Comparison of four digestion protocols on the physical characteristics of gastric digesta from cooked couscous using the Human Gastric Simulator.

In vitro digestion is widely employed in food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical research, and numerous in vitro gastric digestion protocols have been proposed, with a wide range of experimental conditions. Differences in the simulated gastric fluids (pH, mineral content, enzyme type and enzyme activity) of different digestion protocols may alter the results for the digestion of the same meal. This study aimed to investigate how variations in the gastric secretion rate and composition in four in vitro digestion protocols (Infogest Riddet, Infogest Semi-dynamic, UC Davis and United States Pharmacopeia) impacted the physical properties of the emptied gastric digesta. Cooked couscous was used as a model meal and subjected to simulated gastric digestion using a dynamic gastric model, the Human Gastric Simulator (HGS). The digesta were collected from the outlet of the HGS after 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, or 180 min. The gastric emptying of dry matter, pH, rheological properties, and particle size were evaluated. The digestion protocol significantly influenced the solid content and moisture content of the digesta (p < 0.001), particles per gram of dry matter (p < 0.0001), gastric emptying of dry matter (p < 0.003), shear stress at 0.45 s-1 and consistency coefficient (p < 0.0001). The presence of NaHCO3 in the Infogest Riddet and Infogest Semi-dynamic gastric secretions provided an additional buffering effect and increased the digesta pH during gastric digestion. Similarly, the inclusion of mucin in the UC Davis protocol resulted in a higher flow and viscoelastic properties of the emptied digesta. The highest dilution of gastric content in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) protocol resulted in larger particles emptied from the HGS and the longest gastric emptying half-time of all digestion protocols. These findings provide new insights into the impact of digestion protocols on the digesta properties, which can be beneficial for the design and standardization of in vitro digestion models.

Slow Frequency Anuloma Viloma Pranayama Modulates Cardiac and Neural Oscillations in Yoga Practitioners.

Anuloma viloma pranayama (AVP) also known as Alternate nostril breathing (ANB) is the most commonly used form of pranayama, the ancient breath control practice. It is known to modulate cardiovascular control and brain activity. This study analysed the simultaneous recording of Heart rate variability (HRV) and brain activity during and after AVP at a very slow frequency. We carried out an observational cohort study from October 2021 to December 2021 with purposive sample of 30 (Thirty) healthy volunteers involved in regular kriya yoga practice for the last 15 years were inducted into this study AVP involves slow and deep inhalation through one nostril at a time. The ECG for HRV analysis and spectrum of EEG waves were recorded throughout the pre-AVP, during-AVP and post-AVP (each of five-minute duration). The parameters were compared and analysed by repeated measures of analysis of variance with post-hoc analysis using Bonferroni and Holm's multiple comparisons. In time Domain parameters, SDNN and RMSSD were significantly higher during AVP as compared to the pre-AVP and post AVP. In frequency domain parameters total power, LF power, HF power, showed a significant increase during AVP, LF/HF ratio increased during AVP and remained higher post-AVP also. Similarly, Alpha, Beta and Gamma wave power increased significantly during AVP as compared to pre-AVP and post-AVP. The lungs-heart-brain act as coupled oscillators, the analysed data show an increased arousal, attentive and focused state with a negligible change in the heart rate. An overall increased variability in HRV was recorded.

In-situ remediation of nitrogen and phosphorus of beverage industry by potential strains Bacillus sp. (BK1) and Aspergillus sp. (BK2).

The bioremediation of beverage (treated and untreated) effluent was investigated in the current study by using the potential strains of Bacillus sp. (BK1) and Aspergillus sp. (BK2). Effluent was collected from the beverage industry (initial concentration of nitrogen were 3200 ± 0.5 mg/L and 4400 ± 0.6 mg/L whereas phosphorus were 4400 ± 2 mg/L and 2600 ± 1 mg/L in treated and untreated effluent correspondingly). Further, the BK1 and BK2 exhibited high removal competence after 1 week of incubation; BK1 removed phosphorus 99.95 ± 0.7% and BK2 95.69 ± 1% in treated effluent while nitrogen removed about 99.90 ± 0.4% by BK1 and 81.25 ± 0.8% by BK2 (initial concentration of phosphorus 4400 ± 2 mg/L and nitrogen 3200 ± 0.5 mg/L). Next, in the untreated effluent BK1 removed 99.81 ± 1% and BK2 99.85 ± 0.8% of phosphorus while removed nitrogen 99.93 ± 0.5% by BK1 and 99.95 ± 1.2% by BK2 correspondingly, (initial concentration of phosphorus 2600 ± 1 mg/L and nitrogen 4400 ± 0.6 mg/L). The physiochemical composition of sample such as pH, total carbohydrates, total proteins, total solids of treated and untreated effluent were also analysed before and after treatment of both the samples. BK1 and BK2 increased the pH by 8.94 ± 0.3 and 9.5 ± 0.4 correspondingly in treated effluent whereas 6.34 ± 0.5 and 7.5 ± 0.2 correspondingly in untreated effluent (initial pH of treated and untreated effluent 7.07 ± 0.8 and 4.85 ± 0.3 correspondingly). Total Carbohydrates removed about 17,440 ± 4.6 mg/L and 10,680 ± 3.2 mg/L by BK1 and BK2 correspondingly in treated effluent whereas 18,050 ± 3.5 mg/L and 18,340 ± 2.3 mg/L correspondingly in untreated effluent (initial concentration of treated and untreated effluent 25,780 ± 1.6 mg/L and 35,000 ± 1.5 mg/L correspondingly) while BK1 and BK2 removed total proteins by 30.336 ± 4.6 mg/L and 40.417 ± 2.3 mg/L correspondingly in treated effluent whereas 18.929 ± 1.2 mg/L and 17.526 ± 0.8 mg/L correspondingly in untreated effluent (initial concentration of treated and untreated effluent 49.225 ± 1.5 mg/L and 20.565 ± 1 mg/L correspondingly). Next, total solids removed by BK1 and BK2 2.5 ± 0.3 mg/L and 1.6 ± 0.6 mg/L correspondingly in treated effluent whereas 5.5 ± 0.8 mg/L and 4.6 ± 0.6 mg/L in untreated effluent (initial concentration of treated and untreated effluent 5.6 ± 1.5 mg/L and 9.48 ± 1.2 mg/L correspondingly). Both the strains BK1 and BK2 are highly efficient in the nitrogen and phosphorus removal therefore this strain may be applied for the potential remediation.

3-D macro/microporous-nanofibrous bacterial cellulose scaffolds seeded with BMP-2 preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells exhibit remarkable potential for bone tissue engineering.

Bone repair using BMP-2 is a promising therapeutic approach in clinical practices, however, high dosages required to be effective pose issues of cost and safety. The present study explores the potential of low dose BMP-2 treatment via tissue engineering approach, which amalgamates 3-D macro/microporous-nanofibrous bacterial cellulose (mNBC) scaffolds and low dose BMP-2 primed murine mesenchymal stem cells (C3H10T1/2 cells). Initial studies on cell-scaffold interaction using unprimed C3H10T1/2 cells confirmed that scaffolds provided a propitious environment for cell adhesion, growth, and infiltration, owing to its ECM-mimicking nano-micro-macro architecture. Osteogenic studies were conducted by preconditioning the cells with 50 ng/mL BMP-2 for 15 min, followed by culturing on mNBC scaffolds for up to three weeks. The results showed an early onset and significantly enhanced bone matrix secretion and maturation in the scaffolds seeded with BMP-2 primed cells compared to the unprimed ones. Moreover, mNBC scaffolds alone were able to facilitate the mineralization of cells to some extent. These findings suggest that, with the aid of 'osteoinduction' from low dose BMP-2 priming of stem cells and 'osteoconduction' from nano-macro/micro topography of mNBC scaffolds, a cost-effective bone tissue engineering strategy can be designed for quick and excellent in vivo osseointegration.

Nutrition management guideline for very-long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD): An evidence- and consensus-based approach.

The nutrition management guideline for very-long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD) is the fourth in a series of web-based guidelines focusing on the diet treatment for inherited metabolic disorders and follows previous publication of guidelines for maple syrup urine disease (2014), phenylketonuria (2016) and propionic acidemia (2019). The purpose of this guideline is to establish harmonization in the treatment and monitoring of individuals with VLCAD of all ages in order to improve clinical outcomes. Six research questions were identified to support guideline development on: nutrition recommendations for the healthy individual, illness management, supplementation, monitoring, physical activity and management during pregnancy. This report describes the methodology used in its development including review, critical appraisal and abstraction of peer-reviewed studies and unpublished practice literature; expert input through two Delphi surveys and a nominal group process; and external review from metabolic physicians and dietitians. It includes the summary statements of the nutrition management recommendations for each research question, followed by a standardized rating based on the strength of the evidence. Online, open access of the full published guideline allows utilization by health care providers, researchers and collaborators who advise, advocate and care for individuals with VLCAD and their families and can be accessed from the Genetic Metabolic Dietitians International (https://GMDI.org) and Southeast Regional Genetics Network (https://southeastgenetics.org/ngp) websites.

Pre-freezing equilibration for 22 h improves post-thaw sperm functions in cryopreserved ram semen by reducing cholesterol efflux.

Failure of cervical insemination with cryopreserved semen is hindering implementation of AI in sheep in field condition. Here the effect of equilibration time and catalase on post-thaw qualities of ram semen was investigated. Pooled semen was diluted (800 × 106 sperm mL-1) with a TES-Tris-fructose extender with 6% glycerol, 15% egg yolk and supplemented with 0, 50, 100 and 200 U mL-1 catalase and packaged into 0.25 mL straws. In experiment 1, straws were equilibrated at 5 °C either for 3 h in a cold cabinet (E3) or for 10 (E10) and 22 h (E22) inside a refrigerator. In experiment 2, all straws were equilibrated for 22 h inside refrigerator. Straws were frozen at -25 °C min-1 up to -125 °C using a cell freezer and finally plunged into liquid nitrogen. The post-thaw total and rapid motility were higher (P < 0.05) in E22 compared to E3 and E10. Sperm kinetics was comparable between E3 and E22, but lower in E10. Similarly, acrosome integrity, functional membrane integrity, percent high cholesterol (mCHO) and live-high mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were higher (P < 0.05) while live-high intracellular calcium and acrosome-reacted sperm were lower in E22 compared to E3 and E10. The percent rapid motile, high mCHO and live-high MMP were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in catalase-treated samples compared to the control, while the membrane integrity was comparable within the groups. In conclusion, pre-freezing equilibration for 22 h compared to 3 or 10 h resulted in higher post-thaw sperm functions while catalase had negative impact on cryopreservation of ram semen.

Role of biochemical and mechanical disintegration on ß-carotene release from steamed and fried sweet potatoes during in vitro gastric digestion.

The role of biochemical and mechanical disintegration on ß-carotene release from steamed sweet potatoes (SSP) and fried sweet potatoes (FSP) during in vitro gastric digestion was investigated. Results revealed that, in the absence of mechanical forces generated by the stomach, biochemical digestion did not have a great effect on the breakdown of cell walls within the sweet potato food matrix and the release of ß-carotene was similar in both SSP and FSP. Cell wall in the plant-food may act as a physical 'barrier' towards the action of gastric juice and to the release of nutrients into the gastric digesta. However, FSP underwent quicker softening and collapse during in vitro gastric digestion compared to the compact and denser structure of SSP. This may explain the faster cell wall breakdown and subsequent ß-carotene release from FSP cellular matrix than SSP when mechanical forces are applied as in the human gastric simulator (HGS).

Synthesis, DNA binding and antimicrobial studies on rhodium(II) complexes of dicyandiamide.

The synthesis and characterization on four rhodium(II) complexes with the formula [Rh2(CH3COO)2(AMUH)2(dcda)2](CH3COO)2(1),[Rh2(CH3COO)2(AEUH)2(dcda)2](CH3COO)2(2),[Rh2(CH3COO)2(APrnUH)2(dcda)2](CH3COO)2(3),[Rh2(CH3COO)2(ABnUH)2(dcda)2](CH3COO)2(4), where AMUH = 1-amidino-O-methylurea, AEUH = 1-amidino-O-ethylurea, APrnUH = 1-amidino-O-n-propylurea, ABnUH = 1-amidino-O-n-butylurea, dcda = dicyandiamide are reported. The complexes were prepared by the reaction of dicyandiamide with rhodium(II) acetate in methanol (1), ethanol (2), n-propanol (3) and n-butanol (4) respectively and characterized by various techniques such as C, H, N analysis, FTIR, UV-Visible, EPR, conductance, SEM, EDX, powder XRD pattern and mass spectral studies. The interaction studies of the complexes with CT-DNA suggested the non-intercalative mode of binding for these complexes. The antimicrobial activity of the complexes against the tested microorganisms viz. Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, using the standard antibiotics streptomycin as positive control is also reported.

The mindful attention and awareness scale is associated with lower levels of high-frequency heart rate variability in a laboratory context.

Trait mindfulness has been associated with well-being. A key component of trait mindfulness is intentional attention and awareness which is most commonly measured by the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS). This study investigated the relationship between the MAAS and cardiovascular (HF-HRV, heart rate) reactivity to two laboratory stressors that evoked different patterns of change in heart rate (HR). One stressor (viewing a video of a surgery) evoked HR deceleration while the other stressor (mental arithmetic) evoked HR acceleration. Undergraduate students completed the MAAS and were then exposed to the two stressors while ECG (electrocardiography) was recorded. Findings support the reliability of the stressors to induce expected differential cardiovascular responses and explicate the role of parasympathetic activation. Further, a main effect for MAAS was observed indicating that across laboratory conditions, persons scoring higher on the MAAS had lower HF-HRV relative to persons scoring lower on the MAAS. These findings suggest that higher levels of intentional attention and awareness in a laboratory context might promote parasympathetic withdrawal because these participants were more vigilant, experienced higher cognitive load, and detected more threat cues. Implications for the MAAS and cardiovascular responses to stress are discussed.

In vitro assessment of gentamicin and azithromycin-based combination therapy against Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in India.

PURPOSE: The public health burden of infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is magnified due to high rates of resistance to traditional antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of an alternative dual therapy comprising gentamicin and azithromycin. METHODOLOGY: The E-test method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of gentamicin and azithromycin individually prior to testing in combination using the cross or 90o angle formation method. A total of 70 clinical isolates of N.gonorrhoeae displaying varying ceftriaxone MICs along with 2 reference strains (WHO K and P) and 1 ceftriaxone-resistant QA isolate were examined. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated and the results were interpreted using the following criteria: synergy, FICI ≤0.5; indifference or additive, FICI >0.5 to ≤4.0; and antagonism, FICI >4.0. RESULTS: A total of 54 (77.1 %) isolates displayed indifference, while 16 (22.9 %) demonstrated synergy. When azithromycin was tested alone, the MICs ranged from 0.016 to 2 µg ml-1 . However, in combination with gentamicin, the mean MIC value of all isolates decreased from 0.275 µg ml-1 to 0.090 µg ml-1 (P=0.05).When gentamicin was tested alone, the MICs ranged from 0.25 to 8 µg ml-1, with a mean MIC of 4.342 µg ml-1, whereas in combination with azithromycin it decreased significantly to 2.042 µg ml-1 (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: No antagonism was observed in this combination, suggesting that it could be a future treatment option as we prepare for a post-cephalosporin era. However, comprehensive in vivo evaluations are warranted and recommendations should be made based on clinical trials.

Synthesis and Rational design of Europium and Lithium Doped Sodium Zinc Molybdate with Red Emission for Optical Imaging.

Highly efficient fluorescent and biocompatible europium doped sodium zinc molybdate (NZMOE) nanoprobes were successfully synthesized via Polyol method. Non-radiative defect centres get reduced with Li+ co-doping in NZMOE nanoprobes. XRD spectra and Rietveld refinement confirmed successful incorporation of lithium ion and crystallinity was also improved with Li+ co-doping. The shape of phosphor is rod shaped, as determined by TEM. Significant enhancement in photoluminescence intensity was observed with 266, 395 and 465 nm excitations. Profound red emission was recorded for 5 at% Li+ co-doped NZMOE nanoprobes with 266 nm excitation. It shows high asymmetry ratio (~15), color purity (94.90%) and good quantum efficiency (~70%). Judd Ofelt parameters have been calculated to measure intensity parameters and radiative transition rates. In order to measure biocompatibility of the nanoprobes, cytotoxicity assays were performed with HePG2 cells. The fluorescence emitted from phosphor material treated HePG2 cells was also measured by Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy. The bright red fluorescence in HePG2 cells treated with very low concentration (20 µg/ml) of phosphor material indicates that it could be a promising phosphor for biological detection or bio-imaging.

Biotransformation of sweet lime pulp waste into high-quality nanocellulose with an excellent productivity using Komagataeibacter europaeus SGP37 under static intermittent fed-batch cultivation.

Herein, sweet lime pulp waste (SLPW) was utilized as a low- or no-cost feedstock for the production of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) alone and in amalgamation with other nutritional supplements by the isolate K. europaeus SGP37 under static batch and static intermittent fed-batch cultivation. The highest yield (26.2±1.50gL-1) was obtained in the hot water extract of SLPW supplemented with the components of HS medium, which got further boosted to 38±0.85gL-1 as the cultivation strategy was shifted from static batch to static intermittent fed-batch. BNC obtained from various SLPW medium was similar or even superior to that obtained with standard HS medium in terms of its physicochemical properties. The production yields of BNC thus obtained are significantly higher and fit well in terms of industrial scale production.

Micronutrient formulations for prevention of complications of pregnancy.

According to a relatively recent UNICEF report, 15 percent of the infant population of the world is of low birth weight with India accounting for one third of all the world's low-weight newborns. Twenty percent of all low birth weight infants die within a month. This mortality figure is higher in developing countries due to inadequate nutritional intake by pregnant women. Development of a new package of nutrient-rich food based on egg or milk or soy bean proteins, containing multiple micronutrient supplements, available at affordable cost, may protect against morbidity and mortality among pregnant women as well as low birth weight in newborns. These benefits may continue to decrease morbidity and mortality during infancy and childhood and might reduce the risk of chronic diseases in later adult life.

Regulation of oxidative stress and mineral nutrient status by selenium in arsenic treated crop plant Oryza sativa.

The present study was conducted to examine the impact of selenium (Se) on mineral nutrient status and oxidative stress in crop plant Oryza sativa treated with arsenic (As). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) study revealed the morphological deformities in leaf veins along with granular deposition on the leaf surface. The EDS analysis exhibited loss of elements (S, Si, Cl, K, Ca, Fe and Cu) in As(III) treatment in rice roots as compared to untreated root. In the case of As(III) treated shoot, changes in elements content in term of percent atomic weight was K (1.17-0.90%), Cl (1.04-24.75%), Na (0.65-3.52%) and S (0.49-2.52%) when compared with untreated shoot. The result of EDS analysis showed that As limits the concentration of important mineral elements present in the rice root and shoot. Rice plant treated with Se (10µM) and sub lethal dose of As(III) (60µM) showed better growth responses in term of root, shoot length (11.4% and 10.71%, respectively), biomass (11.7%), reduced malonyldialdehyde content (35.14%) and stimulated antioxidant level indicating better As tolerance potential against As. Further, a selenium dependent significant reduction in As accumulation was also observed in root (14.24%) and shoot (23.78%) of rice plant when compared with plant treated with As alone. This study highlights the potential of Se to ameliorate the ecotoxicological risks associated with the As buildup in agricultural land.

Alcoholic Extract of Eclipta alba Shows In Vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity without Exhibiting Toxicological Effects.

As per WHO estimates, 80% of people around the world use medicinal plants for the cure and prevention of various diseases including cancer owing to their easy availability and cost effectiveness. Eclipta alba has long been used in Ayurveda to treat liver diseases, eye ailments, and hair related disorders. The promising medicinal value of E. alba prompted us to study the antioxidant, nontoxic, and anticancer potential of its alcoholic extract. In the current study, we evaluated the in vitro cytotoxic and antioxidant effect of the alcoholic extract of Eclipta alba (AEEA) in multiple cancer cell lines along with control. We have also evaluated its effect on different in vivo toxicity parameters. Here, we found that AEEA was found to be most active in most of the cancer cell lines but it significantly induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines by disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA damage. Moreover, AEEA treatment inhibited migration in both MCF 7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose dependent manner. Further, AEEA possesses robust in vitro antioxidant activity along with high total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In summary, our results indicate that Eclipta alba has enormous potential in complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of cancer.

CYP2R1 polymorphisms are important modulators of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in elderly females with vitamin insufficiency, but not of the response to vitamin D supplementation.

We studied the association between CYP2R1 genetic polymorphisms and circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] before and after supplementation with vitamin D3 in 218 elderly. We found differences between 3 and 8 ng/ml in circulating levels at baseline in women but not in the response after 1 year of supplementation. INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the association between polymorphisms in four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CYP2R1 gene and 25(OH)D levels before and 1 year after supplementation with two different doses of vitamin D3 (600 IU daily or a dose equivalent to 3750 IU daily), in a cohort of 218 (96 men and 122 women) Lebanese elderly overweight subjects. METHODS: Genotyping was performed for rs12794714, rs10741657, rs1562902, and rs10766197 SNPs using real-time PCR. The 25(OH)D levels were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean ± SD age was 71.0 ± 4.7 years, BMI 30.3 ± 4.6 kg/m2, and 25(OH)D level was 20.5 ± 7.6 ng/ml. There were significant differences in mean 25(OH)D levels between genotypes in women, but not in men. After adjustment for age, season, and BMI, the homozygous for the low frequency gene variant (HLV) of rs1562902 and rs10741657 SNPs had the highest mean 25(OH)D levels with difference of 7.6 ng/ml for rs1562902 SNP (p < 0.01) and of 5.9 ng/ml for rs10741657 (p = 0.05) compared to the homozygous for the major polymorphisms (HMPs). Conversely, for rs10766197 and rs12794714 SNPs, HMP had the highest mean 25(OH)D levels with difference of 6 ng/ml for rs10766197 (p = 0.003) and of 4.8 ng/ml (p = 0.02) for rs12794714, compared to the HLV. CYP2R1 genetic polymorphisms explained 4.8 to 9.8 % of variability in 25(OH)D in women. After 1 year, there was no difference in the response to vitamin D3 supplementation between genotypes in either gender. CONCLUSION: This study showed a difference in 25(OH)D levels between CYP2R1 genotypes that equates a daily supplementation of 400-800 IU vitamin D, depending on genotype. It underscores possible important genetic contributions for the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the Middle East.

Molecular Cloning and Characteristic Features of a Novel Extracellular Tyrosinase from Aspergillus niger PA2.

Aspergillus niger PA2, a novel strain isolated from waste effluents of food industry, is a potential extracellular tyrosinase producer. Enzyme activity and L-DOPA production were maximum when glucose and peptone were employed as C source and nitrogen source respectively in the medium and enhanced notably when the copper was supplemented, thus depicting the significance of copper in tyrosinase activity. Tyrosinase-encoding gene from the fungus was cloned, and amplification of the tyrosinase gene yielded a 1127-bp DNA fragment and 374 amino acid residue long product that encoded for a predicted protein of 42.3 kDa with an isoelectric point of 4.8. Primary sequence analysis of A. niger PA2 tyrosinase had shown that it had approximately 99% identity with that of A. niger CBS 513.88, which was further confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. The inferred amino acid sequence of A. niger tyrosinase contained two putative copper-binding sites comprising of six histidines, a characteristic feature for type-3 copper proteins, which were highly conserved in all tyrosinases throughout the Aspergillus species. When superimposed onto the tertiary structure of A. oryzae tyrosinase, the conserved residues from both the organisms occupied same spatial positions to provide a di-copper-binding peptide groove.

Plant-Derived Natural Products for Parkinson's Disease Therapy.

Plant-derived natural products have made their own niche in the treatment of neurological diseases since time immemorial. Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, has no cure and the treatment available currently is symptomatic. This chapter thoughtfully and objectively assesses the scientific basis that supports the increasing use of these plant-derived natural products for the treatment of this chronic and progressive disorder. Proper considerations are made on the chemical nature, sources, preclinical tests and their validity, and mechanisms of behavioural or biochemical recovery observed following treatment with various plants derived natural products relevant to PD therapy. The scientific basis underlying the neuroprotective effect of 6 Ayurvedic herbs/formulations, 12 Chinese medicinal herbs/formulations, 33 other plants, and 5 plant-derived molecules have been judiciously examined emphasizing behavioral, cellular, or biochemical aspects of neuroprotection observed in the cellular or animal models of the disease. The molecular mechanisms triggered by these natural products to promote cell survivability and to reduce the risk of cellular degeneration have also been brought to light in this study. The study helped to reveal certain limitations in the scenario: lack of preclinical studies in all cases barring two; heavy dependence on in vitro test systems; singular animal or cellular model to establish any therapeutic potential of drugs. This strongly warrants further studies so as to reproduce and confirm these reported effects. However, the current literature offers scientific credence to traditionally used plant-derived natural products for the treatment of PD.

Ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation lead to structural alterations in mouse model and protective effects of intranasal curcumin: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Antigen exposure and persistent inflammation leads to structural changes in the asthmatic airways which are collectively termed as "airway remodelling". Presently available asthma medications ameliorate inflammations but are unable to prevent or reverse the airway remodelling process as most of the treatment strategies are only focused on inflammation instead of remodelling. METHODS: Curcumin, a phytochemical present in the rhizome of Curcuma longa is well known for its anti-inflammatory activity; however, the main drawback is its poor bioavailability which limits its therapeutic approval. So, the effect of nasal curcumin on acute and chronic asthma has been studied where short exposure to ovalbumin (4 days) represents acute phase whereas repeated exposures for longer (twice per week till 5 weeks) represents chronic asthma. Disodium cromoglycate (DSCG, 50mg/kg, i.p.) and dexamethasone (1mg/kg, i.p.) were used as standard drugs in acute and chronic model of asthma respectively. RESULTS: OVA-induced airway inflammation initiated in acute stage led to remodelling due to persistent inflammation, epithelial and sub epithelial thickening (smooth muscle thickening), extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus plug formation. Intranasal curcumin is effective in inhibiting airway inflammation and remodelling both by maintaining the structural integrity of lungs in terms of inflammation, airway wall thickening and mucus production. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that curcumin administered through nasal route might prove therapeutically efficient in inhibiting allergic airway inflammations and maintaining structural integrity in the mouse model of allergic asthma. This may lead to the development of curcumin aerosol in near future.