Synthesis, characterization & evaluation of venom neutralization potential of silver nanoparticles mediated Alstonia scholaris Linn bark extract.

OBJECTIVE: The venom neutralization potential of silver nanoparticle(AgNP-AS) mediated bark extract of Alstonia scholaris Linn R.Br was investigated in the study. METHODS & MATERIALS: AgNP-AS was synthesized with respect to optimal temperature, pH of extract. UV-vis, FT-IR, XRD, TEM, SEM studies were used to characterize silver nanoparticles of Alstonia scholaris Linn(AgNP-AS). The potential of AgNP-AS in neutralization of venom lethality, rise in myotoxicity markers(LDH) and proinflammatory cytokines(IL6, TNFα) were evaluated in animal models. RESULTS: AgNP-AS was synthesized optimally with AgNO3 (2 mM); extract concentration, 0.2 gm/l (1% w/v); extract (pH 9) and optimal temperature (40 °C). The colour change and synthesis of AgNP-AS was validated by UV-vis analysis at 432 nm. Transmission electron microscopy of AgNP-AS showed that the particle size for AgNP-AS was 14 nm-20 nm. FT-IR revealed peaks at 3445 cm-1, 1646 cm-1, 1346 cm-1 and 1108 cm-1. From the dynamic light scattering studies the hydrodynamic diameter (115.87 nm) and zeta potential(-29.8 mV) were estimated. The EDAX exhibited a peak for silver validating that the synthesized silver was pure. The biosynthesized (AgNP-AS) could significantly neutralize Viper russelli venom(VRV) induced rise in serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and proinflammatory cytokines(IL6, TNFα) in animal models. CONCLUSION: The culmination of nanotechnology with herbal medicine might endow with a really constructive tool in coming up with future drugs with fewer toxicity.

Ribosome-associated quality control mediates degradation of the premature translation termination product Orf1p of ODC antizyme mRNA.

Decoding of OAZ1 (Ornithine decarboxylase AntiZyme 1) mRNA, which harbours two open reading frames (ORF1 and ORF2) interrupted by a naturally occurring Premature Termination Codon (PTC), produces an 8 kDa truncated polypeptide termed Orf1p, unless the PTC is bypassed by +1 ribosomal frameshifting. In this study, we identified Orf1p as an endogenous ubiquitin-dependent substrate of the 26S proteasome both in yeast and mammalian cells. Surprisingly, we found that the ribosome-associated quality control factor Rqc1 and the ubiquitin ligase Ltn1 are critical for Orf1p degradation. In addition, the cytosolic protein quality control chaperone system Hsp70/Hsp90 and their corresponding co-chaperones Sse1, Fes1, Sti1 and Cpr7 are also required for Orf1p proteolysis. Our study finds that Orf1p, which is naturally synthesized as a result of a premature translation termination event, requires the coordinated role of both ribosome-associated and cytosolic protein quality control factors for its degradation.

Incidence and treatment of snakebites in West Bengal, India.

OBJECTIVE: Snake envenomation is a major cause of death and disability in the developing countries. In India and neighboring countries, the four venomous snakes of concern include - Indian cobra(Naja naja), Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus); Russell's Viper (Daboia russelli); Saw Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus). We describe the management protocol for snakebite treatment in a tertiary care hospital of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal based on case reports of subjects admitted and treated in Ghatal Subdivisional Hospital(GSH) during 2013-2016. METHODS &MATERIALS: We developed a structured data collection form to record demographic and clinical details of patients hospitalized at GSH between 1 January 2013 through 31 December 2016. RESULTS: Snake bite cases in Ghatal Subdivisional hospital(GSH) were assessed during the period 2013-2016. A total 18 deaths due to snakebite has been reported from this tertiary care hospital during the period. Total patients admitted in this hospital with snakebite is 1160 during the period 2013-2016. In 80% of the cases the lower extremities were affected. Preliminary first aid was provided in 45% cases. About 65% of the affected victims suffered snakebite in the morning hours. Some of the recommended drugs that were prescribed by the physicians of GSH were neostigmine, atropine, adrenaline, hydrocortisone, Amoxicillin. WBCT20 and Urea, Creatinine level were routinely performed. CONCLUSION: Hospital studies are a key source of information about snake bites. The ready availability and appropriate use of AVS, close monitoring of patients, the institution of ventilator support and if required, early referral to a larger hospital all help to reduce the mortality. Thus knowledge of the varied clinical manifestations of snake bite is important for effective management in hospitals by a complete health care team.