.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that there was a significant difference between tactile method assessed by digital radiography and electronic method using apex locator.

CONCLUSION

Apex locator was found to be more reliable and accurate when compared with the actual length.

Presence of CD3+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes is significantly associated with good prognosis in infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast

BACKGROUND

Aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of CD3+ TILs in infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immuno-histochemistry was done with CD3 antibodies in tissue sections of 127 breast cancer patients, and CD3+ intra-tumoral and stromal TILs were counted in relation to clinico-pathological variables.

RESULTS

Intra-tumoral and stromal CD3+ TILs were significantly associated with positive lymph node status (P = 0.006, P = 0.043, respectively) without significant association with age, menopausal status, family history, and hormonal status. The higher CD3 intra-tumoral and stromal counts both showed significant association with good prognosis (P = 0.039, P = 0.044, respectively). The intra-tumoral count was higher than stromal count and was independently associated with disease-free survival in stage I and II cancer (P = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

CD3+ TILs may serve as independent marker of good prognosis in IDC breast. The findings of this study need further validation on a larger sample size.

Physico-chemical study of Vaikrānta bhasma

Background:

Vaikrānta has very important place in Rasa śāstra and is placed under Mahārasa and Upratna group. It has been mentioned that vaikrānta can be used in the place of diamond, which is a very precious stone and whose use is beyond the limit of the common man. Vaikrānta possesses pharmacological and therapeutic properties similar to diamond, but still very few researchers have worked on it.

Aims and Objectives:

The main aim of the present study is to analyze vaikrānta bhasma by employing various organoleptic methods mentioned in Ayurvedic science along with analysis as per tools available today.

Settings and Design:

In the present study, vaikrānta bhasma was prepared according to method mentioned in Rasa Ratna Samuccaya. Final product is prepared according to classical parameters described in Ayurvedic science.

Materials and Methods:

Ayurvedic scholars have described various parameters for the qualitative evaluation of vaikrānta bhasma, but all those are subjective in nature and cannot be evaluated numerically for reproducibility of the result. With this in mind, in the present study, tests as per Ayurvedic science and analytical parameters such as scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry were adopted to analyze the final product.

Results and Conclusions:

Data suggests that vaikrānta bhasma is a multi-mineral compound, which contains iron and silica as major constituents and others are present as trace elements. The data obtained in this study suggest that quality specifications for vaikrānta bhasma can be developed using tests described in Ayurvedic science along with analytical tools available today.

Enhancement of electroosmotic flow in capillary electrochromatography

A major impediment to enhancing the speed of separation in capillary electrochromatography (CEC) is the upper limit on the electroosmotic flow (EOF) velocity by the maximal zeta potential of the chromatographic surface. Here, a new approach to speeding up EOF, suggested by Yang and El Rassi (Electrophoresis 1999, 20,18-23), is examined critically. It entails the use of a tandem arrangement of a separating column and an auxiliary column, the sole function of which is to boost EOF velocity in the separating column and thus facilitate faster analysis by CEC. Based on the principle of conservation of mass and current and using experimental data obtained in a wide range of conditions, the flow velocities in the separating and auxiliary columns were evaluated. The results show that an equidiameter open tubular auxiliary column offers a greater enhancement of EOF velocity than a packed column. Nevertheless, within the scope of the experiments the enhancement of EOF velocity by as much as 50% by using open tubular auxiliary columns has been obtained.

Validatibility of a capillary isoelectric focusing method for impurity quantitation

A strategy is presented for examining the validatability of a capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) method, intended for quantitation of product-related impurities in a protein drug substance, according to guidelines published by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). The results of this study demonstrate the suitability of cIEF as an analytical method for the quantitation of two product-related impurities in a protein drug substance: a monodeamidated degradation product and an aggregated form of the parent molecule. A range of impurity levels was generated by spiking the isolated impurity species, into a representative production lot of the drug substance. Six impurity spike levels (0.5-12% impurity for deamidated species and 0.5-8% impurity for aggregated species) were analyzed in triplicate. Measurement of impurity peak area percent in the spiked samples provided the data for computing specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity and limit of quantitation (LOQ) for the impurities. Accuracy, defined as the agreement of peak area percent for impurity species with the theoretical impurity percentage from the spike ratio, was 85-96% for the deamidated species and 73-97% for the aggregated species. A linear relationship was found between the measured area percent and the theoretical percent impurity for both impurity species (coefficient of determination, r2=0.9994 for deamidated species and =0.9827 for aggregated species). Precision (repeatability) studies demonstrated a low relative standard deviation (RSD) value (<6%) at all spike levels for both impurity species. Intermediate precision and reproducibility were evaluated by simulating many of the multivariable testing conditions expected during the life cycle of an analytical method, such as multiple equipment and laboratories. Repeated analyses of the drug substance under these varied conditions, yielded RSD values of <20%, for both impurity species. The LOQ, defined as the lowest impurity level where both accuracy and precision were achieved, was assigned at the 0.5% impurity level for both impurity species. This work illustrates a successful strategy in applying the ICH validation guidelines for impurity analytical methods to a cIEF method. Moreover, the data demonstrate the ability of cIEF to be used reliably as an analytical method for impurity quantitation.

Electrosmotic mobility and conductivity in columns for capillary electrochromatography

Columns employed so far in capillary electrochromatography (CEC) contain both a packed and an open segment with concomitant changes of the electric field strength and the flow velocity at the interface of the two segments in such duplex columns. To take this into account in measuring, processing, and interpreting CEC data, a framework is presented for the evaluation of the conductivity ratio and the interstitial electrosmotic flow (EOF) mobility and their usage as tools for characterizing CEC columns. This is illustrated by experimental data obtained from measurement of the current and the EOF in capillary columns packed with different stationary phases. The current data yielded the ratio of the conductivities of the packed and open segments that has been shown to be useful for the evaluation of the porosity and tortuosity. It is assumed that these important packing characteristics are the same for the flow of current and for the flow of the bulk mobile phase in the CEC column. The EOF mobility in such duplex columns is defined in two different ways. The apparent mobility, which is widely reported at present, is obtained from the length of packed segment, the migration time, and the overall electric field strength. On the other hand, the actual mobility is obtained after taking into account the porosity and tortuosity of the packing as well. Thus, the actual mobility is made independent of the porosity and tortuosity and therefore can be useful to estimate the zeta potential for characterizing the packing surface. Measurements of both the apparent and actual electrosmotic mobilities for a number of different columns have shown that the apparent and actual mobilities are significantly different in their magnitude. For this reason, it is recommended that, instead of the apparent EOF mobility, the actual mobility is used for the characterization of the packing in CEC columns.

Cyclodextrins as selectivity enhancers in capillary zone electrophoresis of proteins

The selectivity in the capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) of a variety of acidic and basic proteins including alpha-chymotrypsinogen A, cytochrome c, lysozyme, ribonuclease A, ovalbumin, and beta-lactoglobulins A and B, was altered by adding 6-monodeoxy-6-monoamino-beta-cyclodextrin or carboxymethylated beta-cyclodextrin to the electrophoretic medium of aqueous 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 2.5. On the other hand, no significant improvement was obtained in the separation upon addition of heptakis (2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin. Whereas protein adsorption on the wall of raw silica capillaries was significant in the absence of cyclodextrin, by addition of beta-cyclodextrin or its derivatives to the background electrolyte, wall adsorption was reduced with concomitant enhancement of the recovery. The results confirm that in various separation techniques, particularly those which employ microcolumns, certain cyclodextrin additives can be useful selectivity enhancers not only in the separation of small sample molecules but also in that of proteins.

Periodic syphilis profile in a New Delhi hospital

The study reports the prevalence of syphilis determined at intervals of ten years amongst attendees of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Centre (STD), in New Delhi, from 1954, to 1994. It was observed that the number of STD cases increased by about eight times in 1984 as compared to 1954. The prevalence of STDs had risen from 5.5 per cent in 1964 to 14.7 per cent in 1994. However, the syphilis load has been decreasing since 1974. Childhood syphilis has decreased from 12.6 per cent in 1954 to 0.5 per cent in 1994. However in adult males it increased from 62.3 per cent in 1954 to 80.4 per cent in 1984. Cardiovascular syphilis was last reported in 1954. The prevalence of syphilis was approximately three times higher in males than in females.

Effect of a predetection open segment in the column on speed and selectivity in capillary electrochromatography

Columns in capillary electrochromatography (CEC) most commonly have the detection window located immediately after the retaining frit of the packed segment. Here, the properties of "duplex" columns having a predetection open segment between the frit and the detector window are examined with particular regard to the effect of the relative lengths of the packed and open segments on the separation of mixtures containing neutral and charged components. This configuration allows the use of columns with short packed segments in contemporary instruments for rapid separations. It is shown that, by varying the length of the packed segment, the balance of chromatographic and electrophoretic forces can be shifted, and the selectivity can be adjusted if the separation involves the interplay of both mechanisms. Expressions are presented for estimating the retention time in a duplex column if the chromatographic and electrophoretic properties of the sample components are known. The results are expected to facilitate CEC method development in selection of the respective column segment lengths for optimum separation.

Axial nonuniformities and flow in columns for capillary electrochromatography

Unlike in capillary zone electrophoresis and microscale high-performance liquid chromatography, columns in capillary electrochromatography (CEC) have discontinuities of the electric field strength and the flow velocity at the interface of the packed and open segments of the column. The goal of the present work is to offer a framework for measuring and interpreting the relevant electrochromatographic parameters such as the electric field strength, the potential drop, and the flow velocity in the packed segment of a CEC column. This would help us gain further insight in the electrochromatographic process and facilitate the design of CEC separation technology and comparison of data from different sources. First, the flow of ions that is governed by the conservation of current is analyzed and the potential drop across the packed and open segments of the column calculated. Then, conservation of volumetric flow rate is used to calculate the flow velocities through the two segments and, further, to estimate the net flow velocity through such a column. To satisfy the mass conservation law, in most cases a "flow-equalizing intersegmental pressure", which is different from the pressures at the two ends of the column, develops at the interface of the packed and the open segments. The intersegmental pressure, induced to equalize the flow rates in the two segments, has been shown to have a significant effect on the magnitude as well as the radial distribution of the flow velocity in the open segment, where the net flow becomes a mixture of electroosmotic and pressure-driven flows.

Cyclodextrin aided separation of peptides and proteins by capillary zone electrophoresis

Carboxymethylated-beta-cyclodextrin (CMBCD) in the electrophoretic medium (aqueous 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 2.5) enhanced the separation using raw fused-silica capillaries in CZE of the four standard proteins: alpha-chymotrypsinogen A, cytochrome c, lysozyme and ribonuclease A. Furthermore, with 20 mM CMBCD in the electrophoretic medium, the cis-trans isomers of angiotensin could be separated at room temperature, whereas the separation of the conformers required subambient temperatures as low as -20 degrees C without CMBCD in the electrophoretic medium [50 mM sodium phosphate (pH 2.5), containing 10% (v/v) methanol]. Addition of heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (DMBCD) had no effect on the separation of the above proteins and peptides. The results suggest that in microcolumn separation techniques, certain cyclodextrin additives can be useful selectivity enhancers.

Capillary zone electrophoresis of interconverting cis-trans conformers of peptidyl-proline dipeptides: estimation of the kinetic parameters

Peptides containing proline residues, except at the N-terminus, exist in cis and trans forms due to the rigidity of the peptidyl-proline bond. Computer-simulated and experimental electropherograms have been used to study the interplay of the electrophoretic migration and the kinetics of the cis-trans interconversion. The measure of the interference by the reaction is the dimensionless Damköhler number (Da) which is the ratio of the migrant's residence time to the characteristic time of reaction in the capillary. The fraction of the trans conformer that is not separable with 90% purity is employed to quantify the extent of overlap between the concentration profiles of the two interconverting migrants and the effect of the various operational variables was examined by simulation. The deterioration of separation, as measured by the degree of overlap, is a quasi sigmoidal function of Da with the selectivity and the intrinsic efficiency of the system as the parameters. At sufficiently low temperatures the interference by reaction kinetics may vanish and the two conformers are separated. At high enough temperatures, when the rate of interconversion is very fast, the two conformers are not separated at all. A simple and rapid method is proposed for estimation of kinetic parameters for the cis-trans isomerization on the basis of data obtained with phenylalanyl-proline dipeptide. The procedure involves determination of the equilibrium constant by measuring equilibrium concentrations of the two conformers using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) at very low temperature, correlation of the peak shapes in the electropherograms with the Da, and finally, evaluation of the forward rate constants from the assigned Da values in the domain: 0.01 < Da < 0.5. Separations using CZE were performed in the temperature range of 1-40 degrees C by using the Beckman P/ACE unit equipped with an auxiliary cooling system. The kinetic data thus obtained showed good agreement (average error less than 5%) with those measured by NMR.

Displacement chromatography with on-column isomerization

Displacement chromatography was simulated for the separation of two feed components interconverting by a reversible first order reaction and with Langmuirian adsorption behavior. The study was prompted by recent interest in the isolation of cis and trans forms of peptides containing one or more peptidyl-proline residues when the isomerization reaction interferes with the separation. The parameter values used in the simulations are similar to those found experimentally by reversed-phase chromatography and capillary electrophoresis of phenylalanine-proline dipeptide. From the concentration profiles computed by the finite difference scheme, the dependence of both the yield and production rate on the temperature, column length, flow velocity and displacer concentration was evaluated. The most important operational variable of the system is the temperature as it affects both the kinetic and adsorption parameters. The yield and production rate of the component of interest were evaluated as a function of the column length and displacer concentration under conditions that facilitate its efficient separation and the plots show an optimum. Nonetheless, optimal conditions for yield and production rate were considerably different. In the temperature range from 2 to 42 degrees C, the yield always decreases with increasing temperatures and for all the cases, optimum yield by displacement mandates the use of conditions such as pH, solvent and temperature under which the rate of interconversion is reduced to a level where it does not palpably interfere with the separation. On the other hand, under certain conditions optimal production rate can be obtained at higher temperatures.

Capillary electrochromatography: theories on electroosmotic flow in porous media

In view of the present interest in capillary electrochromatography (CEC), theories dealing with electroosmotic flow (EOF) in porous media are reviewed with particular regard to the use of packed capillaries in CEC. Two of the models found in the pertinent literature are applicable to CEC and give simple analytical solutions. The first of the two models is based on von Smoluchowski's work as adapted and extended by Overbeek. It deals with EOF through packed capillaries under conditions of low electric field strength where the EOF varies linearly with the field strength because there is no polarization of the double layer. Overbeek's model originally developed for porous media of infinite dimensions was modified in an attempt to account for the wall effect that assumes importance in the packed capillary columns used in CEC. The second model proposed by Dukhin and his coworkers predicts EOF of at least an order of magnitude higher than that expected by classical theories. This "electroosmosis of the second kind" is believed to occur in columns packed with conductive particles like ion exchangers at high electric field strengths when the double layer is polarized and the EOF becomes a non-linear function of the applied voltage. Conditions necessary for electroosmosis of the the second kind are likely to arise upon the further development of CEC when further enhancement of the speed of analysis is brought about at electric field strength higher than that employed at present.

Domiciliary health counselling in patients with sexually transmitted diseases

To improve treatment compliance, follow-up and attendance of STD patients and their contacts, a programme, based on domiciliary visits was attempted. The programme was limited to male defaulters not responding to written and telephone calls. House visits to 79 out of 169 defaulters were made. Approximately half the number of houses were found locked. Fourteen defaulting patients reported for completion of their treatment and follow-up. Of these 11 were directly interviewed. None of the 14 patients agreed to disclose the addresses of their extramarital partners. During the study period 51 female sex contacts reported for treatment as compared to 27 in the control group. Though the numbers were small the study revealed that direct contact with the patient yielded the best results. It is suggested that to make the system cost-effective the health workers should spend time with STD patients in the clinic to mark out the correct location and time for meeting the patient either in the work place or at home in case of a follow-up.

Kinetic study on the cis-trans isomerization of peptidyl-proline dipeptides

The equilibrium and kinetic parameters of cis-trans interconversion of dipeptides containing peptidyl-proline moiety were investigated using the in-column incubation method with both CZE and HPLC and the ad hoc dissolution method. The use of the latter was possible because the conformational make-up of the solid peptides, and consequently of their ad hoc solution, was sufficiently different from that of the solution at equilibrium. This method with 1H-NMR and CZE analyses yielded very similar results for the cis-trans isomerization of Phe Pro in aqueous sodium borate, pH 8.4, at 10 degrees C with an average value of 0.34 and 6.6 x 10(-5) s-1 for the equilibrium and rate constant, respectively. The in-column incubation method is performed by CZE or HPLC so that the conformers are separated in the first half of the column and then incubated in column where they interconvert and reach equilibrium. Subsequent separation in the second half of the column yielded four peaks. Thus by measuring the conformer composition as a function of the reaction time, the rate constant can be evaluated. The forward rate constant of 1.42 x 10(-4) s-1 determined by the CZE in-column incubation method for Phe-Pro isomerization at 10 degrees C was twice of the value obtained by the ad hoc dissolution method. It is believed that the inner wall of fused-silica capillaries has a catalytic effect on the isomerization. Computer simulation was also employed to gain further insight on the catalytic activity of the capillary inner wall on such isomerization. Whereas the experimental and simulation profiles of Phe-Pro in aqueous borate buffer, pH 8.4, with a 37 cm long capillary were in excellent agreement, a four times faster interconversion rate had to be used to match the experimental profile obtained with a 57 cm long capillary under otherwise identical conditions. The catalytic effect of the octadecyl silica stationary phase on the isomerization was confirmed by the in-column incubation method with HPLC. The overall rate of the cis-trans isomerization of Phe-Pro, which entails the reaction both on the stationary phase and in the mobility phase, was about six times faster at 0 degree C than the rate measured by NMR in free solution using the mobile phase containing 65% (v/v) sodium phosphate, pH 6.5, and 35% (v/v) methanol. The results presented here serve as a caveat that the effect of the wall in CZE or the stationary phase in HPLC on the reaction cannot be ignored.

Separation parameters via virtual migration distances in high-performance liquid chromatography, capillary zone electrophoresis and electrokinetic chromatography

Among the various differential migration processes of separation, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) have emerged as the two major high-performance analytical techniques for separation of complex biological substances. In both HPLC and CZE with electroendoosmotic flow, the differential migration process can be divided into a separative component, which involves selective interactions with the stationary phase or differences in the electrophoretic migration velocities, and a non-separative component representing migration by convection that does not contribute directly to separation. The introduction of virtual migration distances leads to an additivity relationship for the two components that is applicable to both of the above techniques and facilitates the recognition of the underlying similarities as well as the expression and comparison of the various separation parameters. Examination of the key migration parameters led to the characterization and the classification of the various modes of CZE with electroendoosmotic flow. The treatment was extended to the analysis of capillary electrochromatography and micellar electrokinetic chromatography; two hybrid processes which exhibit features borrowed from HPLC and CZE. The use of virtual migration distances also led to a consistent and unified description of the characteristic parameters of these separation systems.

A correlative study of seminal biochemistry and testicular histology in infertile males

Two androgen-dependent constituents of the seminal plasma, fructose and acid phosphatase, have been estimated in 50 infertile males along with a testicular biopsy. Azoospermics, as a group, showed a very wide range of fructose (16-600 mg%) as compared to 210-397 mg% in healthy fertile males. Oligospermics tended to have low values with a mean of 218 +/- 75.1 mg%. Acid phosphatase in the controls was 1927 +/- 164.6 K.A. unit/ml and was generally higher in the infertile groups. The state of spermatogenesis, as revealed by testicular biopsy, bore no consistent relationship with the seminal fructose or acid phosphatase. It appears that there may be no inter-relationship between the activity of the germinal epithelium and the secretion of the accessory glands and, although both are androgen-dependent, they can be affected separately by a multitude of factors in human infertility.

Effect of essential oil of onion and garlic on experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits

The effects of the essential oils of onion (extracted from 2 g of raw onion per kg body weight) and garlic (extracted from 1 g of raw garlic per kg body weight) have been observed on experimental atherosclerosis produced by cholesterol feeding (0.5 g/kg) in rabbits. The rise in serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides was significantly reduced by both onion and garlic during the 4-month period of study. Cholesterol feeding significantly increased beta-(P less than 0.01) and pre-beta (P less than 0.001) lipoproteins while decreasing the alpha-fraction (P less than 0.001). Onion and garlic both prevented these changes. The beta/alpha ratio, which was initially 1.6 : 1, rose to 4.5 : 1 and 5.7 : 1 at the end of 2 months and 4 months of cholesterol feeding. However, this ratio did not increase significantly, both at the 2-month and 4-month period, when onion and garlic were added. Fibrinolytic activity significantly increased with onion (P less than 0.001) and garlic (P less than 0.001) while feeding only cholesterol actually decreased it (P less than 0.001). Onion and garlic reducec aortic atheroma by about half. It is suggested that the essential oils of onion and garlic protect against experimental atherosclerosis by preventing the fall in the alpha lipoprotein fraction and by enhancing fibrinolytic activity, as well as by lowering the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The protective action of essential oils of onion and garlic in cholesterol-fed rabbits

The effects of the essential oils of onion and garlic have been investigated in cholesterol-fed rabbits and have been compared with the effects of clofibrate. The marked rise in serum cholesterol and blood coagulability that followed 3 months of cholesterol feeding (0.2 g/kg/day) was significantly reduced by the essential oils of both onion and garlic. Fibrinolytic activity was actually increased even above the normal control levels. The essential oils of onion and garlic (equivalent to 1 g/kg/day of raw bulbs) proved more effective than clofibrate in the usual clinical dose of 33 mg/kg/day. Garlic was even more effective than onion. Cholesterol feeding increased the average lipid content of aorta from 5.95 to 13.75 mg/100 mg dry weight. With addition of clofibrate, onion or garlic the values were 7.79, 6.23 and 5.28 mg/100 ml, respectively. Thus it can be seen that the essential oils effectively prevent lipid acculation in the rabbit oarta.