Optimization of harvest and extraction factors by full factorial design for the improved yield of C-glucosyl xanthone mangiferin from Swertia chirata

Swertia chirata Buch.-Ham. ex C.B. Clarke is an important medicinal plant used in various herbal formulations as it shows significant biological activities such as hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antioxidant and anti-parkinson. C-glucosyl xanthone glycoside (mangiferin) is known as bio-marker compound of genus Swertia L. Development of efficient extraction methods of C-glucosyl xanthone mangiferin from Swertia chirata was attempted by optimizing the pre-harvest, post-harvest and extraction techniques by full factorial design. Firstly, a full factorial design was implemented to evaluate the single and interactive effects of pre-harvest (growth stage and plant part), post-harvest (drying condition and storage periods) followed by selection of best extraction technique such as heat reflux extraction (HRE), microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound assistant extraction (UAE) at different solvent types on mangiferin yield. HPTLC and HPLC techniques were used for the determination of mangiferin content in extracts generated from different plant samples. In addition, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic properties were determined by using DPPH assay and percentage inhibition of α‑amylase enzyme. Substantial variation of mangiferin yield, ranged from 1.46 to 4.86% was observed, depending on the growth stage, plant part, drying condition, storage periods and extraction method. Results showed that drying of the leaves of Swertia chirata in the shade harvested at budding stage and stored for not more than 1 month was recommended for obtaining a higher mangiferin yield. Among different extraction techniques, MAE and UAE in 50% aqueous ethanol solvent were found to be efficient and cost-effective with better yield of mangiferin (4.82% and 4.86%, respectively) as compared to HRE (4.14%). Highest DPPH activity and percentage inhibition of α‑amylase was observed in the aqueous ethanol extract of S. chirata leaves harvested at bud-stage of plant followed by flowering stage. The study shows that optimization of various factors by full factorial design was found to be an effective procedure to improve mangiferin yield from Swertia chirata and can be used for extraction of mangiferin.

Validation and quantification of major biomarkers in 'Mahasudarshan Churna'- an ayurvedic polyherbal formulation through high-performance thin-layer chromatography

BACKGROUND

Mahasudarshan Churna (MC) is a polyherbal Ayurvedic medicine that is employed in fever (especially chronic type), cold and malaria, improvement of digestion and appetite, removes toxins from the blood, boosts immunity and protects against common bacterial infections.

METHODS

Validation and quantification of oleanolic acid (OA), ursolic acid (UA), mangiferin (M), gallic acid (GA), quercetin (Q) and curcumin (C) in commercial MC formulations by HPTLC method. Mobile phase, hexane: ethyl acetate: acetone (16.4: 3.6: 0.2, v/v) was used for the separation of OA and UA; ethyl acetate: glacial acetic acid: formic acid: water (20: 2.2: 2.2: 5.2 v/v) for the development of M; and toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (13.5: 9: 0.6 v/v) for the separation of GA, Q and C in crude sample extracts. Visualization and scanning were performed at λ = 530 nm for OA and UA, at λ = 254 nm for M and at λ = 366 nm for GA, Q and C. In addition, HPLC-PDA analysis was used to confirm the HPTLC results.

RESULTS

Major bio-active compounds in MC formulations were oleanolic acid (1.54-1.78%), mangiferin (1.38-1.52%) and gallic acid (1.01-1.15%); followed by ursolic acid (0.79-0.98%), curcumin (0.45-0.67%) and quercetin (0.22-0.34%).

CONCLUSION

Analysis of bio-active compounds in the present study was performed using HPTLC methods and later HPTLC results were compared with HPLC. These two methods give comparable results and there was no statistically significant difference between the mean values for all extracts. Present study concluded that this HPTLC technique is low cost, fast, precise, and accurate which can be employed for the quantification of xanthonoid (M), triterpenoids (OA, UA) and phenolics (GA, Q and C) in samples/formulations. Furthermore, present HPTLC method can be conveniently employed for routine quality control analysis of all the six marker compounds in marketed Ayurvedic/herbal formulations.

Optimization of salicylic acid and chitosan treatment for bitter secoiridoid and xanthone glycosides production in shoot cultures of Swertia paniculata using response surface methodology and artificial neural network

BACKGROUND

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) was used to construct the predicted models of linear, quadratic and interactive effects of two independent variables viz. salicylic acid (SA) and chitosan (CS) for the production of amarogentin (I), swertiamarin (II) and mangiferin (III) from shoot cultures of Swertia paniculata Wall. These compounds are the major therapeutic metabolites in the Swertia plant, which have significant role and demand in the pharmaceutical industries.

RESULTS

Present study highlighted that different concentrations of SA and CS elicitors substantially influenced the % yield of (I), (II) and (III) compounds in the shoot culture established on modified ½ MS medium (supplemented with 2.22 mM each of BA and KN and 2.54 mM NAA). In RSM, different response variables with linear, quadratic and 2 way interaction model were computed with five-factor-three level full factorial CCD. In ANN modelling, 13 runs of CCD matrix was divided into 3 subsets, with approximate 8:1:1 ratios to train, validate and test. The optimal enhancement of (I) (0.435%), (II) (4.987%) and (III) (4.357%) production was achieved in 14 days treatment in shoot cultures of S. paniculata elicited by 9 mM and 12 mg L^- 1 concentrations (SA) and (CS).

CONCLUSIONS

In optimization study, (I) show 0.170-0.435%; (II) display 1.020-4.987% and (III) upto 2.550-4.357% disparity with varied range of SA (1-20 mM) and CS (1-20 mg L^- 1). Overall, optimization of elicitors to promote secoiridoid and xanthone glycoside production with ANN modeling (r² = 100%) offered more significant results as compared to RSM (r² = 99.8%).

Determination of Clopidol Residues in Chicken Tissues by Liquid Chromatography: Collaborative Study

Eighteen laboratories participated in a collaborative study on the determination of clopidol residues in chicken muscle tissues by liquid chromatography. Of these, results from 16 laboratories which rigorously followed the method were subjected to statistical analysis. The method performance was assessed by all participants using 14 samples of chicken muscle fortified at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 mg/kg. In addition, 9 participants each reported results for 6 clopidol-incurred samples in chicken muscle. Test portions were extracted with acetonitrile, and the extracts were purified with alumina and anion exchange resin solid-phase extraction cartridges in sequence. Clopidol was separated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and quantified at 270 nm. Average recoveries ranged from 81.8 to 85.4%, reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR) ranged from 11.9 to 22.6%, and repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) ranged from 9.9 to 15.1%. For clopidol-incurred samples at concentrations of 0.100–0.687 mg/kg, the mean determination value range was 0.099–0.659 mg/kg; RSDR was 12.6–19.8%, RSDr was 3.1–8.5%; and HORRAT values were 0.7–1.1. The accuracy and precision of the method are in conformity with the requirements specified by AOAC INTERNATIONAL. The method was adopted Official First Action in April 2003.

Chronomics of Circulating Plasma Lipid Peroxides and Antioxidant Enzymes in Renal Stone Formers

The chronome of lipid peroxidation and anti-oxidant defense mechanisms may relate to the efficacy and management of time qualified preventive therapeutic and dietary interventions. One hundred renal stone patients, 20-60 years of age, and 50 clinically healthy volunteers, 21-45 years, were synchronized for 1 week with diurnal activity from 06:00 to 22:00 and nocturnal rest. All subjects took their usual meals three times daily (breakfast around 08:30, lunch around 13:00, and dinner around 20:30) with usual fluid intake. Drugs known to affect free radical system were not taken. Blood samples were collected at 6-h intervals for 24-h under standardized, presumably 24-h synchronized conditions. Determinations included plasma lipid peroxides, in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) and blood superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) activities. A marked circadian variation was demonstrated for each studied variable by population-mean cosinor in renal stone patients and healthy participants (p < 0.001). By comparison to healthy subjects, parameter tests indicate that the stone formers had a higher MESOR of MDA, but a lower MESOR of SOD, GPx, GR and CAT. Furthermore, the patients also differed from the healthy controls in terms of their circadian amplitude and acrophase (tested jointly) of all variables (p < 0.001). Mapping the broader time structure with multifrequency circadian characteristics of oxidants and anti-oxidants is needed for exploring their role as marker in the treatment and management of urolithiasis.

Circadian Periodicity of Circulating Plasma Lipid Peroxides, Uric Acid and Ascorbic Acid in Renal Stone Formers

Circadian periodicity of plasma lipid peroxides and serum ascorbic acid and uric acid levels were studied in one hundred renal stone formers (55 women and 45 men; age 20-60 years) and 50 clinically healthy volunteers (21 women and 29 men; age 21-45 years) with diurnal activity from 06:00 to 22:00 and nocturnal rest. A marked circadian variation was demonstrated by population-mean-cosinor for all studied variables in stone formers and healthy subjects. By comparison to the healthy controls, parameter tests indicate that the stone formers had a higher MESOR (±SE) of MDA (2.90 ± 0.03 vs. 2.28 ± 0.06; F = 94.929, p < 0.001), a lower MESOR of serum ascorbic acid (0.722 ± 0.010 vs. 0.839 ± 0.10; F = 32.083, p < 0.001), and a similar MESOR of serum uric acid. Furthermore, the patients also differed from the healthy subjects in terms of their circadian amplitude and acrophase (tested jointly) of all three variables (p < 0.001). The demonstration herein of a circadian rhythm in MDA, serum ascorbic and uric acid suggests that these variables could also serve as markers to optimize the timing of treatment and to assess the patient's response to treatment for further management.

Anti-cancer activity of withaferin A in B-cell lymphoma

Withaferin A (WA), a withanolide from the plant, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) used in Ayurvedic medicine, has been found to be valuable in the treatment of several medical ailments. WA has been found to have anticancer activity against various solid tumors, but its effects on hematological malignancies have not been studied in detail. WA strongly inhibited the survival of several human and murine B cell lymphoma cell lines. Additionally, in vivo studies with syngeneic-graft lymphoma cells suggest that WA inhibits the growth of tumor but does not affect other proliferative tissues. We demonstrate that WA inhibits the efficiency of NF-κB nuclear translocation in diffuse large B cell lymphomas and found that WA treatment resulted in a significant decrease in protein levels involved in B cell receptor signaling and cell cycle regulation. WA inhibited the activity of heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 as reflected by a sharp increase in Hsp70 expression levels. Hence, we propose that the anti-cancer effects of WA in lymphomas are likely due to its ability to inhibit Hsp90 function and subsequent reduction of critical kinases and cell cycle regulators that are clients of Hsp90.

A possible mode of survival of Fnsarium udum as a Mycoparasite

Survival of <i>Fusarium udum</i> Butler, the will pathogen of pigeon-pea, on other microfungi as a mycoparasite has been observed.

Alternaria alternata as a mycoparasite of Rhizopus nigricans

Interaction between <i>Alternaria alternata</i> and <i>Rhizopus nigricans</i> was studied in vitro in dual cultures to examine their antagonistic behaviour. <i>A. alternata</i> parasitised <i>R. nigricans</i> by direct penetration of hyphae, sporangiophores and sporangia. <i>R. nigricans</i> is described here as a new host record for the mycoparasite <i>A. alternata</i>.

Drechslera rostrata a new mycoparasite of Syncephalastrum racemosum

<i>Drechslera rostrata</i> is reported here as a new mycoparasite of <i>Syncephalastrum racemosum</i>.

Chromosome numbers, characterization of chromosomal pairing during meiosis, origin and natural propagation in polyploid cytotypes (4x, 5x and 6x) of Agrimonia eupatoria L. (Rosaceae) in northwest Himalayas (India)

Despite the presence of intraspecific polyploidy (2x, 4x, 5x and 6x) in Agrimonia eupatoria, origin of these cytotypes has never been addressed adequately. The aim of the present study was to record the original chromosome counts and characterize chromosomal pairing during meiosis and microsporogenesis in the 5x cytotype, and discussing the hypothesis regarding the possible origin of polyploid cytotypes (4x, 5x and 6x) in the species. The geographical distribution pattern of cytotypes in the Indian Himalayas and elsewhere has also been analyzed. The present meiotic analysis revealed three chromosomes counts, the tetraploid (2n = 4x = 56), the pentaploid (2n = 5x = 70) and the hexaploid (2n = 6x = 84) cytotypes based on x = 14. Meiotic course was perfectly normal in the 4x and 6x cytotypes resulting into high pollen fertility (94-100 %). Meiotic course in the imbalanced 5x cytotype has been found to be irregular characterized by the presence of high frequency of univalents at diakinesis and metaphase-I. Abnormal meiotic course contributed towards high pollen sterility (74-88 %). Even the apparently fertile/stained pollen grains were of irregular shape and of heterogeneous sizes. Meiotic behaviour of the 5x cytotype is like typical of allopolyploid. Individuals of 5x cytotype did not produce seeds and propagate vegetatively (root suckers) while 4x and 6x cytotypes exploited sexual (seeds) as well as vegetative means for propagation. Chromosomal pairing in pentaploid cytotype is like typical of an allopolyploid and we assume that it might have originated owing to natural inter-cytotype hybridization between 4x and 6x cytotypes in a mixed population. Analysis of geographical distribution pattern of cytotypes shows that Indian Himalayas represent the most cytotype-diverse region for A. eupatoria with the existence of all the four cytotypes (2x, 4x, 5x, 6x). This shows the dynamic nature of the species at chromosomal level in this part of the world.

Phenological documentation of an invasive species, Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb

Phenological documentation and plant invasion are key contemporary issues in the biological sciences. Recognizing this, the present paper describes the phenological stages of an invasive species, Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb. A tree of the species was marked, and daily visits were made for recording its phenology. The Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical industry (BBCH) scale was used for documenting the same. Of the total ten principal stages, eight were observed in the species. These stages started with bud development (stage 01) in the month of March and ended with leaf fall (stage 97) in the month of December. Descriptions of the phenological stages and their dates are provided in the text. It is hoped that such a phenological scale will be helpful in managing plant invasion.

Cytological evaluation of Apiaceae Lindl. from Western Himalayas

The present paper deals with cytological studies on 31 populations covering 17 species belonging to 10 genera of Apiaceae from Western Himalayas. The chromosome numbers in the two species as Chaerophyllum capnoides (n = 11) and Heracleum brunonis (n = 11), along with additional cytotypes for Pimpinella acuminata (n = 9) and Sium latijugum (n = 12) have been reported for the first time on world-wide basis. The genus Pleurospermum, although cytologically worked out earlier from outside India, its species densiflorum (n = 11) makes first representation of the genus from India. Besides, the chromosome number in Chaerophyllum aromaticum (n = 11) have been worked out for the first time from India. The course of meiosis varies from normal to abnormal in different populations of Chaerophyllum villosum, Pimpinella achilleifolia and Sium latijugum while abnormal meiotic course has been observed in all the studied populations of Chaerophyllum acuminatum, C. aromaticum, C. capnoides, Pimpinella acuminata, P. diversifolia, Pleurospermum densiflorum and Vicatia coniifolia. Such taxa are marked with meiotic abnormalities in the form of cytomixis, chromatin stickiness, formation of laggards and bridges resulting into abnormal microsporogenesis. The occurrence of structural heterozygosity has been recorded in the Chaerophyllum acuminatum and C. aromaticum. The effect of these abnormalities is clearly seen on the pollen size and fertility.

Comparison of urinary protein: creatinine index and dipsticks for detection of microproteinuria in diabetes mellitus patients

BACKGROUND

Proteinuria has been recognized as one of the earliest signs of renal function deterioration in Diabetes mellitus. Proteinuria occurs due to alterations in the glomerular permeability and later, due to a failure in the reabsorption of filtered protein by the tubular cells. Normally, most of the healthy adults excrete 20-150 mg of protein in urine over 24 hours.

OBJECTIVES

To find out the normal urinary Protein Creatinine Index (PCI) in healthy subjects, to compare the urinary PCI of diabetic patients with that of healthy subjects and to compare the urinary PCI with dipsticks for the detection of microproteinuria.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 28 type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients and 40 age and sex matched healthy controls. Freshly collected urine samples were tested qualitatively for the presence of proteinuria by Heller's test, the sulfosalicylic acid test, heat-coagulation tests and urine dipsticks. Later on, the results were compared by performing a quantitative analysis of the protein in the spot urine samples by the sulfosalicylic acid method. A quantitative analysis of creatinine was done by the modified Jaffe's test. The PCI was calculated for each of the participant in the study. The Mean and Standard Deviation (SD) of the PCI was calculated and it was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The normal range of the PCI which was established in this study was 60 to 220. Significantly higher amount of proteins were found to be excreted in urine in diabetic patients (25.37 ± 12.51 mg/dl) as compared to those in normal subjects (8.93 ± 3.54 mg/dl). On comparison of the PCI between the controls and the diabetic subjects, it was found to be significantly elevated in the Diabetes mellitus patients (controls = 114.65 ±47.97 and in the diabetic patients =373.04 ± 98.53) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The PCI of a random urine sample can provide a very useful, simple and convenient method for the quantitative assessment of proteinuria, to judge the extent of kidney damage and for avoiding the drawbacks of the 24 - hr urine collections.

Assessment and management of water quality of Kshipra River in Ujjain City (Madhya Pradesh), India

This paper shows the water quality status and its assessment through Water Quality Index (WQI), various sources of pollution in the river and the possible strategies to restore the water quality of River Kshipra to its pristine status. The data procured from M.P. Pollution Control Board and WQI reveals that its water quality ranges from medium to bad. The study reveals that Khan River water is a major source of pollution to the River Kshipra. Implementation of sustainable management plan along with proper sewerage planning, watershed management and maintaining sufficient dilution flow will control the pollution in the River Kshipra.

Cytomorphological studies in some members of tribe Paniceae (Poaceae) from district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh (Western Himalayas)

The present paper deals with cytological studies on the population basis of 21 species belonging to 9 genera of tribe Paniceae of family Poaceae from cytologically unexplored area of Western Himalayas i.e. district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh for the assessment of genetic diversity of grass flora. On world-wide basis, the chromosome counts have been made for the first time for three species such as Brachiaria remota (n = 16), Digitaria granularis (n = 36) and Isachne albens (n = 5). Similarly, on India basis, altogether new records are made for two species such as Echinochloa cruspavonis (n = 27) and Paspalum distichum (2n = 50). A comparison of the different euploid cytotypes studied at present for Digitaria adscendens, D. setigera and Oplismenus compositus revealed significant variations in their morphology, depicting increase in some of the characters of polyploid cytotypes. The course of meiosis has been observed to be normal in all the studied populations with high pollen fertility except for two species such as Paspalum dilatatum and P. distichum marked with abnormal meiosis and reduced pollen fertility.

Performance evaluation of bulk freeze dried starter cultures of dahi and yoghurt along with probiotic strains in standardized milk of cow and buffalo

Performance of bulk freeze dried (BFD) cultures of dahi (D) and yoghurt (Y) either with or without probiotic cultures (AB -Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) in standardized milk of cow and buffalo was evaluated. In buffalo milk, significantly (p < 0.05) low viable count of probiotic culture combination of dahi cultures (DAB) over non probiotic combination (D) was noticed; whereas, difference in counts of yoghurt culture combinations Y and YAB was not significant. The culture activity of D and DAB was similar in both types of milk, however, the volatile acidity (VA) produced by combination D was higher (32.5 ml/50 g sample) in buffalo milk than in cow milk (29.2 ml/50 g sample). Whereas, DAB produced very low amount of VA (16 ml/50 g sample) both in cow and buffalo milk. The diacetyl and tyrosine contents produced by either D or DAB in cow or buffalo milk were in the same order. Although Y and YAB produced slightly more VA in buffalo milk than in cow milk, significant change in the performance of yoghurt cultures (Y or YAB) both in cow and buffalo milk was not noticed. However, the VA and acetaldehyde produced by YAB either in cow and buffalo milk was higher than that by combination Y. Addition of probiotic cultures significantly enhanced the production of acetaldehyde content in both types of milk. Difference in tyrosine content in yoghurt made either with cow or buffalo milk was not significant. Overall, the present study indicated that the BFD cultures can be used to prepare dahi or yoghurt either from cow or buffalo milk, without affecting the biochemical profile of these products.

Fat embolism syndrome

Fat embolism syndrome is an often overlooked cause of breathlessness in trauma wards. Presenting in a wide range of clinical signs of varying severity, fat embolism is usually diagnosed by a physician who keeps a high degree of suspicion. The clinical background, chronology of symptoms and corroborative laboratory findings are instrumental in a diagnosis of fat embolism syndrome. There are a few diagnostic criteria which are helpful in making a diagnosis of fat embolism syndrome. Management is mainly prevention of fat embolism syndrome, and organ supportive care. Except in fulminant fat embolism syndrome, the prognosis is usually good.

Cytological studies of Brassicaceae burn. (Cruciferae juss.) from Western Himalayas

Cytological studies have been carried out on 12 species of Brassicaceae Burn. on population basis from different geographical areas of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in the Western Himalayas. Variable chromosome reports for Barbaraea intermedia (n = 16), Cardamine loxostemonoides (n = 8), Nasturtium officinale (n = 8), Sisymbrium orientale (n = 14) on world-wide basis have been added to the previous reports of these species. The chromosome numbers in seven species as Barbaraea intermedia (n = 8), B. vulgaris (n = 8), Capsella bursa-pastoris (n = 8), Descuriania sophia (n = 10), Rorippa islandica (n = 8), Sisymbrium strictum (n = 7) and Thlaspi alpestre (n = 7) have been worked out for the first time from India. The meiotic course in the populations of seven species such as Barbaraea intermedia, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Coronopus didymus, Descuriania sophia, Nasturtium officinale, Sisymbrium orientale and S. strictum varies from normal to abnormal while all the populations of two species Barbaraea vulgaris and Sisymbrium irio show abnormal meiotic course. Meiotic abnormalities are in the form of cytomixis, chromosomal stickiness, unoriented bivalents, inter-bivalent connections, formation of laggards and bridges, all resulting into abnormal microsporogenesis. Heterogenous sized fertile pollen grains and reduced reproductive potentialities have invariably been observed in all the meiotically abnormal populations. However, the meiotic course in all the populations of Cardamine loxostemonoides, Rorippa islandica and Thalspi alpestre is found to be normal with high pollen fertility.

Human exposure to imidacloprid from dogs treated with advantage(r)

The objective of this investigation was twofold: (1) to determine the transferable residue of imidacloprid in gloves worn while petting experimental household dogs after the application of Advantage(R) and (2) to determine the imidacloprid residue in the dog's blood. Advantage(R) contains 9.1% imidacloprid, which controls fleas on dogs for up to 30 days. Imidacloprid produces toxicity by interacting with nicotinic receptors. Advantage(R) (364 mg imidacloprid/dog) was applied topically to six household dogs. The glove and blood samples were collected at 24 h, 72 h, and then on a weekly basis for 5 weeks post-Advantage(R) application. The glove samples were collected by petting each dog for 5 minutes while wearing a different glove per dog. The blood samples (5 mL from each dog) were collected into EDTA tubes. The imidacloprid residue was determined in the blood extracts and glove samples using RP-HPLC. The highest levels of imidacloprid residues were detected at the 24-h interval in both glove (254.16 +/- 25.49 ppm) and blood (54.06 +/- 3.00 ppb) samples. The blood imidacloprid residue was reduced by one third at the 72-h interval (18.73 +/- 2.00 ppb) and was not detected after 1 week. Imidacloprid residue in the glove samples decreased approximately one third between each collection interval. The residue of imidacloprid in the glove extract by the fourth week was very low (0.08 +/- 0.02 ppm) and not detected by the fifth week. The present findings suggest that following topical application of Advantage(R), imidacloprid residue can be detected in the dog's blood for up to 72 h, and transferable residue on the dog's coat can be detected for up to 4 weeks. Repeated chronic exposure to imidacloprid may pose possible health risks to veterinarians, veterinary technologists, dog caretakers, and owners.

Energy and redox States in the c6 glioma cells following acute exposure to zn, se(+4), and se(+6) and the correlation with apoptosis

Changes in cellular energy and redox states in the C6 glioma cells exposed to increasing concentrations of either Zn or Se were studied to examine whether different elements cause different patterns of changes in cellular metabolism. Following a 3-h exposure, both Zn and Se(+4) caused dose-dependent decreases in cell viability and total adenosine nucleotides (TAN = ATP + ADP + AMP). In addition, Zn caused a dose-dependent increase in cellular ATP/TAN and a decrease in the ADP/TAN and AMP/TAN. These changes resulted in a significant increase in energy charge potential (ECP = [ATP + 0.5ADP]/TAN). Se(+4), on the other hand, caused a dose-dependent decrease in ATP/TAN but an increase in both ADP/TAN and AMP/TAN, resulting in a dose-dependent decrease in ECP. Both Zn and Se(+4) caused a dose-dependent decrease in GSH/GSSG and an increase in GSH + GSSG when compared to TAN. In contrast to Zn and Se(+4), the nontoxic Se(+6) caused no significant changes in cellular energy states but reduced the GSH/GSSG ratio from 3.14 +/- 0.49 to 2.05 +/- 0.29, which could be explained by the effect of Se on enzymes responsible for GSH metabolism. As the cellular ATP level has been considered an important element that mediates the mode of cell death, it was suggested that a significant increase in ATP/TAN upon exposure to Zn would indicate that cell death occurred via apoptosis, while Se(+4) caused a different pattern of cell death. This was confirmed by the appearance of cells with fragmented nucleus in cells treated with Zn, but not Se(+4) and Se(+6). The results demonstrated that different chemicals caused different patterns of metabolic changes. The correlation between metabolic changes and the mode of cell death was discussed.

Human exposure to selamectin from dogs treated with revolution: methodological consideration for selamectin isolation

This study was undertaken to determine selamectin residue in dog's blood and in gloves worn while petting dogs after Revolution application. Revolution contains the active ingredient selamectin (a semisynthetic avermectin), which controls endoparasites and ectoparasites, including adult fleas, flea eggs, ticks, heartworms, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange in dogs, for 30 days. Revolution was applied topically on a group of six adult house hold dogs (240 mg selamectin/dog). The gloves worn for 5 min while petting the dogs were collected in glass jars and the blood samples (5 mL/dog) were collected in EDTA tubes at 0 h, 24 h, and 72 h, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks post-Revolution application for selamectin residue determination. At no time during the study did the dogs show any signs of toxicity, weight loss, or change in body temperature. Extracts of the blood and the gloves were analyzed for selamectin residue using RP-HPLC coupled with a UV detector (246 nm). Selamectin standard used for peak identification and quantitation was purified from Revolution. Selamectin residue was detected in the blood (10.26 +/- 1.06 ng/mL) only at 72 h post-Revolution application, probably due to its poor dermal absorption and rapid elimination from the circulation. In the glove extracts, the highest concentration of selamectin (518.90 +/- 66.80 ppm) was detected 24 h after Revolution application. Transferable residue of selamectin in gloves from dog's coat was detected at a lesser magnitude after 1 week of Revolution application, and that was followed by a further descending trend during the second, third, and fourth weeks. No selamectin residue was detected in the glove extracts after the fifth week. In spite of selamectin's binding to the sebaceous glands of the skin, gloves contained significant transferable residue. Thus, these findings suggest that repeated exposure to selamectin can pose potential health risks, especially to veterinarians, veterinary technologists, dog trainers/handlers, and pet owners.

Spectral analysis of heart rate variability in bronchial asthma patients

The study was carried in the Departments of Physiology and Medicine at S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur. Thirty patients of bronchial asthma, aged 20-30 years attending outpatient clinics of S.M.S. Hospital and thirty healthy volunteers were recruited in the present study for spectral analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) using impedance peripheral pulse in the right forearm. Two spectral components were recorded namely high frequency (HF) component (0.15-0.4 Hz), an indicator of vagal efferent activity and low frequency (LF) component (0.04-0.15 Hz), replicator of composite sympatho-vagal interplay. These components were analyzed as LF nu (Low Frequency normalized unit), HF nu (High Frequency normalized unit) and LF/HF ratio. Low frequency component in absolute units of the asthmatic patients differed insignificantly (P > 0.05) from LF of the subjects, whereas the same calculated as normalized units was found to be significantly low in the patient group (P < 0.01), as compared to that of the control group. The High Frequency (in absolute units) index of HRV was significantly high in asthmatics (P < 0.01) as compared to the HF (absolute units) of controls. Similar trend was observed in the normalized units of HF (P<0.01). LF/HF ratio was not significantly different in patient and control groups (P > 0.05). It was concluded that a significantly raised central vagal outflow and a concomitant significantly low central sympathetic efferent could be appreciated in asymptomatic asthmatic patients as compared to that in the control group. This deranged sympathovagal interplay with parasympathetic dominance could be a plausible pathophysiological mechanism leading to airway obstruction, the hallmark of bronchial asthma.

Synthesis, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of some oxindoles

The present work describes the synthesis and spectral analysis of some new 3(Z)-{4-[4-(arylsulfonyl)piperazin-1-ylbenzylidene)-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one (5a-j). Ten of the synthesized compounds were screened in vitro against six species of microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Asperigellus niger and Asperigellus clavatus. Most of the compounds exhibited significant antimicrobial activity. All of these compounds were also screened in vitro for the antioxidant activity using DPPH assay. Most of them have shown very significant antioxidant activity.

Oxidative stress in cases of chronic fluoride intoxication

This study was conducted to find out the level of oxidative stress and effect of supplementation of vitamin C, D and Calcium on levels of SOD, serum and urinary fluoride in children residing in endemic fluorosis area. For this the fluoride belt of Jaipur district was selected. The parameters selected were Super oxide dismutase, serum fluoride and urinary fluoride. The study was conducted on one hundred children, selected from four areas (25 from each area) consuming water containing 1.2, 2.4, 5.6 and 13.6 mg/l of fluoride. Drinking water fluoride, serum and urinary fluoride were measured by Ion selective electrode method. Serum SOD by Xanthine oxidase method using kit of Ransod (kit cat. No. SD125). The post treatment values showed a significant reduction in serum fluoride and SOD. Urinary fluoride levels increased significantly in post treatment stage. The results revealed a normal SOD levels in all groups but an increasing trend was observed with increasing fluoride concentration. Treatment with Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin C showed a significant reduction in serum fluoride and SOD and increase in urinary fluoride. A high positive correlation between pretreatment and post treatment group was observed in serum fluoride, SOD and urinary fluoride (P < 0.05). The study indicated an increasing oxidative stress in cases of fluorosis with increasing drinking water fluoride concentration. Treatment with Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin C resulted a significant reduction in serum fluoride and SOD and increase in urinary fluoride.

Is there a need of extra fluoride in children?

The issues related to fluoridation of water or fortification of tooth paste with compounds of fluorides are controversial. Fluoride is stored mainly in the bones, where it increases the density and changes the internal architecture, makes it osteoporotic and more prone to fractures. Fluoride consumption by human beings increases the general cancer death rate, disrupts the synthesis of collagen and leads to the breakdown of collagen in bone, tendon, muscle, skin, cartilage, lungs, kidney and trachea, causing disruptive effect on various tissues in the body. It inhibits antibody formation, disturbs immune system and makes the child prone to malignancy. Fluoride has been categorized as a protoplasmic poison and any additional ingestion of fluoride by children is undesirable.

TRC4149 a novel advanced glycation end product breaker improves hemodynamic status in diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE

Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), implicated as one of the major causes of diabetic complications, either directly or via receptor mediated actions, trigger downstream events in the conduit vessels, microvascular bed as well as myocardium leading to microvascular and cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this study was to characterise the activity profile of TRC4149, a novel AGE breaker compound, to determine its ability to reduce the burden of AGEs in vitro and in vivo and to evaluate whether the reduced AGE burden could translate into improvement in hemodynamic function in a model of Streptozotocin induced diabetic Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR).

METHOD

AGEs were prepared in vitro by incubating BSA and lysozyme with glucose or ribose while AGE-LDL was generated by copper catalyzed LDL oxidation. TRC4149 was evaluated using in vitro assays to determine its capacity to reduce the burden of AGEs and to test its antioxidant activity. To study the effect of TRC4149 on hemodynamic function, diabetic SHR implanted with telemetry transmitter were treated with TRC4149 (20 mg/kg i.p., b.i.d.) or vehicle for 14 weeks. Losartan was administered once per week and blood pressure was monitored telemetrically throughout the treatment period. Cardiac indices of systolic and diastolic function were assessed terminally using MacLab system. AGE load in aorta was determined immunohistochemically and VCAM expression was quantitated by real time PCR analysis.

RESULTS

TRC4149 was able to break preformed AGEs as well as reduce further AGE accumulation in vitro in a dose dependent manner. It also demonstrated a potent free radical scavenging activity. In diabetic SHR, treatment with TRC4149 retarded the decline in response to losartan over the study period, and also improved cardiac function as evidenced by an improved dP/dtmax/min, left ventricular systolic pressure and decreased left ventricular diastolic pressure as compared to untreated group. AGE load as well as VCAM expression in aorta was also reduced upon treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

TRC4149, a novel AGE-breaker compound, by virtue of reducing AGE load preserved endothelial and cardiac function in diabetic SHR, a model that recapitulates the microvascular and cardiac dysfunction associated with hypertension along with long-term diabetes.

Changes in serum seromucoid following compensatory hyperparathyroidism: A sequel to chronic fluoride ingestion

This study was conducted to find out the possible underlying mechanism of various manifestation of fluorosis, a disease caused by excess ingestion of fluoride. For this the fluoride belt of Jaipur district was selected. The parameters selected were serum Parathyroid hormone, the levels of which are directly affected by fluoride intake. The levels of serum seromucoid, serum and leucocyte ascorbic acid, serum sialic acid (SSA) reflects ground substance metabolism. The study was conducted on two hundred children, selected from four areas (50 from each area) consuming water containing 2.4, 4.6, 5.6 and 13.6 mg/l of fluoride. Drinking water fluoride and serum fluoride were measured by Ion selective electrode method. Serum parathyroid by RIA and all other parameters were measured spectrophotometrically. The results revealed an increase in levels of fluoride, parathyroid hormone and seromucoid in serum with increasing water fluoride concentrations. Serum Calcium and serum ascorbic acid were found in normal range, how ever leucocyte ascorbic acid were decreased. A high positive correlation among fluoride concentration in drinking water and serum parathyroid hormone (r=0.967), and, serum parathyroid hormone and serum seromucoid concentration (r=0.935) was also observed The results indicated that secondary hyperparathyroidism due to hypocalcemic stress caused by excess fluoride ingestion disturbs normal metabolism of ground substance in calcified tissues of the body reflected as altered levels of the components of ground substance in the serum.

Simultaneous estimation of mangiferin and four secoiridoid glycosides in rat plasma using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and its application to pharmacokinetic study of herbal preparation

Extracts from Swertia chirata (family Gentianaceae) have antidiabetics and antioxidant activity, largely attributed to the flavonoids and secoiridoids, which are a major class of functional components in methanolic extracts from aerial part of plants. In order to facilitate analysis of systemic exposure to S. chirata derived products in animals, we developed a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based method that is capable of routinely monitoring plasma levels of flavonoids and secoiridoids. An LC-MS/MS-based method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of two bioactive markers, mangiferin and amarogentin along with three other components, amaroswerin, sweroside and swertiamarin in rat plasma. All the analytes including the internal standard (kutkoside) were chromatographed on RP-18 column (250 mm x 4 mm i.d., 5 microm.) coupled with guard column using acetonitrile: 0.5 mM ammonium acetate buffer, pH approximately 3.0 as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 ml/min in gradient mode. The final flow to source was splitted in 1:1 ratio. The detection of the analytes was performed on API 4000 LC-MS/MS system in the multiple reaction-monitoring (MRM) mode. The quantitation for analytes other than the pure markers was based on relative concentration. The method was validated in terms of establishing linearity, specificity, sensitivity, recovery, accuracy and precision (Intra- and Inter-day), freeze-thaw stability, peltier stability, dry residue stability and long-term stability. The recoveries from spiked control samples were >90% for all analytes and internal standard except mangiferin where recovery was >60%. Intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision of the validated method were within the acceptable limits of <15% at low and <10% at other concentrations. The quantitation method was successfully applied to generate pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of markers as well as to detect other components in plasma after intravenous dose administration of herbal preparation in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.