Seabuckthron (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaf extract ameliorates the gamma radiation mediated DNA damage and hepatic alterations.

In vitro assessment showed that H. rhamnoides (HrLE) extract possessed free radical scavenging activities and can protect gamma (gamma) radiation induced supercoiled DNA damage. For in vivo study, Swiss albino mice were administered with HrLE (30 mg/kg body weight) for 15 consecutive days before exposing them to a single dose of 5 Gy of beta radiation. HrLE significantly prevented the radiation induced genomic DNA damage indicated as a significant reduction in the comet parameters. The lipid peroxidation, liver function enzymes, expression of phosphorylated NFkappaB (p65) and IkappaBalpha increased whereas the endogenous antioxidants diminished upon radiation exposure compared to control. Pretreatment of HrLE extract ameliorated these changes. Based on the present results it can be concluded that H. rhamnoides possess a potential preventive element in planned and accidental nuclear exposures.

Are informal healthcare providers knowledgeable in tuberculosis care? A cross-sectional survey using vignettes in West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: India accounts for one-quarter of the world's TB cases. Despite efforts to engage the private sector in India's National TB Elimination Program, informal healthcare providers (IPs), who serve as the first contact for a significant TB patients, remain grossly underutilised. However, considering the substantial evidence establishing IPs' role in patients' care pathway, it is essential to expand the evidence base regarding their knowledge in TB care. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. The data were collected using the TB vignette among 331 IPs (165 trained and 166 untrained). The correct case management was defined following India's Technical and Operational Guidelines for TB Control. RESULTS: Overall, IPs demonstrated a suboptimal level of knowledge in TB care. IPs exhibited the lowest knowledge in asking essential history questions (all four: 5.4% and at least two: 21.7%) compared with ordering sputum test (76.1%), making a correct diagnosis (83.3%) and appropriate referrals (100%). Nonetheless, a statistically significant difference in knowledge (in most domains of TB care) was observed between trained and untrained IPs. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies gaps in IPs' knowledge in TB care. However, the observed significant difference between the trained and untrained groups indicates a positive impact of training in improving IPs' knowledge in TB care.

Barriers and facilitators to informal healthcare provider engagement in the national tuberculosis elimination program of India: An exploratory study from West Bengal.

India has a high burden of Tuberculosis (TB), accounting for a significant portion of global cases. While efforts are being made to engage the formal private sector in the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) of India, there remains a significant gap in addressing the engagement of Informal Healthcare Providers (IPs), who serve as the first point of contact for healthcare in many communities. Recognizing the increasing evidence of IPs' importance in TB care, it is crucial to enhance their engagement in the NTEP. Therefore, this study explored various factors influencing the engagement of IPs in the program. A qualitative study was conducted in West Bengal, India, involving 23 IPs and 11 Formal Providers (FPs) from different levels of the formal health system. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted following a six-step approach outlined by Braun and Clarke. Three overarching themes were identified in the analysis, encompassing barriers and facilitators to IPs' engagement in the NTEP. The first theme focused on IPs' position and capacity as care providers, highlighting their role as primary care providers and the trust and acceptance extended by the community. The second theme explored policy and system-level drivers and prohibitors, revealing barriers such as role ambiguity, competing tasks, and quality of care issues. Facilitators such as growing recognition of IPs' importance in the health system, an inclusive incentive system, and willingness to collaborate were also identified. The third theme focused on the relationship between the formal and informal systems, highlighting a need to strengthen the relationship between the two. This study sheds light on factors influencing the engagement of IPs in the NTEP of India. It emphasizes the need for role clarity, knowledge enhancement, and improved relationships between formal and informal systems. By addressing these factors, policymakers and stakeholders can strengthen the engagement of IPs in the NTEP.

Amelioration of ionizing radiation induced lipid peroxidation in mouse liver by Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract.

Protective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MoLE) against radiation-induced lipid peroxidation has been investigated. Swiss albino mice, selected from an inbred colony, were administered with MoLE (300 mg/kg body wt) for 15 days before exposing to a single dose of 5 Gy 60Co-gamma radiation. After treatments, animals were necropsied at different post irradiation intervals (days 1, 7 and 15) and hepatic lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were estimated to observe the relative changes due to irradiation and its possible amelioration by MoLE. It was observed that, MoLE treatment restored GSH in liver and prevented radiation induced augmentation in hepatic lipid peroxidation. Phytochemical analysis showed that MoLE possess various phytochemicals such as ascorbic acid, phenolics (catechin, epicatechin, ferulic acid, ellagic acid, myricetin) etc., which may play the key role in prevention of hepatic lipid peroxidation by scavenging radiation induced free radicals.

What are the tuberculosis care practices of informal healthcare providers? A cross-sectional study from Eastern India.

India is the highest TB burden country, accounting for an estimated 26% of the global TB cases. Systematic engagement of the private sector is a cornerstone of India's National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination (2017-25). However, informal healthcare providers (IPs), who are the first point of contact for a large number of TB patients, remain significantly underutilized in the National TB Elimination Program of India. Non-prioritization of IPs has also resulted in a limited understanding of their TB care practices in the community. We, therefore, undertook a descriptive study to document IPs' TB care practices, primarily focusing on their approach to screening, diagnosis, treatment and referral. This cross-sectional study was carried out from February to March 2020 in the Birbhum District of West Bengal, India. Interviews were conducted utilizing the retrospective case study method. A total of 203 IPs participated who reported seeing at least one confirmed TB patient in 6 months prior to the study. In that duration, IPs reported interacting with an average of five suspected TB cases, two of which were later confirmed as having TB. Antibiotic use was found to be common among IPs (highest 69% during the first visit); however, they were prescribed before the patient was suspected or confirmed as having TB. We noted the practice of prolonged treatment among IPs as patients were prescribed medicines until the second follow-up visit. Referral was the preferred TB case management approach among IPs, but delayed referral was observed, with only one-third (34%) of patients being referred to higher health facilities during their first visit. This study presents important findings on IPs' TB care practices, which have consequences for achieving India's national goal of TB elimination.

Gold-conjugated green tea nanoparticles for enhanced anti-tumor activities and hepatoprotection--synthesis, characterization and in vitro evaluation.

Green tea (GT)-based chemoprevention has shown promising results in various cancer models. However, the effective dose may not be far from the toxic dose because of inefficient systemic delivery and limited bio-availability of GT polyphenols. We have used GT polyphenols to successfully reduce gold to corresponding gold nanoparticles (NPs) in a single step; a process that fulfils all criteria of green nanotechnology as no "man-made" chemical other than gold acids are used. GT and (-) - epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) conjugated gold NPs (diameters <50 nm), showed remarkable stability, significantly rapid cellular uptake and excellent in vitro anti-oxidant activities. These NPs were observed to be selectively toxic towards cancer cells (Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma and MCF-7) while showing absolutely no lethality towards normal primary mouse hepatocytes. In cancer cells, NPs altered the redox status and limited Nrf2 activation by almost 50%. These NPs significantly decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB, coupled with decreased phosphorylation of IĸB and down-regulation of NF-κB-dependent anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl2 and Akt in a dose-dependent manner, triggering onset of apoptosis. Culturing normal hepatocytes with tumor-conditioned media prompted apoptosis by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depleting the anti-oxidant defense mechanism of hepatocytes. Pre-treatment with NPs protected hepatocytes from tumor-induced cellular damage by scavenging excess ROS, increasing the levels of reduced glutathione and anti-oxidant enzymes. There was evidence of decreased Bax/Bcl2 ratio and active Caspase 3 levels in these hepatocytes, indicating apoptosis escape. Nanoformulations of GT-based polyphenols might serve as an operative platform for effective delivery, increased bio-availability, enhanced effects and minimal chemotherapy-associated toxicities.

Gossypetin ameliorates ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress in mice liver--a molecular approach.

Radioprotective action of gossypetin (GTIN) against gamma (γ)-radiation-induced oxidative stress in liver was explored in the present article. Our main aim was to evaluate the protective efficacy of GTIN against radiation-induced alteration of liver in murine system. To evaluate the effect of GTIN, it was orally administered to mice at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight for three consecutive days prior to γ-radiation at a dose of 5 Gy. Radioprotective efficacy of GTIN were evaluated at physiological, cellular, and molecular level using biochemical analysis, comet assay, flow cytometry, histopathology, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting techniques. Ionizing radiation was responsible for augmentation of hepatic oxidative stress in terms of lipid peroxidation and depletion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence studies showed that irradiation enhanced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) level, which leads to hepatic inflammation. To investigate further, we found that radiation induced the activation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK)-mediated apoptotic pathway and deactivation of the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated redox signaling pathway, whereas GTIN pretreatment ameliorated these radiation-mediated effects. This is the novel report where GTIN rationally validated the molecular mechanism in terms of the modulation of cellular signaling system' instead of ' This is the novel report where GTIN is rationally validated in molecular terms to establish it as promising radioprotective agents. This might be fruitful especially for nuclear workers and defense personnel assuming the possibility of radiation exposure.

Role of ferulic acid in the amelioration of ionizing radiation induced inflammation: a murine model.

Ionizing radiation is responsible for oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which alters the cellular redox potential. This change activates several redox sensitive enzymes which are crucial in activating signaling pathways at molecular level and can lead to oxidative stress induced inflammation. Therefore, the present study was intended to assess the anti-inflammatory role of ferulic acid (FA), a plant flavonoid, against radiation-induced oxidative stress with a novel mechanistic viewpoint. FA was administered (50 mg/kg body wt) to Swiss albino mice for five consecutive days prior to exposing them to a single dose of 10 Gy 60Co γ-irradiation. The dose of FA was optimized from the survival experiment and 50 mg/kg body wt dose showed optimum effect. FA significantly ameliorated the radiation induced inflammatory response such as phosphorylation of IKKα/ß and IκBα and consequent nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). FA also prevented the increase of cycloxygenase-2 (Cox-2) protein, inducible nitric oxide synthase-2 (iNOS-2) gene expression, lipid peroxidation in liver and the increase of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum. It was observed that exposure to radiation results in decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the pool of reduced glutathione (GSH) content. However, FA treatment prior to irradiation increased the activities of the same endogenous antioxidants. Thus, pretreatment with FA offers protection against gamma radiation induced inflammation.

Promising role of ferulic acid, atorvastatin and their combination in ameliorating high fat diet-induced stress in mice.

AIMS: The present study evaluated a comparative and combined hepatoprotective effect of atorvastatin (AS) and ferulic acid (F) against high fat diet (HFD) induced oxidative stress in terms of hyperlipidemia, anti-oxidative status, lipid peroxidation and inflammation. MAIN METHODS: Male Swiss albino mice were given a diet containing high fat (H) (23.9% wt/wt), supplemented with AS (10mg/kg) or F (100mg/kg) and both (10 and 100mg/kg) for 8weeks. The control mice (C) were fed with normal diet. KEY FINDINGS: The H mice exhibited increased body weight; hyperlipidemia; serum level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6); hepatic lipid profile; lipid accumulation; reactive oxygen species (ROS) of hepatocytes, lipid peroxidation and liver antioxidant capacity was decreased. Immunofluorescent and Western blot assay revealed activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. The addition of F or AS and both in the diet significantly counteracted HFD induced body weight gain; hyperlipidemia; TNF-α, IL-6; hepatic lipid profile; fatty infiltration; NF-κB signaling pathway; ROS; lipid peroxidation and moreover elevated levels of hepatic antioxidant enzymes activity were observed. SIGNIFICANCE: Simultaneous treatment with AS, F and their combination protected against HFD induced weight gain and oxidative stress. The protection may be attributed to the hypolipidemic and free radical scavenging activity of AS or F and their combination. This study illustrates that AS and F have relatively similar hypolipidemic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory actions and the AS+F combination along with HFD has shown outstanding effects as compared to other treated groups.

Gossypetin, a naturally occurring hexahydroxy flavone, ameliorates gamma radiation-mediated DNA damage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the protective effect of gossypetin (GTIN) against gamma (γ)-radiation-mediated DNA damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Increasing concentrations (10-150 µM) of GTIN were incubated with supercoiled DNA 1 h prior exposure to γ-radiation in the range of 5-Gy absorbed dose from Co(60) γ source. To establish the effective protective concentration of GTIN, supercoiled DNA was pre-incubated with 50 µM of GTIN for 1 h followed by exposure of 5, 10 and 20 Gy doses of γ-radiation. Moreover, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, metal chelating activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of GTIN were measured and compared with standards. The flowcytometric analysis and radiation-induced genomic DNA damage by comet assay were employed to estimate the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) using isolated murine hepatocytes. RESULTS: GTIN was able to effectively scavenge different free radicals in in vitro situations. It could significantly prevent radiation induced supercoiled and genomic DNA damage with reduced comet parameters. It also acted as a potent scavenger of the radiation induced ROS. CONCLUSIONS: GTIN ameliorated radiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage by its free-radical scavenging activity.

Epicatechin ameliorates ionising radiation-induced oxidative stress in mouse liver.

The current study was intended to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Epicatechin (EC) against radiation-induced oxidative stress, in terms of inflammation and lipid peroxidation. Swiss albino mice were administered with EC (15 mg/kg body weight) for three consecutive days before exposing them to a single dose of 5-Gy (60)Co gamma (γ) irradiation. Mice were necropsied and livers were taken for immunohistochemistry, western blot analysis and biochemical tests for the detection of markers of hepatic oxidative stress. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and lipid peroxidation were increased whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) content and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were diminished upon radiation exposure compared to control. Translocation of NF-κB from cytoplasm to nucleus and lipid peroxidation were found to be inhibited whereas an increase in SOD, CAT, GSH and FRAP was observed in the mice treated with EC prior to irradiation. Thus, pre-treatment with EC offers protection against γ-radiation induced hepatic alterations.