Differential gene expression analysis under salinity stress in the selected turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivars for curcuminoid biosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Curcuminoids are the phenolic compounds found exclusively in turmeric. Their presence is known to increase immunity and resistance against certain cancers and neurological disorders in humans also, protecting the plant itself against salinity stress. METHODS: In this experiment, we studied the expression levels of MAPK1 and DCS genes, their curcuminoid biosynthesis under salinity stress conditions so that the impact of individual genes can be understood using semi- quantitative PCR. RESULTS: The expressions of the genes with respect to curcuminoid biosynthesis showed fluctuations in their band intensity values due to the production of curcuminoids, which is initiated first in the leaves followed by the rhizomes. Not all the genes responsible for the curcuminoid biosynthesis show positive regulation under salt stress conditions which is observed in response to the severity of the stress imposed on the cultivars. CONCLUSIONS: In our findings, both the genes MAPK1 and DCS were down-regulated for curcuminoid biosynthesis compared to their controls in both the cultivars Vallabh Sharad and Selection 1.

Synchronous uterine serous carcinoma and ovarian sex cord stromal tumor (thecoma)-A rare first case report.

Synchronous endometrial and ovarian carcinoma is a rare instance and it accounts for 50 to 70% of all synchronous female genital tract tumors. However, it is very rare to find synchronous endometrial carcinoma and ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor (thecoma). The present case is a 75-year-old woman with a complaint of post-menopausal vaginal bleeding. Radiologically, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pelvis revealed altered signal intensity mass in the uterus. Frozen section and routine histopathological examination were done on radical hysterectomy. Microscopically, serous carcinoma involving uterine corpus and left Fallopian tube was identified along with the unusual finding of contralateral ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor (thecoma), which was confirmed on immunohistochemical examination. It is a very rare association and is first reported in the present study after a thorough search of the published literature. Their relationship based on a high level of estrogen produced by the hyperactive ovary is controversial as serous carcinomas are less hormone-dependent.

Design and synthesis of novel N-[3-(benzimidazol-2-ylamino)phenyl]amine and N-[3-(benzoxazol-2-ylamino)phenyl]amine derivatives as potential anticancer agents.

In this contribution, we report the design, synthesis and cytotoxicity studies of a series of N-[3-(benzimidazol-2-yl-amino)phenyl]amine and N-[3-(benzoxazol-2-ylamino)phenyl]amine derivatives. In vitro cytotoxicity assay of 26 selected compounds was carried out at National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA. Out of them, compounds 10e (NSC D-762842/1) and 11s (NSC D-764942/1) have shown remarkable cytotoxicity with GI50 values ranging between "0.589-14.3 µM" and "0.276-12.3 µM," respectively, in the representative nine subpanels of human tumor cell lines. Further, flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that compound 10e exerted cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and showed dose-dependent enhancement in apoptosis in K-562 leukemia cancer cells.

Cardiovascular outcomes of Nephrotic syndrome in childhood (CVONS) study: a protocol for prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is characterized by dyslipidemia which is a well-known risk factor for atherogenesis. Atherosclerosis in childhood is mostly subclinical and endothelial dysfunction is known to precede this. Evidence for screening for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk factors and early identification of premature onset of atherosclerosis in childhood NS remains tenuous in the absence of well-designed prospective studies addressing cardiovascular comorbidity in NS. The objective of our study is to examine endothelial dysfunction and short-term cardiovascular outcomes in a carefully phenotyped cohort of patients with Nephrotic syndrome as compared to healthy controls. METHODS: In a multi-centric prospective cohort study, 70 Steroid Resistant NS (SRNS), 70 Steroid Sensitive (SSNS) patients along with 70 Healthy Controls are being recruited. After a baseline assessment of functional and structural status of heart (2D Echocardiography), arteries (Carotid Doppler and Intima Media Thickness measurements) and microcirculation [a combination of 2D Echocardiography, Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) and Brachial Artery Flow mediated dilation (FMD) and Nail Fold Capillaroscopy (NFC)], the patients are being investigated for endothelial dysfunction. Venous blood sample (15 ml) is being collected for routine investigations and assay of biochemical endothelial markers through Flow Cytometry. The patients will be followed up at 12 months and 24 months after the recruitment to look for any change from baseline period. DISCUSSION: This study will able to provide a better understanding of the epidemiology of endothelial dysfunction and associated subclinical cardiovascular co-morbidity in childhood NS. Findings on characterization of prevalence of endothelial dysfunction and subclinical markers may be used to design future randomized controlled trials for evaluating the efficacy of preventive and therapeutic interventions in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Humoral and T cell-mediated immune response against trichomoniasis.

Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infection leads to the synthesis of specific antibodies in the serum and local secretions. The profile of T. vaginalis-specific antibodies and T cell-mediated immune responses may influence the outcome of infection, towards parasite elimination, persistence or pathological reactions. Studies have indicated that Th1-, Th17- and Th22 cell-related cytokines may be protective or pathogenic, whereas Th2- and Treg cell-related cytokines can exert anti-inflammatory effects during T. vaginalis infection. A number of T. vaginalis-related components such as lipophosphoglycan (TvLPG), α-actinin, migration inhibitory factor (TvMIF), pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), legumain-1 (TvLEGU-1), adhesins and cysteine proteases lead to the induction of specific antibodies. T. vaginalis has acquired several strategies to evade the humoral immune responses such as degradation of immunoglobulins by cysteine proteases, antigenic variation and killing of antibody-producing B cells. The characterization of the T. vaginalis-specific antibodies to significant immunogenic molecules and formulation of strategies to promote their induction in vaginal mucosa may reveal their potential protective effects against trichomoniasis. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of antibody and T cell-mediated immune responses to T. vaginalis and highlight novel insights into the possible role of immune responses in protection against parasite.

Kallman Syndrome.

Kallman syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized clinically by failure to attain puberty or failure to fully complete it along with an absent or impaired sense of smell with absence of bilateral olfactory bulbi and sulci alongwith absent olfactory tracts. Only very few cases of Kallman syndrome have been reported in females in Indian population.

Targeting leukemia stem cells in vivo with antagomiR-126 nanoparticles in acute myeloid leukemia.

Current treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are designed to target rapidly dividing blast populations with limited success in eradicating the functionally distinct leukemia stem cell (LSC) population, which is postulated to be responsible for disease resistance and relapse. We have previously reported high miR-126 expression levels to be associated with a LSC-gene expression profile. Therefore, we hypothesized that miR-126 contributes to 'stemness' and is a viable target for eliminating the LSC in AML. Here we first validate the clinical relevance of miR-126 expression in AML by showing that higher expression of this microRNA (miR) is associated with worse outcome in a large cohort of older (⩾60 years) cytogenetically normal AML patients treated with conventional chemotherapy. We then show that miR-126 overexpression characterizes AML LSC-enriched cell subpopulations and contributes to LSC long-term maintenance and self-renewal. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of therapeutic targeting of miR-126 in LSCs with novel targeting nanoparticles containing antagomiR-126 resulting in in vivo reduction of LSCs likely by depletion of the quiescent cell subpopulation. Our findings suggest that by targeting a single miR, that is, miR-126, it is possible to interfere with LSC activity, thereby opening potentially novel therapeutic approaches to treat AML patients.

Immunity in urogenital protozoa.

Innate and adaptive immunity play a significant role in urogenital infections. Innate immunity is provided by the epithelial cells and mucus lining along with acidic pH, which forms a strong physical barrier against the pathogens in female reproductive tract. Cells of innate immune system, antimicrobial peptides, cytokines, chemokines and adaptive immunity in the reproductive tract are evolved during infection, and a pro-inflammatory response is generated to fight against the invading pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis, a primary urogenital protozoa, the etiological agent of human trichomoniasis, a curable sexually transmitted infection. The involvement of the urogenital tract by other protozoal infections such as P. falciparum, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Toxoplasma, Entamoeba histolytica and Acanthamoeba infection is rarely reported. Trichomonas induce pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses in infected subjects. Multifactorial pathogenic mechanisms including parasite adherence, cysteine proteases, lipophosphoglycan, free radical, cytokine generation and Toll-like receptors appear to interplay with the induction of local and systemic immune responses that ultimately determine the outcome of the infection. However, the involvement of urogenital pathogen-specific immune mechanisms and effect of normal local resident flora on the outcome (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic) of infection are poorly understood. Moreover, immune interactions in trichomoniasis subjects co-infected with bacterial and viral pathogens need to be elucidated.

A novel flavonoid C-glucoside from Ulmus wallichiana preserves bone mineral density, microarchitecture and biomechanical properties in the presence of glucocorticoid by promoting osteoblast survival: a comparative study with human parathyroid hormone.

PURPOSE: 6-C-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(2S,3S)-(+)-5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxydihydroflavonol (GTDF) is a novel compound isolated from Ulmus wallichiana, reported to have bone anabolic action in ovariectomized rats. Here, we studied the effect of GTDF in glucocorticoid (GC)-induced bone loss and its mode of action. METHODS: Osteoblasts were cultured from rat calvaria or bone marrow to study apoptosis and differentiation by dexamethasone (Dex), methylprednisolone (MP), GTDF, quercetin and rutin. Female Sprague Dawley rats were treated with Dex or MP with or without GTDF or PTH. Efficacy was evaluated by bone microarchitecture using microcomputed tomography, determination of new bone formation by fluorescent labeling of bone and osteoblast apoptosis by co-labeling bone sections with Runx-2 and TUNEL. Serum osteocalcin was determined by ELISA. RESULTS: GTDF preserved trabecular and cortical bones in the presence of Dex and MP and mitigated the MP-mediated suppression of serum osteocalcin. Co-administration of GTDF to MP rats increased mineral apposition, bone formation rates, bone biomechanical strength, reduced osteoblast apoptosis and increased osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells compared to MP group, suggesting in vivo osteogenic effect of GTDF. These effects of GTDF were to a great extent comparable to PTH. GTDF prevented GC-induced osteoblast apoptosis by inhibiting p53 expression and acetylation, and activation of AKT but did not influence transactivation of GC receptor (GR). CONCLUSIONS: GTDF protects against GC-induced bone loss by promoting osteoblast survival through p53 inhibition and activation of AKT pathways but not as a GR antagonist. GTDF has the potential in the management of GC-induced osteopenia.

Leishmania major inhibits IL-12 in macrophages by signalling through CR3 (CD11b/CD18) and down-regulation of ETS-mediated transcription.

Leishmania major is an aetiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The parasite primarily infects immune sentinel cells, specifically macrophages and dendritic cells, in the mammalian host. Infection is receptor mediated and is known to involve parasite binding to cell surface protein complement receptor 3 (CR3, Mac-1, CD11b/CD18). Engagement of CR3 by various ligands inhibits production of interleukin-12 (IL-12), the cytokine that drives antileishmanial T helper 1-type immune responses. Likewise, L. major infection inhibits IL-12 production and activation of host macrophages. Our data indicate that in the absence of CR3, L. major-infected bone marrow-derived macrophages produce more IL-12 and nitric oxide compared with WT cells upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. We therefore investigated multiple signalling pathways by which L. major may inhibit IL-12 transcription through CR3 ligation. We demonstrate that L. major infection does not elicit significant NFκB p65, MAPK, IRF-1 or IRF-8 activation in WT or CD11b-deficient macrophages. Furthermore, infection neither inhibits LPS-induced MAPK or NFκB activation nor blocks IFN-γ-activated IRF-1 and IRF-8. ETS-mediated transcription, however, is inhibited by L. major infection independently of CR3. Our data indicate that L. major-mediated inhibition of IL-12 occurs through CR3 engagement; however, the mechanism of inhibition is independent of NFκB, MAPK, IRF and ETS.

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of chemical volatiles in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) urine.

Isolation of active fraction and characterization of chemosignals from urine have been attempted in several mammalian species in the recent years. The objective of this study was to identify the urinary volatiles across various reproductive stages of buffalo cow, namely, estrus, diestrus, and pregnancy, and in bull, by chemical extraction followed by gas chromatography-linked mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Urine samples were collected from six buffalo cows at two different phases of estrous cycle, namely, estrus and diestrus. Besides, urinary samples were collected from five pregnant buffalo cows (60-75 days after artificial insemination (AI)) and six adult bulls. Thin-layer chromatography was performed as a preliminary test for qualitative comparison of different compounds extracted by organic solvents. Identification of the urinary compounds was carried out in a gas chromatograph (Perkin Elmer, Autosystem XL) linked to a mass spectrometer (Turbomass). The results of GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of 21 compounds with varying molecular weights and retention time, which were further categorized as diestrus-specific, pregnancy-specific, and bull-specific urinary compounds. No compound, however, could be identified as estrus-specific. We concluded that qualitative differences do exist in estrus, diestrus, and pregnant buffalo cow urine and in bull urine, as evidenced by GC-MS.

Tooth root dentin mineralization defects in a mouse model of hypophosphatasia.

Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) is expressed in mineralizing tissues and functions to reduce pyrophosphate (PP(i) ), a potent inhibitor of mineralization. Loss of TNAP function causes hypophosphatasia (HPP), a heritable disorder marked by increased PP(i) , resulting in rickets and osteomalacia. Tooth root cementum defects are well described in both HPP patients and in Alpl(-/-) mice, a model for infantile HPP. In Alpl(-/-) mice, dentin mineralization is specifically delayed in the root; however, reports from human HPP patients are variable and inconsistent regarding dentin defects. In the current study, we aimed to define the molecular basis for changes in dentinogenesis observed in Alpl(-/-) mice. TNAP was found to be highly expressed by mature odontoblasts, and Alpl(-/-) molar and incisor roots featured defective dentin mineralization, ranging from a mild delay to severely disturbed root dentinogenesis. Lack of mantle dentin mineralization was associated with disordered and dysmorphic odontoblasts having disrupted expression of marker genes osteocalcin and dentin sialophosphoprotein. The formation of, initiation of mineralization within, and rupture of matrix vesicles in Alpl(-/-) dentin matrix was not affected. Osteopontin (OPN), an inhibitor of mineralization that contributes to the skeletal pathology in Alpl(-/-) mice, was present in the generally unmineralized Alpl(-/-) mantle dentin at ruptured mineralizing matrix vesicles, as detected by immunohistochemistry and by immunogold labeling. However, ablating the OPN-encoding Spp1 gene in Alpl(-/-) mice was insufficient to rescue the dentin mineralization defect. Administration of bioengineered mineral-targeting human TNAP (ENB-0040) to Alpl(-/-) mice corrected defective dentin mineralization in the molar roots. These studies reveal that TNAP participates in root dentin formation and confirm that reduction of PP(i) during dentinogenesis is necessary for odontoblast differentiation, dentin matrix secretion, and mineralization. Furthermore, these results elucidate developmental mechanisms underlying dentin pathology in HPP patients, and begin to explain the reported variability in the dentin/pulp complex pathology in these patients.

Pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones as antiplasmodial falcipain-2 inhibitors.

Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease falcipain-2 (FP-2) is a promising target for antimalarial chemotherapy and inhibition of this protease affects the growth of parasite adversely. A series of pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro FP-2 inhibitory potential. Compounds (14,17) showed excellent FP-2 inhibition and can serve as lead compounds for further development of potent FP-2 inhibitors as potential antimalarial drugs.

Milk, milk products, and disease free health: an updated overview.

The cow and its milk have been held sacred in the world since the dawn of human civilization. Indian ancient Vedic texts describe the virtues of milk and dairy products, as is authenticated by modern scientific principles and proofs. Therefore, milk has been considered as one of the most natural and highly nutritive part of a daily balanced diet. Currently, the integration of advanced scientific knowledge with traditional information is gaining incredible momentum toward developing the concept of potential therapeutic foods. Furthermore, new advances toward understanding the therapeutic roles of milk and milk products have also given a new impetus for unraveling the age old secrets of milk. At present, the best-known examples of therapeutic foods are fermented milk products containing health promoting probiotic bacteria. In the present article, we have tried to review the various aspects of the therapeutic nature of milk and fermented dairy products in a highly up-dated manner, and offer an in-depth insight into the development of targeted therapeutic future foods as per the requirements of consumers.

Evaluation of clinical features scoring system as screening tool for influenza A (H1N1) in epidemic situations.

BACKGROUND: Influenza A (H1N1) hit the headlines in recent times and created mass hysteria and general panic. The high cost and non-availability of diagnostic laboratory tests for swine flu, especially in the developing countries underlines the need of having a cheaper, easily available, yet reasonably accurate screening test. AIMS: This study was carried out to develop a clinical feature-based scoring system (CFSS) for influenza A (H1N1) and to evaluate its suitability as a screening tool when large numbers of influenza-like illness cases are suspect. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Clinical-record based study, carried out retrospectively in post-pandemic period on subject's case-sheets who had been quarantined at IG International Airport's quarantine center at Delhi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical scoring of each suspected case was done by studying their case record sheet and compared with the results of RT-PCR. RT-PCR was used to confirm the diagnosis (Gold Standard). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the clinical feature-based scoring system (the proposed new screening tool) at different cut-off values. The most discriminant cut-off value was determined by plotting the ROC curve. RESULTS: Of the 638 suspected cases, 127 (20%) were confirmed to have H1N1 by RT-PCR examination. On the basis of ROC, the most discriminant clinical feature score for diagnosing Influenza A was found to be 7, which yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of 86%, 88%, 64%, and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The clinical features scoring system (CFSS) can be used as a valid and cost-effective tool for screening swine flu (influenza A (H1N1)) cases from large number of influenza-like illness suspects.

Serum albumin in poorly differentiated, oral squamous cell carcinoma: a possible diagnostic marker of significance / Albumina sérica em carcinomas de células orais escamosas e pobremente diferenciadas: um possível marcador de diagnóstico de significância

Objectives: Serum albumin is considered to be the most potent and abundant extra-cellular anti-oxidant thatmight have a protective role in the ongoing process of transition of the various oral pre-cancerous lesions andconditions into frank malignant degenerations. The aim of this study was to check the reliability of serum albuminas one of the diagnostic anti-oxidant parameter. Materials and methods: The study consisted of seraanalysis of albumin in the age and sex matched normal healthy adults and patients with histologically proven,poorly differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma. The results were analyzed using Student’s t-test andwere averaged as mean ± standard deviation. In above test, p-values less than 0.05 were taken to be statisticallysignificant. The normality of data was checked before the statistical analysis was performed. Results:The study revealed variations in sera levels of albumin to be statistically significant with the mean level ofsera albumin to be 4.956 ± 1.0579 in controls as against 3.6933 ± 1.2177 in patients with histologically proven,poorly differentiated, oral squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions: The results of the study emphasize theneed for more studies with larger sample sizes to be conducted before a conclusive role could be drawn infavor of sera levels of albumin as diagnostic markers of significance in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Objetivos: A albumina sérica é considerada o antioxidante extracelular mais poderoso e mais abundante, que pode exercer um papel protetor no processo de transição das várias lesões e circunstâncias pré-cancerígenasorais em degenerações malignas. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a confiabilidade da albumina sérica como um dos parâmetros de diagnóstico antioxidante. Materiais e métodos: A análise consistiu no estudo da albumina sérica em pacientes adultos saudáveis normais, separados por idade e sexo, e em pacientes com carcinoma oral de células escamosas pobremente diferenciadas com evidência histológica comprovada. Os resultados foram analisados usando o teste t de Student, e as médias foram calculadas com ± desvio-padrão. No teste citado, os valores de p menores que 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. A normalidade dos dados foi verificada antes da realização da análise estatística. Resultados: O estudo revelou diferenças estatisticamente significantes nos níveis de albumina sérica com o nível médio de 4.956 ± 1.0579 nos controle sem contraste com 3.6933 ± 1.2177 nos pacientes com carcinoma oral de células escamosas pobremente diferenciadas.Conclusões: Os resultados do estudo enfatizaram a necessidade de mais estudos com tamanhos de amostra maiores antes que um papel conclusivo possa ser atribuído, em favor dos níveis de albumina sérica,como marcador diagnóstico para o carcinoma oral de células escamosas.

Cellulose and PapG are important for Escherichia coli causing recurrent urinary tract infection in women.

PURPOSE: To identify Escherichia coli factors associated with bacterial persistence in the human urogenital tract using well-defined clinical isolates from women with cystitis. METHODS: E. coli were isolated from women suffering from recurrent cystitis. For comparison, isolates from sporadically infected patients and healthy volunteers were included in the analysis. Samples were taken on three occasions from the urine, periurethra, and vagina. Isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and virulence factors were detected by PCR and morphotypic analysis. RESULTS: In all patients, the original E. coli strain was isolated repeatedly and from different regions. The presence of papG coding for a P fimbriae subtype linked to pyelonephritis was associated with strains isolated from patients with recurrent cystitis, including both among urinary and vaginal isolates. The biofilm component cellulose was detected at a higher frequency in urinary isolates from recurrent versus sporadic cystitis. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis of a periurethral/vaginal E. coli reservoir is supported by the results of this study. Our results also indicate an impact of cellulose on E. coli persistence in the human urogenital tract.

Gemini amphiphiles: a novel class of nonviral gene delivery vectors.

A number of carriers have been developed for the delivery of genes, but the search for a clinically successful ideal carrier is ongoing. Nonviral carriers, especially cationic liposomes, were developed to resolve issues related to the immunogenicity and oncogenicity of viral carriers. Many synthetic cationic amphiphiles have been synthesized and structurally modified to incorporate genes into vesicular carriers to enhance DNA transfection efficiency and to reduce carrier toxicity. Of these carriers, gemini amphiphiles have demonstrated the suitable physiochemical properties needed for promising and novel gene carriers. Moreover, three basic parts (head, spacer, and chain) in the structure of gemini amphiphiles provide ample opportunities to tailor them according to the needs of specific gene delivery. Initial studies have demonstrated the superiority of gemini amphiphiles in gene delivery efficiency over currently used carriers for gene delivery. This article critically reviews these studies and provides a balanced view to fellow scientists to carry out their efforts in filling in the technological gaps.

Antioxidant effect of Triticum aestivium (wheat grass) in high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress in rabbits.

Wheat grass is used as a general health tonic and is reported to be effective against several medical disorders, although detailed literature is not available. Besides drug therapy, a number of medicinal plants are effective in treating hyperlipidemia. This study examined the effects of wheat grass on high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rabbits. Thirty rabbits were divided into 3 groups of 10 rabbits each, group I receiving a control diet, group II a high-fat diet and group III a high-fat diet together with wheat grass over a period of 10 weeks. Fasting serum samples from the animals were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C, and the results were compared. The high-fat diet resulted in hyperlipidemia and an increase in oxidative stress, indicated by a significant rise in MDA levels, whereas antioxidant levels of GSH and vitamin C were significantly reduced. Wheat grass supplementation with a high-fat diet resulted in improved lipid levels (decreased total cholesterol and increased HDL-C) together with significantly reduced MDA levels and increased GSH and vitamin C levels. These results indicate the beneficial role of wheat grass in ameliorating hyperlipidemia and the associated oxidative stress.