Stocking density mediated stress modulates growth attributes in cage reared Labeo rohita (Hamilton) using multifarious biomarker approach.

The present study was conducted for 240 days to evaluate the effects of stocking density based on growth attributes, digestive enzymes, muscular composition, biochemical and physiological responses of Labeo rohita fingerlings in tropical inland open water cages. L. rohita (30.35 ± 1.08 g) were randomly distributed into three treatments, namely low stocking density, LSD (10 m-3), medium stocking density, MSD (20 m-3) and high stocking density, HSD (30 m-3) in triplicates. Fish were fed twice daily with CIFRI CAGEGROW® floating feed (crude protein-28%, crude fat-4%). Fish growth and feed efficiency were higher (p < 0.05) in LSD, however, MSD registered a higher yield. Amylase and protease activity reduced whereas lipase activity increased with increasing stocking density. Muscle crude protein and crude fat formed an inverse correlation. The fillet quality deteriorated at higher stocking densities based on Muscle pH, drip loss and frozen leakage rate. The stress biomarkers level (glucose, cortisol, superoxide dismutase and catalase) increased in serum under crowding conditions. Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase in serum were significantly increased in HSD. Serum protein levels decreased with the increase in stocking densities. Body ionic imbalance (Na+, Cl- and K+) was observed under crowding stress. Based on growth attributes and multiple biomarker responses, L. rohita @ 10 m-3 was found to be the optimum density for inland open water cage culture.

Effects of rearing temperature on egg incubation, growth, standard metabolic rate, and thermal tolerance of chocolate mahseer, Neolissochilus hexagonolepis.

The present study was aimed to assess the effect of temperatures on egg incubation, growth, standard metabolic rate (SMR), and thermal tolerance of a near threatened Himalayan hill stream chocolate mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis). For the hatching study, eggs were incubated in four temperatures (17, 20, 23, and 26 °C). The total hatching and free-swimming larvae percentage were higher at 23 °C (p < 0.05). Experiment I (for validation of the CTmax method) was carried out by incubating eggs at 17 °C and 23 °C. The CTmax was estimated in response to different warming rates (1-18°C h-1), acclimation temperatures (17 and 23°C), and the age of fishes (8, 15, 35 dph). The results suggested that a warming rate of 18°C h-1 could be used for the thermal tolerance study of yolk-sac larvae (8 dph) and 35 dph larvae, but for free-swimming larvae (15 dph) up to 3°C h-1 is suitable. Experiment II (for growth, SMR and thermal tolerance) was carried by acclimatizing 15 dph larvae in five temperatures (15, 19, 23, 27, and 31 °C) for 60 days. The mean growth rate increased with the increase in temperature from 15°C to 27°C (1.30-3.58% day-1) and decreased at 31°C. The mean SMR of the chocolate mahseer in the above acclimation temperatures was ranged from 1.14 ± 0.36 to 2.81 ± 0.15 µgO2h-1mg-1 and were significantly different (p < 0.01). The Q10 with the SMR of the fish suggested the preferred temperature ranged between 23 and 27 °C, and the optimum temperature for growth (ToptG) was estimated to be 25 °C. Chocolate mahseer is an eurythermal species which is advantageous for aquaculture practices due to its wide thermal tolerance zone (411.68°C2 in 15 to 31 °C acclimation temperature range) and high ARR values (0.49 - 0.54).

Styryl-cinnamate hybrid inhibits glioma by alleviating translation, bioenergetics and other key cellular responses leading to apoptosis.

Gliomas are lethal and aggressive form of brain tumors with resistance to conventional radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapies; inviting continuous efforts for drug discovery and drug delivery. Interestingly, small molecule hybrids are one such pharmacophore that continues to capture interest owing to their pluripotent medicinal effects. Accordingly, we earlier reported synthesis of potent Styryl-cinnamate hybrids (analogues of Salvianolic acid F) along with its plausible mode of action (MOA). We explored iTRAQ-LC/MS-MS technique to deduce differentially expressed landscape of native & phospho-proteins in treated glioma cells. Based on this, Protein-Protein Interactome (PPI) was looked into by employing computational tools and further validated in vitro. We hereby report that the Styryl-cinnamate hybrid, an analogue of natural Salvianolic acid F, alters key regulatory proteins involved in translation, cytoskeleton development, bioenergetics, DNA repair, angiogenesis and ubiquitination. Cell cycle analysis dictates arrest at G0/G1 stage along with reduced levels of cyclin D; involved in G1 progression. We discovered that Styryl-cinnamate hybrid targets glioma by intrinsically triggering metabolite-mediated stress. Various oncological circuits alleviated by the potential drug candidate strongly supports the role of such pharmacophores as anticancer drugs. Although, further analysis of SC hybrid in treating xenografts or solid tumors is yet to be explored but their candidature has gained huge impetus through this study. This study equips us better in understanding the shift in proteomic landscape after treating glioma cells with SC hybrid. It also allows us to elicit molecular targets of this potential drug before progressing to preclinical studies.

Inhibin anti-peptide antibody macromolecule: An approach to improve fecundity in Clarias batrachus.

Inhibins are members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFß) superfamily known to regulate ovarian functions through stimulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. In the present study, we aimed to design a species-specific inhibin-α chimeric peptide (ICP) and evaluate the effect of immunoneutralization using anti-ICP antisera to enhance the reproductive performance in female Clarias batrachus. Injection of anti-ICP antisera caused a significant increase in the number of oocytes at a medium dose (200 µl) in comparison to high dose (400 µl) and control (normal rabbit serum). Histological observations confirmed the dose-dependent advancement in oocyte maturation. Furthermore, anti-ICP antisera treated groups exhibited a significant increase in the serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and 17ß-estradiol (E2) hormones. The anti-ICP antisera decreased the mRNA expression levels of inhibin-α while stimulated the transcript levels of inhibin-ßA, FSHß, CYP 19a1, 3ß-HSD and StAR respectively in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these findings indicate that anti-ICP antibody macromolecules modulate the endogenous reproductive hormonal secretion and enhance oocyte quality and quantity in female C. batrachus. This is the first report wherein antibodies against inhibins were used to promote reproductive performances and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms in fishes.

Correlation of D-Dimer Level with the Presence and Severity of Pulmonary Embolism on Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography.

INTRODUCTION: Early diagnosis of pulmonary embolism can reduce morbidity and motility. D-dimer is well known parameter having high negative prediction value. This study focused on role of D-dimer in early prediction of presence and severity of pulmonary embolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients with clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism along with high D-dimer value were included in this study. All selected patients underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography assessment. D- dimer value was correlated with presence and proximity of pulmonary embolism. RESULTS: Out of thirty selected patients 50% had pulmonary embolism on computed tomography pulmonary angiography assessment. D-dimer value correlated well with presence and proximity of pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: D-dimer value more than 4000 ng/ml had high positive prediction value (79%) in suspected clinical cases. Value more than 8000 ng/ml further improve value to nearly 100% in suspected cases.

Screening and purification of catechins from underutilized tea plant parts and their bioactivity studies.

Comparative investigation of major phytoconstituents was performed from various parts of tea plant viz. apical bud, subtending 1st-5th leaf, stem, coarse leaves, flowers, fruits and roots. From the results of comparative RP-HPLC-DAD analysis it was found that underutilized tea parts especially coarse leaves, flowers and fruits contains abundant amount of phenolics (17.5%) and catechins (4-5%). From these underutilized tea plant parts the catechins were extracted and purified and then screened for their anticancer, immunomodulatory effect and antimicrobial activity against food borne pathogens. The results showed that tea fruit extract exhibited higher toxicity against oral cancer cells and also promotes proliferation of mice splenocytes. The results of antimicrobial studies revealed the inhibitory effect of these extracts against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. These investigations clearly demonstrated that the underutilized tea plant parts could act as economical and sustainable bioresource of functionally active constituents which further lead to the development of new cost-effective nutraceuticals and other formulations.

Screening of bioconstituents and in vitro cytotoxicity of Clematis gouriana leaves.

Clematis gouriana (Ranunculaceae), a perennial herb, is used by the local inhabitants of the western Himalayan region for its medicinal properties. Major bioconstituents of C. gouriana leaves using different solvent extracts were obtained and analysed. The results revealed promising contents of phenolics (from 18.19 ± 0.10 to 22.17 ± 0.10 mg g(-1)) as gallic acid and flavonoids (from 2.83 ± 0.01 to 6.52 ± 0.08 mg g(-1)) as quercetin equivalent in different extracts. Aqueous acetone extract showed higher antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 129.11 and 25.35 µg mL(-1) against DPPH and ABTS free radicals, respectively. Antioxidant yield ranged from 16.87 ± 0.27 to 24.48 ± 0.13 mg g(-1) of Trolox equivalent in different extracts as measured by the FRAP assay. Furthermore, ethylacetate extract exhibited strong in vitro cytotoxicity against Chinese hamster ovary and glioma cell lines. Proximate composition (proteins, fats, ash and minerals) of C. gouriana leaves was also assessed. Results demonstrated the potential of C. gouriana bioconstituents as nutraceuticals.

Fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of apple seed oil obtained from apple pomace.

BACKGROUND: Apple pomace is generated in huge quantities in juice-processing industries the world over and continuous efforts are being made for its inclusive utilization. In this study, apple seeds separated from industrial pomace were used for extraction of oil. The fatty acid composition, physicochemical and antioxidant as well as in vitro anticancer properties of extracted oil were studied to assess its suitability in food and therapeutic applications. RESULTS: The fatty acid composition of seed oil revealed the dominance of oleic (46.50%) and linoleic acid (43.81%). It had high iodine (121.8 g I 100 g⁻¹) and saponification value (184.91 mg KOH g⁻¹ oil). The acid value, refractive index and relative density were 4.28 mg KOH g⁻¹, 1.47 and 0.97 mg mL⁻¹, respectively. The antioxidant potential (IC50) of apple seed oil was 40.06 µg mL⁻¹. Cytotoxicity of apple seed oil against CHOK1, SiHa and A549 cancer cell lines ranged between 0.5 ± 0.06% and 88.6 ± 0.3%. CONCLUSION: The physicochemical properties of apple seed oil were comparable with edible food oil, indicating its better stability and broad application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Apple seed oil could be a good source of natural antioxidants. Also, the in vitro cytotoxic activity against specific cell lines exhibited its potential as an anticancer agent.