Combined strategy employing MutMap and RNA-seq reveals genomic regions and genes associated with complete panicle exsertion in rice.

Complete panicle exsertion (CPE) in rice is an important determinant of yield and a desirable trait in breeding. However, the genetic basis of CPE in rice still remains to be completely characterized. An ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutant line of an elite cultivar Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204), displaying stable and consistent CPE, was identified and named as CPE-110. MutMap and RNA-seq were deployed for unraveling the genomic regions, genes, and markers associated with CPE. Two major genomic intervals, on chromosome 8 (25668481-25750456) and on chromosome 11 (20147154-20190400), were identified to be linked to CPE through MutMap. A non-synonymous SNP (G/A; Chr8:25683828) in the gene LOC_Os08g40570 encoding pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate oxidase with the SNP index 1 was converted to Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker. This SNP (KASP 8-1) exhibited significant association with CPE and further validated through assay in the F2 mapping population, released varieties and CPE exhibiting BPT 5204 mutant lines. RNA-seq of the flag leaves at the booting stage, 1100 genes were upregulated and 1305 downregulated differentially in CPE-110 and BPT 5204. Metabolic pathway analysis indicated an enrichment of genes involved in photosynthesis, glyoxylate, dicarboxylate, porphyrin, pyruvate, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and carbon metabolism. Further molecular and functional studies of the candidate genes could reveal the mechanistic aspects of CPE. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-023-01412-1.

Isolation of Potential Compound from the Leaves of Elytraria acaulis and Evaluating Its Therapeutic Properties Using In Vitro Studies Against Ovarian Cancer.

The present study was designed to isolate a potential compound from the extracts of Elytraria acaulis (E. acaulis) for ovarian cancer. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, acetone and methanol extract were taken using the Soxhlet method. Thin layer, column chromatography, NMR and MASS studies were done for the isolation and structural characterization of the compound. Finally, the novel compound (Z)-3-(2-methyl-3-oxoprop-1-en-1-yl) phenyl heptanoate was identified. MTT assay, cell morphology and cell cycle analysis were done to evaluate the anticancer property of the compound. In the MTT assay, the percentage of the cell viability treated with the isolated compound was decreased while increasing the concentration of the compound. Cancer cells treated with the isolated compound showed distinct morphological changes when compared to the control untreated cells. In the cell cycle analysis, the isolated compound induced a significant increase in the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase and a decrease in the percentage of cells in the S phase and G2-M phase of the PA 1 cell lines. The cell cycle arrest induced by the isolated compound may account for its antiproliferative capacity. Hence, the novel compound isolated from E. acaulis can be a potent candidate in the designing of anticancer drugs.

Revealing the effect of seed phosphorus concentration on seedling vigour and growth of rice using mutagenesis approach.

The harvested plant products, specifically, the grains of cereals are major drivers of soil phosphorus (P) depletion. However, the breeding or biotechnology efforts to develop low P seeds have not been attempted because of possible adverse effects on seedling vigour and crop establishment. Several studies have contradictory observations on influence of seed P on seedling vigour. Lack of appropriate genetic material has been the major bottleneck in reaching the consensus. In this study, we used 30 EMS induced mutants of rice cultivar Nagina22 to understand the role of seed P on seedling vigour and associated physiological processes. Seedling vigour, morpho-physiological characteristics, acid phosphatases, alpha-amylase, and expression of P transporter genes were analyzed in seedlings obtained from seeds of high and low grain P mutants. The study suggests that seed P has a significant role on seedling vigour, chlorophyll content and photosynthesis process of young seedlings, and P transport from roots. Notably, we identified few mutants such as NH4791, NH4785, NH4714, NH4663, NH4614, and NH4618 which showed least influence of low seed P on seedling vigour and other metabolic processes. Therefore, these mutants can be used in breeding programs aiming for development of low P grains. Also, these and other identified mutants can be used to decipher the genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating the differential response of seed P on germination, seedling vigour and several other physiological processes influencing the crop growth and establishment.

Grain Fe and Zn content, heterosis, combining ability and its association with grain yield in irrigated and aerobic rice.

Genetic improvement of rice for grain micronutrients, viz., iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content is one of the important breeding objectives, in addition to yield improvement under the irrigated and aerobic ecosystems. In view of developing genetic resources for aerobic conditions, line (L) × tester (T) analysis was conducted with four restorers, four CMS lines and 16 hybrids. Both hybrids and parental lines were evaluated in irrigated and aerobic field conditions for grain yield, grain Fe and Zn content. General Combining Ability (GCA) effects of parents and Specific Combining Ability (SCA) effects of hybrids were observed to be contrasting for the micronutrient content in both the growing environments. The grain Fe and Zn content for parental lines were negatively correlated with grain yield in both the contrasting growing conditions. However, hybrids exhibited positive correlation for grain Fe and Zn with grain yield under limited water conditions. The magnitude of SCA mean squares was much higher than GCA mean squares implying preponderance of dominance gene action and also role of complementary non-allelic gene(s) interaction of parents and suitability of hybrids to the aerobic system. The testers HHZ12-SAL8-Y1-SAL1 (T1) and HHZ17-Y16-Y3-Y2 (T2) were identified as good combiners for grain Zn content under irrigated and aerobic conditions respectively.

Marker assisted improvement of low soil phosphorus tolerance in the bacterial blight resistant, fine-grain type rice variety, Improved Samba Mahsuri.

Improved-Samba-Mahsuri (ISM), a high-yielding, popular bacterial blight resistant (possessing Xa21, xa13, and xa5), fine-grain type, low glycemic index rice variety is highly sensitive to low soil phosphorus (P). We have deployed marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) approach for targeted transfer of Pup1, a major QTL associated with low soil P tolerance, using Swarna as a donor. A new co-dominant marker, K20-1-1, which is specific for Pup1 was designed and used for foreground selection along with functional markers specific for the bacterial blight resistance genes, Xa21, xa13, and xa5. A set of 66 polymorphic SSR marker were used for the background selection along with a pair of flanking markers for the recombination selection in backcross derived progenies and in BC2F2 generation, 12 plants, which are homozygous for Pup1, all the three bacterial blight resistance genes and possessing agro-morphological traits equivalent to or better than ISM were selected and selfed to produce BC2F3s. They were evaluated in plots with low soil P and normal soil P at ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad for their low soil P tolerance, and bacterial blight resistance and superior lines were advanced to BC2F6. One of the lines, when tested at multiple locations in India was found promising under both normal as well as low soil P conditions.

Dalspinin isolated from Spermacoce hispida (Linn.) protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes from hypoxic injury by modulating oxidative stress and apoptosis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Spermacoce hispida (S.hispida), a potential medicinal plant has been traditionally used as an antibacterial, antieczemic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic agent. Although, this plant has been claimed to protect against oxidative injury and inflammatory conditions in recent studies, its cardioprotective effect and the active constituents responsible for its bioactivity is sparsely studied. Hence this work is undertaken to study the active biomolecule responsible for modulating the cardiomyocytes on hypoxic injury relevant to its ethanopharmacology. AIM OF THE STUDY: The current study is to isolate and characterize a bioactive molecule from S.hispida, which exhibits protection against hypoxic injury in an in vitro hypoxic model of cultured H9c2 cardiomyocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methanolic extract of S.hispida plant was fractionated with various solvents sequentially. The ethyl acetate fraction that was concentrated and chromatographed over silica gel column eluted 18 fractions, which yielded 5 compounds, which were characterized using spectral data. The isolated new compound was further tested for its protective effect against hypoxic injury, wherein cobalt chloride (CoCl2) was used to induce hypoxia in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. To evaluate the protective effect of the isolated compound, the markers of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell death were checked by endogenous levels of antioxidants, [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH)], lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and immunoblot (HIF-α, Bcl2, Bax, procaspase and cleaved caspase-3). RESULTS: Among the five compounds isolated and characterized from S. hispida methanolic extract, ß-sitosterol, ursolic acid, quercetin and rutin were known phytochemicals, while the new isoflavone was identified as dalspinin-7-0-ß-D-galactopyranoside (DBG). Among the isolated compounds, the antioxidant potential of DBG confirmed by DPPH free radical scavenging and ORAC assays was superior. CoCl2-induced hypoxic condition significantly decreased cell viability, SOD activity, GSH concentration and increased the level of MDA and LDH activity. Western blot studies revealed an upregulation of HIF-1α, Bax and caspase and down regulation of Bcl-2 expression. The oxidative abnormalities were ameliorated by DBG pretreatment, as deduced by the reduced CoCl2-induced cytotoxicity, MDA concentration, LDH activity and the expression of HIF-1α, Bax and caspase and the enhanced levels of SOD, GSH and Bcl2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: DBG protects H9c2 cells from CoCl2-induced hypoxic damage by mitigating oxidative stress and preserving cell viability. The overall findings highlight the protective action of DBG, a potential source of antioxidant of natural origin against hypoxic injury and may help in mitigating the progress of oxidative stress in cardiac cell death.

A natural anticancer pigment,Pheophytin a,from a seagrass acts as a high affinity human mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) ligand, in silico, to reduce mitochondrial membrane Potential (∆ψmit) in adenocarcinomic A549 cells.

BACKGROUND: The present investigation looks at the most likely possibilities of usage of a naturally occurring photosynthetic pigment, Pheophytin a, from the seagrass, Syringodium isoetifolium, for plausible use as human TSPO ligand. METHODS: Pheophytin a isolated in our laboratory previously was administered to A549 cell lines in vitro to examine its effects on cell migrations, DNA, cell cycle, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and gene expressions. In silico tools were used to predict the nature of the compound and target binding. RESULTS: Pheophytin a hadIC50 values of 22.9 ±â€¯5.8 µM for cancerous A549 cell lines, whilst not targeting non-cancerous vero cells [IC50: 183.6 ±â€¯1.92 µM]. Pheophytin a hindered cellular migration, fragmented DNA, arrested cell cycle precisely at S phase, reduced ∆ψmit and directed mRNA expressions toward apoptosis. In silico tools indicate that the compound binds to TSPO with high effectiveness to collapse ∆ψmit(which is proved using wet lab experiments) to promote mitophagy. CONCLUSION: Hence Pheophytin a could be seen as a possible TSPO ligand for targeting metastatic alveolar cancers like A549 via intrinsic apoptotic pathway. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Given the inherent non-toxic nature of the compound and easy extractability from almost all autotrophic eukaryotes, one could be confident to testing in animal models.

Pectin induced transcriptome of a Rhizoctonia solani strain causing sheath blight disease in rice reveals insights on key genes and RNAi machinery for development of pathogen derived resistance.

KEY MESSAGE: RNAi mediated silencing of pectin degrading enzyme of R. solani gives a high level of resistance against sheath blight disease of rice. Rice sheath blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn (telemorph; Thanatephorus cucumeris) is one of the most devastating fungal diseases which cause severe loss to rice grain production. In the absence of resistant cultivars, the disease is currently managed through fungicides which add to environmental pollution. To explore the potential of utilizing RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated resistance against sheath blight disease, we identified genes encoding proteins and enzymes involved in the RNAi pathway in this fungal pathogen. The RNAi target genes were deciphered by RNAseq analysis of a highly virulent strain of the R. solani grown in pectin medium. Additionally, pectin metabolism associated genes of R. solani were analyzed through transcriptome sequencing of infected rice tissues obtained from six diverse rice cultivars. One of the key candidate gene AG1IA_04727 encoding polygalacturonase (PG), which was observed to be significantly upregulated during infection, was targeted through RNAi to develop disease resistance. Stable expression of PG-RNAi construct in rice showed efficient silencing of AG1IA_04727 and suppression of sheath blight disease. This study highlights important information about the existence of RNAi machinery and key genes of R. solani which can be targeted through RNAi to develop pathogen-derived resistance, thus opening an alternative strategy for developing sheath blight-resistant rice cultivars.

Protective effect of rutin isolated from Spermococe hispida against cobalt chloride-induced hypoxic injury in H9c2 cells by inhibiting oxidative stress and inducing apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease and its related deaths are increasing in the modern world. Therefore, there is a need to identify a plant based nutraceutical supplement with potent activity. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: Reportedly, the protective effect of the rutin in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes is due to the activation of molecular networks related to programmed cell death. STUDY DESIGN-METHODS: Phytochemical methods and advanced analytical methods were employed to isolate natural products from Spermococe hispida their effects in cardiomyocyets. RESULTS: We reports herein that CoCl2-induced hypoxic condition significantly decreased cell viability as evidenced by MTT assay and cell cycle analysis. Western blot studies revealed an up-regulation of HIF-1α, BAX and caspase and down-regulation of BCl-2 expression, followed by modulation of Akt, p-Akt, p38 and p-p38. The oxidative abnormalities were ameliorated by rutin pretreatment, as deduced by the reduced CoCl2-induced cytotoxicity, MDA concentration and LDH activity and the enhanced levels of GSH and SOD in a dose-dependent manner. Rutin protects H9c2 cells from CoCl2-induced hypoxic damage by mitigating oxidative stress and preserving cell viability by modulating the antiapoptotic proteins. CONCLUSION: The overall findings reinforce the cardioprotective action of rutin, a potential source of antioxidant of natural origin, which may help in mitigating the progress of oxidative stress in hypoxic conditions such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

Prenatal fish oil supplementation and early childhood development in the Upstate KIDS Study.

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which play a vital role in fetal growth and development. In utero exposure to omega-3 fatty acids is exclusively dependent on maternal nutrition. Previous studies have suggested that prenatal fish oil supplementation has positive impacts on child neurodevelopment later in life. This study examines the associations between fish oil supplementation both before pregnancy and throughout pregnancy and subsequent child development. Mother-child pairs from the Upstate KIDS Study, a birth cohort consisting of children born between 2008 and 2010, were included. Self-reported prenatal fish oil supplementation data were available for 5845 children (3807 singletons and 2038 twins). At multiple time points, from 4 months to 3 years of age, child development was reported by the parents on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Five developmental domains were assessed: fine motor, gross motor, communication, personal-social functioning and problem solving. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) while adjusting for covariates. Primary analyses showed that the risk of failing the ASQ problem-solving domain was significantly lower among children of women who took fish oil before pregnancy (OR 0.40, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.18-0.89) and during pregnancy (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.83). Gender interaction was not statistically significant, although stratified results indicated stronger associations among girls. Similarly, associations were primarily among singletons. Prenatal fish oil supplementation may be beneficial in regards to neurodevelopment. Specifically, it is associated with a lower risk of failing the problem-solving domain up to 3 years of age.

Identification of cis-elements and evaluation of upstream regulatory region of a rice anther-specific gene, OSIPP3, conferring pollen-specific expression in Oryza sativa (L.) ssp. indica.

KEY MESSAGE: Pollen-specific expression. Promoters comprise of various cis-regulatory elements which control development and physiology of plants by regulating gene expression. To understand the promoter specificity and also identification of functional cis-acting elements, progressive 5' deletion analysis of the promoter fragments is widely used. We have evaluated the activity of regulatory elements of 5' promoter deletion sequences of anther-specific gene OSIPP3, viz. OSIPP3-∆1 (1504 bp), OSIPP3-∆2 (968 bp), OSIPP3-∆3 (388 bp) and OSIPP3-∆4 (286 bp) through the expression of transgene GUS in rice. In silico analysis of 1504-bp sequence harboring different copy number of cis-acting regulatory elements such as POLLENLELAT52, GTGANTG10, enhancer element of LAT52 and LAT56 indicated that they were essential for high level of expression in pollen. Histochemical GUS analysis of the transgenic plants revealed that 1504- and 968-bp fragments directed GUS expression in roots and anthers, while the 388- and 286-bp fragments restricted the GUS expression to only pollen, of which 388 bp conferred strong GUS expression. Further, GUS staining analysis of different panicle development stages (P1-P6) confirmed that the GUS gene was preferentially expressed only at P6 stage (late pollen stage). The qRT-PCR analysis of GUS transcript revealed 23-fold higher expression of GUS transcript in OSIPP3-Δ1 followed by OSIPP3-Δ2 (eightfold) and OSIPP3-Δ3 (threefold) when compared to OSIPP3-Δ4. Based on our results, we proposed that among the two smaller fragments, the 388-bp upstream regulatory region could be considered as a promising candidate for pollen-specific expression of agronomically important transgenes in rice.

Bioassay guided fractionation and identification of active anti-inflammatory constituent from Delonix elata flowers using RAW 264.7 cells.

CONTEXT: Delonix elata (L.) Gamble (Fabaceae) has been used in the Indian traditional medicine system to treat rheumatism and inflammation. AIM: To assess the anti-inflammatory effect of Delonix elata flowers and to isolate the active principle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prompt anti-inflammatory constituent was isolated from Delonix elata flower extracts using bioassay guided fractionation in liposaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts/fractions/sub-fractions/compounds (10, 25, and 50 µg/ml) was evaluated by estimating the levels of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-1ß after 24 h of LPS induction (1 µg/ml). The isolated active compound was subjected to NMR, IR, and UV analyses for structure determination. RESULTS: In an attempt to search for anti-inflammatory constituents, the active pure principle was isolated and crystallized as a white compound from Delonix elata flowers methanol extract. This active compound (50 µg/ml) decreased the release of inflammatory mediators levels such as NO (0.263 ± 0.03 µM), TNFα (160.20 ± 17.57 pg/ml), and IL-1ß (285.79 ± 15.16 pg/ml) significantly (p < 0.05); when compared to the levels of NO (0.774 ± 0.08 µM), TNFα (501.71 ± 25.14 pg/ml), and IL-1ß (712.68 ± 52.25 pg/ml) from LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. The active compound was confirmed as hesperidin with NMR, IR, and UV spectroscopy data. This is the first report of this compound from Delonix elata flowers. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study support the traditional use of Delonix elata flowers to treat inflammation.

Spectroscopic investigations, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity of green synthesized gold nanoparticles.

The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized by using naturally available Punica Granatum fruit extract as reducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesized AuNPs was characterized by using UV-Vis, fluorescence, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 585nm confirmed the reduction of auric chloride to AuNPs. The crystalline nature of the biosynthesized AuNPs was confirmed from the HRTEM images, XRD and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern. The HRTEM images showed the mixture of triangular and spherical-like AuNPs having size between 5 and 20nm. The weight loss of the AuNPs was measured by TGA as a function of temperature under a controlled atmosphere. The biomolecules are responsible for the reduction of AuCl4(-) ions and the formation of stable AuNPs which was confirmed by FTIR measurement. The synthesized AuNPs showed an excellent antibacterial activity against Candida albicans (ATCC 90028), Aspergillus flavus (ATCC 10124), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25175), Salmonella typhi (ATCC 14028) and Vibrio cholerae (ATCC 14033). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AuNPs was recorded against various microorganisms. Further, the synthesized AuNPs shows an excellent cytotoxic result against HeLa cancer cell lines at different concentrations.

HD-03/ES: A Herbal Medicine Inhibits Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Secretion in Transfected Human Hepatocarcinoma PLC/PRF/5 Cells.

HD-03/ES is a herbal formulation used for the treatment of hepatitis B. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the antihepatitis B (HBV) activity of this drug has not been studied using in vitro models. The effect of HD-03/ES on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion and its gene expression was studied in transfected human hepatocarcinoma PLC/PRF/5 cells. The anti-HBV activity was tested based on the inhibition of HBsAg secretion into the culture media, as detected by HBsAg-specific antibody-mediated enzyme assay (ELISA) at concentrations ranging from 125 to 1000 µ g/mL. The effect of HD-03/ES on HBsAg gene expression was analyzed using semiquantitative multiplex RT-PCR by employing specific primers. The results showed that HD-03/ES suppressed HBsAg production with an IC50 of 380 µ g/mL in PLC/PRF/5 cells for a period of 24 h. HD-03/ES downregulated HBsAg gene expression in PLC/PRF/5 cells. In conclusion, HD-03/ES exhibits strong anti-HBV properties by inhibiting the secretion of hepatitis B surface antigen in PLC/PRF/5 cells, and this action is targeted at the transcription level. Thus, HD-03/ES could be beneficial in the treatment of acute and chronic hepatitis B infections.

In vitro studies on α-glucosidase inhibition, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of Hedyotis biflora L.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidant activity of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Hedyotis biflora L. (Rubiaceae). In in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidant activity, the methanol extract showed potent effect compared to hexane and ethyl acetate extracts. The methanol extract of H. biflora (HBMe) showed 50% α-glucosidase inhibition at the concentration of 480.20 ± 2.37 µg/ml. The total phenolic content of HBMe was 206.81 ± 1.11 mg of catechol equivalents/g extract. HBMe showed great scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC(50) 520.21 ± 1.02 µg/ml), hydroxyl (IC(50) 510.21 ± 1.51 µg/ml), nitric oxide (IC(50) 690.20 ± 2.13 µg/ml) and superoxide (IC(50) 510.31 ± 1.45 µg/ml) radicals, as well as high reducing power. HBMe also showed a strong suppressive effect on lipid peroxidation. Using the ß-carotene method, the scavenging values of HBMe was significantly lower than BHT, and metal chelating ability of HBMe also showed a strong inhibition effect when compared to the reference standard. The active compound ursolic acid from HBMe was identified using various spectroscopical studies. The results obtained in this study clearly indicate that HBMe has a significant potential to use as a natural α-glucosidase inhibition, antioxidant agent.

Pharmacodynamics & toxicological profile of PartySmart, a herbal preparation for alcohol hangover in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: PartySmart is a herbal preparation intended for the management of alcohol hangover and other related toxic effects in clinical situation. The present study was designed to investigate the pharmacodynamics and oral toxicity of PartySmart, a herbal formulation in rats. METHODS: Effect of PartySmart on blood acetaldehyde and alcohol levels was evaluated at doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt. in rats. Acute toxicity study was conducted with PartySmart at a limit test dose of 2000 mg/kg b.wt., p.o. In repeated dose 90 day study, PartySmart was administered at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.wt. once-a-day, orally throughout the study period. RESULTS: PartySmart dose-dependently decreased blood ethanol and acetaldehyde levels as compared to control. PartySmart at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.wt. significantly reduced the area under curve (AUC) of ethanol and acetaldehyde levels. It increased the hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) at 500 mg/kg b.wt. and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w. significantly. Acute toxicity study showed no clinical signs and pre-terminal deaths. The LD(50) of PartySmart was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg b.wt. No significant differences in PartySmart-treated groups were observed on body weight, food intake, haematological and clinical chemistry, and organ weight ratios as compared to control group in the repeated dose study. Histopathological examination of all target organs showed no evidence of lesions attributing to drug toxicity. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: PartySmart enhanced acetaldehyde metabolism by increasing ADH and ALDH activity without any side effects. These findings indicate that PartySmart may exert beneficial role in the management of alcohol hangover without any toxicity.

Increased plasma malondialdehyde and fructosamine in iron deficiency anemia: effect of treatment.

Glycation and lipid peroxidation are spontaneous reactions that are believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of many clinical disorders. Glycation of proteins is enhanced by elevated glucose concentrations. However, increased glycated hemoglobin levels have been documented in iron deficiency anemic patients without any history of diabetes. Collective evidences reveal that lipid peroxidation can modulate protein glycation. This study was undertaken to unravel the possible association of malondialdehyde and fructosamine in iron deficient anemic patients and to observe the possible alteration in malondialdehyde and fructosamine levels in these patients after one month supplementation with iron. Twenty non-diabetic anemic patients and 16 age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled for this study. Plasma lipid peroxides, fasting glucose, fructosamine, iron, ferritin and hemoglobin were analyzed in both the groups. Partial correlation analysis was performed to predict the independent association of malondialdehyde and fasting glucose on fructosamine. In anemic patients, while fructosamine and malondialdehyde levels were found to be significantly increased, hemoglobin, iron and ferritin levels decreased significantly when compared to before treatment. Fructosamine was found to have a significant positive correlation with malondialdehyde even after nullifying the effect of glucose. After one month supplementation with iron, both fructosamine and malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly when compared to before treatment. There was a significant increase in iron, ferritin and hemoglobin levels in anemic patients after one month of treatment. In conclusion, an increased level of fructosamine and malondialdehyde was found in anemic patients. These data suggest that fructosamine levels are closely associated with malondialdehyde concentrations in iron deficient anemic patients.

Increased plasma malondialdehyde and fructosamine in anemic H pylori infected patients: effect of treatment.

AIM: To unravel the possible association of malondialdehyde (MDA) and fructosamine in anemic H pylori infected patients and to observe the alteration in MDA and fructosamine levels in these patients after treatment for one month. METHODS: Fructosamine, MDA and glucose were estimated in 22 anemic H pylori infected patients and 16 healthy controls. Hematological parameters were also evaluated in both the groups using Sysmex-K-100 automated cell counter. The H pylori infected patients were randomly divided into two groups. H pylori infected patients in Group I received both iron supplementation and anti-H pylori therapy, while patients in Group II received only iron supplementation. All the biochemical and hematological parameters were estimated after one month of treatment. RESULTS: In anemic H pylori infected patients, while MDA (5.41 +/- 2.16 vs 2.26 +/- 0.50; P < 0.05) and fructosamine (2.64 +/- 0.93 vs 1.60 +/- 0.35; P < 0.05) were significantly increased, iron (32.72 +/- 14.93 vs 110.25 +/- 26.58; P < 0.05), hemoglobin (6.9 +/- 2.6 vs 12.66 +/- 0.74; P < 0.05) and ferritin (28.82 +/- 16.27 vs 140.43 +/- 30.72; P < 0.05) levels were significantly decreased compared with the controls. With partial correlation analysis, fructosamine was found to have a significant positive correlation with MDA. In Group I, while MDA level decreased significantly (3.11 +/- 1.73 vs 5.50 +/- 2.46; P < 0.05), there was a significant increase in iron (84.09 +/- 29.51 vs 36.09 +/- 17.81; P < 0.05), hemoglobin (10.40 +/- 1.11 vs 7.42 +/- 1.90; P < 0.05) and ferritin (116.91 +/- 63.34 vs 30.46 +/- 17.81; P < 0.05) levels after one month. There was no significant change in the levels of fructosamine in group I after treatment. Similarly, no significant alterations were noted in the levels of MDA, fructosamine, hemoglobin or ferritin in Group II patients after one month of treatment. CONCLUSION: An increased level of fructosamine and MDA was found in anemic H pylori infected patients. Present data supports the premise that lipid peroxides per se do play a role in the glycation of plasma proteins. Furthermore, the findings from this study indicate that treatment for both anemia and H pylori infections is required for lowering the levels of lipid peroxides in these patients.

Pharmacognostical and physicochemical characteristics of roots of lesser known medicinal plant caesalpinia digyna rottl.

Caesalpinia digyna Rottl. (Caesalpiniaceae) is shrubby perennial climber found in Eastern Ghats. Roots are astringent and used in Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicines. Bergenin, Caesalpinine A and Caesalpinine C were isolated from the roots. However, this medicinal plant has not been studied pharmacognostically. Hence, the present investigation reports pharmacognostical and physicochemical properties of roots of Caesalpinia digyna.

The beneficial effect of OST-6 (OsteoCare), a herbomineral formulation, in experimental osteoporosis.

OST-6 (OsteoCare), a herbomineral formulation, was evaluated for its inhibitory effect on the progress of bone loss induced by ovariectomy in rats. Ovariectomized (Ovx) rats were administered with OST-6 at 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt., orally daily for 90 days. On 91st day, ovariectomized rats showed reduced bone mineral content and increased serum alkaline phosphatase levels, excretion of urinary calcium and pyridinium cross-links levels. Histologically, bone sections revealed narrowed and disappearance of trabeculae and widened medullary spaces. The total numbers of Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive cells were significantly increased both in-vivo and in-vitro methods. OST-6, at a dose of 500 mg/kg, significantly improved bone mineral contents, serum alkaline phosphatase levels, reduced the elevated urinary calcium and pyridinium cross-links excretion, number of TRAP positive cells and reversal of the above mentioned histological features. These results indicate the usefulness of OST-6 in the management of osteoporosis in a natural way through herbal resources.