Studies on the partial characterization of extracted glycosaminoglycans from fish waste and its potentiality in modulating obesity through in-vitro and in-vivo.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are bioactive polysaccharides or glycoconjugates found in the fish waste having significant health impacts. In the present study it has been attempted to extract GAGs from mackerel fish waste through chemical and enzymatic methods. Further, the extracted GAGs (e-GAGs) were analyzed for their composition (uronic acid, total sugar & sulfate), chemical characterization was carried out through techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) & Proton NMR. Further, probable major GAGs present was identified by enzymatic digestion. The biological potential of the extracted glycoconjugate was assessed further through in-vitro and in-vivo studies. In-vitro biological activity showed good lipase inhibition (IC50, 2.6 mg/mL) and bile acid binding properties (dose-dependent). Lipid accumulation lowered in the e-GAGs differentiated 3T3L1 preadipocyte cells have also been observed. The high fat fed animal (in-vivo) study showed ameliorative effect via reducing blood sugar∼1.28↓, lipid profile↓, plasma insulin∼3.5↓, improved glucose tolerance, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, ∼3.0↓). Furthermore, elimination of bile acid (BA) due to GAG-BA binding properties resultant in removal of elevated fecal triglyceride and cholesterol suggesting its lipid lowering activity. Regulation of various proteins linked to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism including fatty acid synthase (FAS), low density lipoproteins receptor (LDL-R), 7α-hydroxylase, glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) and Peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) were significant (p < 0.05) with e-GAGs treatment when compared to HFD group. Thus, the e-GAGs showed potential hypolipidemic activity through elimination of bile acid binding property together with regulating the specific protein related to obesity and its associated complications.

White LED active α-Fe2O3/rGO photocatalytic nanocomposite for an effective degradation of tetracycline and ibuprofen molecules.

The formation of phase pure magnetically separable α-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3/rGO nanostructures were achieved through a simple hydrothermal technique. The properties of synthesized materials were investigated through different analytical techniques. The formation of phase pure FO and FO/rGO nanostructures were confirmed by XRD analysis with crystallite size of about ∼42 nm and ∼65 nm, respectively. The morphological analysis reveals the formation of sphere-like nanoparticles with high agglomeration. The UV-DRS analysis clearly shows the enhanced visible-light activity of FO/rGO nanoparticles. The BET analysis revealed the mesoporous property of FO/rGO nanocomposite. The enhancement in the photoinduced charge transfer process is observed after including rGO nanoparticles with FO. The photocatalytic efficiency of nanomaterials was analyzed using tetracycline and ibuprofen as model organic pollutants under white LED irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic degradation ability of FO/rGO nanocomposite is studied against both tetracycline and ibuprofen molecules.

Concentrates from tender coconut water and coconut testa beneficially modulates tissue lipid profiles in high-fat fed rats.

The present study involved feeding of tender coconut water concentrate (TCW) and testa phenolic concentrate (PHE) to high fat fed animals. Analysis of serum showed increased HDL-C in concentrates treated group and therefore higher protection against atherogenesis compared to high fat fed group. Lesser fecal fat content and higher level of liver cholesterol were observed in high fat fed group, treatments with TCW and PHE ameliorated significantly. Fat content in the organs (liver, heart, kidney and adipose) of HFD group was high. Furthermore, certain fatty acids observed in the tissues were 14:0, 16:0, 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, 20:0, 20:3 and 20:4, among which 14:0, 16:0 & 18:0 are the major saturated fatty acids that increased significantly in high fat fed group when compared with starch fed group and ameliorated with TCW and PHE dose dependently. These results clearly indicate both the concentrates (TCW and PHE) restrict excess accumulation of lipids and altered composition of fatty acids in tissues as well as serum which are the risk factors for development of insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia etc., related to obesity. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05178-2.

Impact of phenolic concentrate from tender coconut water and coconut testa on high fat cholesterol fed C57BL6 mice.

Coconut testa and tender coconut water (TCW) are by-products of coconut processing industries which are rich in natural phytonutrients, if not exploited properly it may add up to environmental pollution. In the current study, phenolic concentrate (PHE) from coconut testa and tender coconut water (TCW) concentrates were examined for their effect on high fat fed C57BL/6 mice at the level of 50 & 100 mg and 500 & 1000 mg/kg body weight respectively. Results showed increasing body weight in high fat fed animals when compared to starch fed control (ND/SFD) group. Treatment with concentrates of PHE and TCW reduced their body weight dose dependently. Lipid profile like triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL levels were significantly decreased, whereas HDL levels increased, indicating its health beneficial effect. Catalase, SOD, GPx, TBARS in tissues, analysis of OGTT, serum insulin levels, advance glycation and atherogenic protection were augmented at different levels in the treated groups. In conclusion, phenolic concentrate prepared from the coconut testa and tender coconut water concentrate revealed their hypolipidemic property which can be exploited further in the development of health foods.

Isoptericola sediminis sp. nov., Isolated from Chilika Lagoon.

A yellow-colored, Gram-stain-positive, rod shaped, non-motile bacterium, designated as strain JC619T, was isolated from the sediment of Chilika lagoon, India. Strain JC619T shows highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (99.08%) with Isoptericola chiayiensis KCTC 19740T followed by Isoptericola halotolerans KCTC 19046T (98.6%) and other members of the genus Isoptericola (< 98%). NaCl is required for growth of strain JC619T and tolerates up to 18% (w/v) and pH up to 10. Strain JC619T grows optimally at temperature 30 °C, NaCl concentration of 3% (w/v), and at pH 7.5. The genome size of strain JC619T is 3.2 Mb with G+C content of 73.0 mol%. ANI scores of strain JC619T are 81.9% and 80.1% and dDDH values are 24.4% and 22.7% with I. chiayiensis KCTC 19740T and I. halotolerans KCTC 19046T, respectively. Respiratory quinones are MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H2). Predominant fatty acids (> 10%) are anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, and iso-C15:0. Major polar lipids of strain JC619T are phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositolmannoside, diphosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylinositol. Strain JC619T is catalase positive but cytochrome oxidase negative and reduces nitrate. The genomic distinction of strain JC619T with its nearest related species of the genus Isoptericola is well supported with chemotaxonomic characteristics and differential physiological properties. Therefore, strain JC619T represents a new species under the genus Isoptericola for which Isoptericola sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. Type strain is JC619T (=KCTC 49244T =NBRC 114063T).

Rhodobacter sediminicola sp. nov., isolated from a fresh water pond.

A phototrophic bacterium, designated as strain JA983T, was isolated from a freshwater pond in Gujarat, India. The strain was yellowish brown, catalase- and oxidase-positive, rod-to-oval shaped, Gram-stain-negative and motile. Growth was observed at 20-35 °C. NaCl was not required for optimum growth and up to 5 % was tolerated. Growth was observed at pH 6.0-8.0, with an optimum at pH 7.0. An unidentified glycolipid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids (AL1, AL2) and two unidentified lipids (L1 and L2) are the polar lipids of JA983T. Q10 is the only quinone. C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c is the major fatty acid. JA983T showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strains of Rhodobacter sphaeroides (98.99%), Rhodobacter megalophilus (98.99 %), Rhodobacter johrii (98.99 %) and other members of the genus Rhodobacter with less than 98.7 % similarity. In a 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic tree, JA983T formed a different sub-clade with its nearest phylogenetic members of genus Rhodobacter. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic [average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) differences indicated that JA983T is significantly different from other species of the genus Rhodobacter and thus represents a novel species of the genus for which the name Rhodobacter sediminicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JA983T (=KCTC 15782T=NBRC 113843T).

Afifella aestuarii sp. nov., a phototrophic bacterium.

An oval- to rod-shaped, motile, Gram-stain-negative, oxidase-positive, catalase-negative, pink-coloured phototrophic bacterium (designated as strain JA968T) was isolated from an estuary near Pata, Gujarat, India. Cells had an intracytoplasmic membrane architecture as lamellae and divided by budding. Strain JA968T had bacteriochlorophyll-a and spirilloxanthin series carotenoids as photosynthetic pigments. The strain exhibited photolithoautotrophic, photoorganoheterotrophic and chemoorganoheterotrophic growth modes and required thiamine as a growth factor. Strain JA968T had C18 : 1ω7c/C18  : 1ω6c as the predominant fatty acid with ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) and menaquinone-10 (MK-10) forming the quinone composition. The genomic DNA G+C content of the strain was 63.5 mol%. Pairwise comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JA968T was highly similar to Afifella marina DSM 2698T (99.9 %) and Afifella pfennigii DSM 17143T (98.4 %). The average nucleotide identity values were 92 % between strain JA968T and A. marina DSM 2698T, and 78 % between strain JA968T and A. pfennigii DSM 17143T. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain JA968T and A. marina and A. pfennigii were 49 and 19 %, respectively. The genomic distinction was also supported by differences in phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics. We propose that strain JA968T represents a new species of the genus Afifella with the name Afifella aestuarii sp. nov. The type strain is JA968T (=KCTC 15634T=NBRC 113338T).

Rhodomicrobium lacus sp. nov., an alkalitolerent bacterium isolated from Umiam lake, Shillong, India.

A Gram-stain-negative, motile, alkali-tolerant, swollen-rod shaped, reddish brown coloured, phototrophic bacterium designated as strain JA980T, was isolated from freshwater sampled at Umiam lake, Shillong, India. Strain JA980T grew well up to pH 9.0. Respiratory quinones were ubiquinone 10 and rhodoquinone 10. The major fatty acid was C18: 1ω7c/C18:1ω6c with minor amounts of C18:0, C16:0, C18:0 3-OH and C16:0 3-OH. Strain JA980T contained bacteriochlorophyll-a and carotenoids of the spirilloxanthin series. The polar lipids of strain JA980T comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified phospholipid, unidentified amino lipids (AL1,3,4,5) and an unidentified lipid (L1). Strain JA980T had the highest (99.57 %) 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of Rhodomicrobium vannielii ATCC17100T and Rhodomicrobium udaipurense JA643T. The genome of strain JA980T was 3.88 Mbp with a DNA G+C content of 62.4 mol%. Based on the results of phylogenetic analyses, low in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values (33 %), low (87 %) average nucleotide identity results, chemotaxonomic characteristics and differential physiological properties, strain JA980T could not be classified into either of the two recognized species of the genus Rhodomicrobium, suggesting that it represents a novel species, for which the name Rhodomicrobium lacus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JA980T (=KCTC 15697T= MCC 3714T= NBRC 113803T).

Paracoccus aeridis sp. nov., an indole-producing bacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of an orchid, Aerides maculosa.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, coccoid-shaped, catalase- and oxidase-positive, non-denitrifying, neutrophilic bacterium designated as strain JC501T was isolated from an epiphytic rhizosphere of an orchid, Aerides maculosa, growing in the Western Ghats of India. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain JC501T belonged to the genus Paracoccus and had the highest levels of sequence identity with Paracoccus marinus KKL-A5T (98.9 %), Paracoccus contaminans WPAn02T (97.3 %) and other members of the genus Paracoccus (<97.3 %). Strain JC501T produced indole-3 acetic acid and other indole derivatives from tryptophan. The dominant respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acid was C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c, with significant quantities of C18 : 1ω9c, C17 : 0 and C16 : 0. The polar lipids of strain JC501T comprised phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid, two unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified lipids and four unidentified phospholipids. The genome of strain JC501T was 3.3 Mbp with G+C content of 69.4 mol%. For the resolution of the phylogenetic congruence of the novel strain, the phylogeny was also reconstructed with the sequences of eight housekeeping genes. Based on the results of phylogenetic analyses, low (<85.9 %) average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization (<29.8 %), chemotaxonomic analysis and physiological properties, strain JC501T could not be classified into any of the recognized species of the genus Paracoccus. Strain JC501T represents a novel species, for which the name Paracoccus aeridis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JC501T (=LMG 30532T=NBRC 113644T).

Pouch of Douglas internal hernia successfully treated laparoscopically.

A rare case of internal herniation of a peritoneal defect in the pouch of Douglas is being reported. It presented as a case of intestinal obstruction, which after investigation, on laparoscopic exploration was found to be a case of internal hernia getting obstructed in the pouch of Douglas. It was successfully treated by marsupialisation of the defect laparoscopically. A 33-year-old female presented with pain abdomen and vomiting. On investigations, she was found to be having a small intestinal obstruction. Conservative trial failed and then diagnostic laparoscopy was done, which revealed a peritoneal defect in the pouch of Douglas with the incarcerated distal ileal loop. Contents were reduced, and laparoscopic marsupialisation of the peritoneal defect was done. A rare case of defect in peritoneum with no defect in muscular layer in the pouch of douglas. Internal hernia is being reported and successfully treated laparoscopically by marsupialisation for the first time.

Removal of lead and fluoride from contaminated water using exhausted coffee grounds based bio-sorbent.

Water pollution by industrial and anthropogenic actives has become a serious threat to the environment. World Health Organization (WHO) has identified that lead and fluoride amid the environmental pollutants are most poisonous water contaminants with devastating impact on the human race. The present work proposes a study on economical bio-adsorbent based technique using exhausted coffee grounds in the removal of lead and fluoride contaminants from water. The exhausted coffee grounds gathered from industrial wastes have been acid-activated and examined for their adsorption capacity. The surface morphology and elemental characterization of pre-and-post adsorption operations by FESEM, EDX and FTIR spectral analysis confirmed the potential of the exhausted coffee ground as successful bio-sorbent. However, thermodynamic analysis confirmed the adsorption to be spontaneous physisorption with Langmuir mode of homogenous monolayer deposition. The kinetics of adsorption is well defined by pseudo second order model for both lead and fluoride. A significant quantity of lead and fluoride is removed from the synthetic contaminated water by the proposed bio-sorbent with the respective sorption capabilities of 61.6 mg/g and 9.05 mg/g. However, the developed bio-sorbent is also recyclable and is capable of removing the lead and fluoride from the domestic and industrial waste-water sources with an overall removal efficiency of about 90%.

Hypolipidemic mechanism of oryzanol components- ferulic acid and phytosterols.

UNLABELLED: The effect of oryzanol (well known hypolipidemic component in rice bran oil) and its chemical constituents- ferulic acid (FA) and phytosterols on hypolipidemia were investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Docking (in silico) studies showed that FA had a better binding ability with lipase while sterols bound well with HMG-CoA reductase. Further in vivo studies of feeding high fat (30%) to rats increased body weights, serum TC, TG, non-HDL-C and reduced HDL-C were observed, compared to normal diet fed group (ND). ORZ treated groups alleviated the lipid profile. Furthermore, increased organ weights, higher intestinal lipase activity, and liver lipid peroxidation was observed in the high-fat group (HF). These effects were ameliorated in oryzanol concentrate fed groups (ORZ). Higher fecal fat was found in ORZ groups, analysis of fecal matter by mass spectroscopy revealed the presence of FA. In vitro, a bile acid binding study supported the strong affinity of sterol towards bile acids. In conclusion, oryzanol in the intestine is cleaved into FA and sterol by intestinal lipase enzymes both lipase and HMG-CoA reductase activities were inhibited, respectively. These hydrolysates eliminated the bile acids, thus lowering lipid profiles.

Recognition of human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA by berberine analogs: effect of substitution at the 9 and 13 positions of the isoquinoline moiety.

G-quadruplex forming sequences are widely distributed in human genome and serve as novel targets for regulating gene expression and chromosomal maintenance. They offer unique targets for anticancer drug development. Here, the interaction of berberine (BC) and two of its analogs bearing substitution at 9 and 13-position with human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA sequence has been investigated by biophysical techniques. Both the analogs exhibited several-fold higher binding affinity than berberine. The Scatchard binding isotherms revealed non-cooperative binding. 9-ω-amino hexyl ether analog (BC1) showed highest affinity (1.8 × 10(6) M(-1)) while the affinity of the 13-phenylpropyl analog (BC2) was 1.09 × 10(6) M(-1). Comparative fluorescence quenching and polarization anisotropy of the emission spectra gave evidence for a stronger stacking interaction of the analogs compared to berberine. The thiazole orange displacement assay has clearly established that the analogs were more effective in displacing the end stacked dye in comparison to berberine. However, the binding of the analogs did not induce any major structural perturbation in the G-quadruplex structure, but led to higher thermal stability. Energetics of the binding indicated that the association of the analogs was exothermic and predominantly entropy driven phenomenon. Increasing the temperature resulted in weaker binding; the enthalpic contribution increased and the entropic contribution decreased. A small negative heat capacity change with significant enthalpy-entropy compensation established the involvement of multiple weak noncovalent interactions in the binding process. The 9-ω-amino hexyl ether analog stabilized the G-quadruplex structure better than the 13-phenyl alkyl analog.

Studies on the nutraceuticals composition of wheat derived oils wheat bran oil and wheat germ oil.

Fat-soluble nutraceuticals of cereals are known for number of disease preventive activities. Hence wheat bran oil (WBO) and wheat germ oil (WGO) were extracted from wheat bran and germ which yielded 3.35 % and 7.35 % of oil, containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (64 %, 61.2 %) respectively. Both oils contained tocopherols and carotenoids, which were higher in wheat germ oil (273 mg/100 g, 12.23 mg/100 g) than wheat bran oil (190 mg/100 g, 2.21 mg/100 g). Steryl ferulates were also present in both the oils, but their content was eight-fold higher in WBO than in WGO. Three major steryl ferulates identified by HPLC were campesteryl ferulate and sitostenyl ferulate, campestanyl ferulate and ß-sitosteryl ferulate as in γ-oryzanol and another ferulate, viz., sitostanyl ferulate. A strong IC50 value of 7.5 mg/mL and 21.6 mg/mL DPPH free radicals scavenging for wheat germ oil for wheat bran oil was observed. NMR ((13)C and (1)H) profile explored the evidence of distribution of antioxidant molecules in the unsaponifiable matter of wheat derived oil. Since oils rich in PUFA and minor components are required for the normal physiological activities, blending such oils with other edible oils of the diet in wheat growing countries like India may be useful to provide health benefits.

Fat-soluble nutraceuticals and their composition in heat-processed wheat germ and wheat bran.

Nutraceuticals availability in heat-processed foods is considered to be the index for healthy food. This study has made an attempt to optimize the temperature to retain nutraceuticals in wheat bran (WB) and wheat germ (WG). Heated WG (130 °C & 140 °C) and WB (140 °C & 150 °C) were analyzed for sensory profiles. Extracted oils were subjected to physicochemical parameter as well as its nutraceuticals. Increased oil yield, color values and reduced free fatty acids were found with varied temperatures. Fat-soluble compounds total tocols, steryl ferulates and carotenoids found in WG (0.316, 0.058 and 0.011%) and WB (0.228, 0.595 and 0.015%) and maximum reductions started in WG (0.183%, 0.034% and 0.004%) at 130 °C. The free radical-scavenging activities of control samples showed high EC50 values than processed samples; however, no differences were observed between two temperatures. Study may clearly spell out that the reduced nutraceuticals observed after subjecting food raw materials to optimum temperature eventually lead to its quality.

Bioactive carbohydrate polymers from marine sources as potent nutraceuticals in modulating obesity: a review.

The majority of bioactive polysaccharides are present in some marine creatures. These polysaccharides are considered as promising anti-obesity agents, their anti-obesity properties involve a number of mechanisms, including suppression of lipid metabolism and absorption, impact on satiety, and prevention of adipocyte differentiation. Obesity is linked to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic syndromes. In this review various bioactive polysaccharides like chitin, chitosan, fucosylated chondroitin sulphate, chitooligosaccharides and glycosaminoglycans have been discussed for their anti-obesity effects through various pathways. Critical evaluation of observational studies and intervention trials on obesity, lipid hypertrophy, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes was done with a primary focus on specific marine fauna polysaccharide as a source of seafood that is consumed all over the world. It has been observed that consumption of individual seafood constituents was effective in reducing obesity. Thus, marine derived novel bioactive polysaccharides have potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.

In vitro fermentation of glycosaminoglycans from mackerel fish waste and its role in modulating the antioxidant status and gut microbiota of high fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice.

Bioactive polysaccharides such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) exhibit potential health benefits for several health complications including obesity. The gut microbiota plays a key role in regulating host metabolism, nutrition and immunity. The present work assessed the potential of extracted GAGs (e-GAGs) in maintaining the gut microbiota and ameliorating the effects of high fat diet in in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro fermentability of e-GAGs extracted from mackerel fish waste was analyzed with Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (BB); e-GAGs at 0.5 and 1% proved their prebiotic nature up to 48 h. The pH value decreased from 6.23 to 3.32, the cell density increased from 1.70 to 2.32, the viable cell count increased from 8 to 12 log CFU mL-1, and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was ≈33, 31 and 36% for LP and ≈37, 29 and 34% for BB in terms of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, respectively. In vivo studies on high fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice with e-GAGs (380 and 760 mg kg-1 diet) showed ameliorated gut microbiome and tissue/plasma antioxidant enzyme activities, and also the e-GAG-fed group showed significantly (P < 0.05) decreased lipid peroxidation. Cecal microbial analysis showed the health-promoting effects of e-GAGs in reducing (P < 0.05) the obesity ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) within the range (5.32 and 5.26) compared with HFD (6.23). Hence, e-GAGs can be a potential molecule for the treatment of obesity by restoring the redox status under oxidative stress and ameliorating the gut microbes that produce SCFAs which are known to have health beneficial effects.

Coffee leaf extract exhibits anti-obesity property and improves lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced C57BL6 obese mice.

In the present study, the effect of coffee leaf extract (CLE) on in vitro enzyme inhibition was studied. Furthermore, its impact on the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice (C57BL/6) at the levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight along with positive control (orlistat) and the normal group maintained with starch-fed diet (SFD) was observed. CLE had significant α amylase and lipase enzyme inhibitory properties. In HFD-induced obese mice, treatment with CLE significantly reduced the body weight gain. The investigation demonstrated that CLE administration lowered blood glucose, total cholesterol, total triglycerides and LDL levels while increasing the HDL levels. It reduced the development of fatty liver by reducing hepatic fat accumulation and decreased the fat cell size in the adipose tissue. Further, CLE significantly increased the liver antioxidant enzyme activities and lowered the levels of hepatotoxicity markers in the serum when compared to the HFD-fed mice. The treatment also downregulated the mRNA expression of lipogenic transcription factors (SREBP-1c, CEBP-α) and enzymes (ACC, FAS) than HFD. Overall, the results indicate that coffee leaves have anti-obesity potential and can be used as functional ingredients in the development of innovative products for managing lifestyle disorders such as obesity.

Outcomes of accelerated collagen cross linking in progressive paediatric keratoconus.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy and safety of pediatric accelerated cross linking (CXL). Methods: A prospective study on progressive keratoconus (KC) cases under ≤18 years of age. Sixty four eyes of thirty nine cases underwent epithelium-off accelerated CXL protocol. Visual acuity (VA), slit-lamp examination, refraction, pentacam reading of keratometry (K), corneal thickness, and thinnest location pachymetry were noted. Cases were followed up on days 1, 5, and at 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th-month post procedure. Results: Statistically, significant improvement of the mean aided VA, K, and mean corneal astigmatism (p < 0.0001) was noted. Mean Kmax reading reduced from 55.5 ± 5.64 (47.4-70.4) diopter (D) preoperatively to 54.41 ± 5.51 (46-68.3) D at 12 months postaccelerated CXL. Two cases had progression. Complications encountered were sterile infiltrate and persistent haze. Conclusion: Accelerated CXL is effective and efficacious in pediatric KC.

Modulation of obesity associated metabolic dysfunction by novel lipophilic fraction obtained from Agaricus bisporus.

AIM: The present study aimed to prepare a novel lipophilic fraction rich in fat soluble bioactive from Agaricus bisporus and investigated its impact through in vitro and in vivo assessments since the prospective biological activities of fat soluble components from mushrooms are limited. METHODS: Ergosterol concentrate fraction (ECF) preparation followed by subsequent characterization of the extract using various analytical techniques (HPLC-UV, Mass spectroscopy, NMR). Furthermore, the fraction has been evaluated for antioxidant activity, DNA protection ability, hypolipidemic properties by in vitro specific enzyme inhibition and in vivo animal model (C57BL/6). KEY FINDINGS: The fraction majorly contains ergosterol (504 mg/100 g dw) and linoleic acid (71.92 %). In vitro studies showed that the fraction limited free radicals induced DNA damage, exhibited significant free radical scavenging activities (IC50 of DPPH 15.64; ABTS 8.28 mg/ml), and inhibited HMG-CoA reductase activity (IC50 5.03 mg/ml). Further, in vivo study showed that ECF treatment significantly (p < 0.05) improved insulin sensitivity (reduced plasma glucose & insulin, increased adiponectin) and reduced inflammatory markers (CRP & TNF-α) in comparison to high fat fed mice. Furthermore, ECF has significantly reduced plasma lipid profile and accumulation of lipids in liver. This could be due to down regulation of mRNA expression of lipogenic transcription factors such as SREBP-1c and SREBP-2, and key lipogenic enzyme ACC. Moreover, ECF treatment has suppressed protein expression of FAS, induced cholesterol clearance by enhancing LDL-R protein expression. SIGNIFICANCE: The present work for the first time evaluated the synergistic potential of ergosterol and linoleic acid to improve antioxidant defense system and ameliorate obesity associated metabolic dysfunction.