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1.
Int J MCH AIDS ; 13: e011, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39247143

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: Hypertension is one of the most common medical complications during pregnancy and a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Severe preeclampsia is defined as blood pressure (BP) >160/110 mmHg with warning signs such as headache, blurring of vision, and epigastric pain. Nifedipine (C17H18N2O6), labetalol (C19H24N2O3), and hydralazine (C8H8N4) are commonly used drugs, and all are recommended as first-line agents. Hydralazine is associated with a higher incidence of adverse outcomes, so oral nifedipine has been proposed as a first-line alternative to intravenous labetalol. Consequently, this study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of oral nifedipine with that of intravenous labetalol. The objective is to compare the ability/effectiveness of oral nifedipine and intravenous labetalol to normalize acute hypertension in severe preeclampsia and to assess the birth outcome. Relations between different factors were established by appropriate statistical tests. The p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Methods: The study was conducted on 120 antenatal women with blood pressure ≥160/110 mmHg admitted to our hospital, a tertiary care center, from January 1st, 2020 to June 30th, 2021. Patients were randomized by a single blinding method to receive intravenous labetalol and oral nifedipine. The primary outcome measures were the time taken to control the blood pressure and the number of doses of drugs required. The secondary outcome measures were the birth outcome like a method of delivery, side effect profile, and the number of admissions in the neonatal intensive care unit. Results: A total of 120 patients were included with 60 patients in each group. The labetalol group took 48.67 ± 17.80 minutes and the nifedipine group took 64.33 ± 9.81 minutes to achieve a target BP of <=140/90 mmHg (p < 0.05). No side effects were seen in 70% of patients in the labetalol group and 71.67% in the nifedipine group (p > 0.05). Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Intravenous labetalol is faster in restoring blood pressure in pregnant women with preeclampsia than oral nifedipine and may be used as a first-line drug in the acute control of blood pressure in a hypertensive emergency during pregnancy. More studies are needed in order to evaluate the findings from this pilot study in a large sample of patients.

2.
Expert Rev Clin Immunol ; : 1-10, 2024 Sep 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39230194

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Kawasaki disease [KD] is a systemic disorder characterized by acute febrile illness due to widespread medium-vessel vasculitis, mainly affecting children. Despite the ongoing advanced research into the disease pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms, the exact etiopathogenesis of KD is still an enigma. Recently, single-cell RNA sequencing [scRNA-seq], has been utilized to elucidate the pathophysiology of KD at a resolution higher than that of previous methods. AREA COVERED: In the present article, we re-emphasize the pivotal role of this high-resolution technique, scRNA-seq, in the characterization of immune cell transcriptomic profile and signaling/response pathways in KD and explore the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential of this new technique in KD. Using combinations of the search phrases 'KD, scRNA-seq, CAA, childhood vasculitis' a literature search was carried out on Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed until the beginning of 2024. EXPERT OPINION: scRNA-seq presents a transformative tool for dissecting KD at the cellular level. By revealing rare cell populations, gene expression alterations, and disease-specific pathways, scRNA-seq aids in understanding the intricacies of KD pathogenesis. This review will provide new insights into pathogenesis of KD and the field of applications of scRNA-seq in personalized therapeutics for KD in the future.

3.
Lancet Reg Health Southeast Asia ; 29: 100474, 2024 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39310717

ABSTRACT

Background: Only limited information exists regarding the epidemiology of Kawasaki disease (KD) in low-income and middle-income countries. The present study provides the incidence of KD during 2015-2019 in Chandigarh, north India. Our centre follows the largest KD cohort in India. Methods: Children with KD at Chandigarh diagnosed during January 2015-December 2019 were enrolled in the study. Annual incidence rates were determined using decadal growth rates of the National Census 2011. We computed the incidence of KD in children aged <5, and <15 years. We also undertook linear trend analysis using our incidence data from 1994 to 2019. Findings: During 2015-2019, 83 patients (66 males, 17 females) were diagnosed with KD in Chandigarh. Incidence rates during these 5 years were 5.64, 9.25, 9.11, 9.87, and 9.72/100,000 in children aged <5 years, and 2.65, 4.44, 3.86, 5.07, 4.74/100,000 in children aged <15 years. The median age at diagnosis was 48 months (range: 12 days to 15 years). Compared to previous data (2009-2014), there was a 53.1% increase in annual incidence of KD in children aged <5 years, and a 53.7% increase in children aged <15 years. Coronary artery abnormalities during acute phase were noted in 16.9%, and in 7.2% of patients at 6 weeks of follow-up. The trend analysis indicated a monthly rise of 0.002 cases per 100,000 children aged <5 years, and 0.0165 cases per 100,000 children aged <15 years. Interpretation: The incidence of KD has continued to show an upward trend in Chandigarh over the period 2015-2019. This may indicate a true rise in the occurrence of KD or may reflect better disease ascertainment as a result of greater awareness about KD amongst healthcare professionals. Funding: None.

4.
Food Sci Nutr ; 12(7): 4546-4568, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39055230

ABSTRACT

The tropical and subtropical regions of the world support the growth of the Indian plant Moringa oleifera. It usually goes by the name drumstick tree or horseradish tree and thrives in warm climates. The leaves of the M. oleifera tree are now frequently used as nutrients and nutraceuticals due to their availability of various minerals. While having only very minor antinutritional effects, the leaves are abundant in many beneficial compounds. A recent review of the bioactive components and activity of moringa leaves has focused on both in vivo and in vitro studies. Drumstick leaves have antidiabetic qualities, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial qualities among other health benefits. Phytochemicals, in addition to minerals and vitamins, are abundant in this vegetable. The majority of these effects, according to a review in the literature, are mostly brought on by the presence of carotenoids, glucosinolates, and phytochemicals. As a value-added component in the production of wholesome meals, moringa is becoming more popular. Despite extensive research into locating and quantifying these advantageous elements in drumstick leaves, bioavailability and bioaccessibility studies were carried out. Beneficial photochemicals are absorbed and digested through incredibly intricate processes that involve several physicochemical and physiological interactions. Therefore, the biological impact of food may be attributed to its various metabolites that can access particular areas of action rather than its original substances. This body of literature offers the most recent findings in scientific research on the bioavailability, health advantages, nutritional profiles, and bioactive activities of moringa leaves as they relate to their use in a range of food products. Drumsticks are frequently used as a food element that promotes health because of their potent protection against a variety of ailments and the presence of environmental pollutants.

5.
Cureus ; 15(11): e49145, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38130538

ABSTRACT

Introduction Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder with hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation. Among many predictors of preeclampsia, vitamin D being one of them is under many studies for establishing a correlation between levels of vitamin D and preeclampsia. Objective To observe a relation between vitamin D levels and preeclampsia and assess related fetomaternal outcomes. Method It is an observational study at the tertiary care center. One hundred twenty patients, out of which 60 were taken as cases with BP>140/90, and 60 were taken as controls with normal BP in a tertiary care center from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. All investigations were sent, and the mode of delivery and the fetomaternal outcome were assessed. Results Compared to normal pregnant patients, preeclamptic patients have significantly lower levels of vitamin D with a p-value of <0.001, which is significant. Conclusion There is a relationship between vitamin D levels and preeclampsia. However, the effects of supplementation of vitamin D on fetomaternal outcomes need further studies.

6.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 25(18): 12900-12913, 2023 May 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37165884

ABSTRACT

Polyethoxylated surfactants, such as those of the Tween and Pluronic series, are commonly used to disperse carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and other nanoparticles. However, the current understanding of the nature of interactions between these surfactants and CNTs is limited. The nature of the interactions between surfactants (Tween-80 [T80] and Pluronic F68 [PF68]) and CNTs was investigated using high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS-NMR) and coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. HRMAS-NMR revealed that T80 molecules interact with single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) and multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) via the oleyl chain, whereas PF68 molecules interact with the surface of SWCNTs and MWCNTs via the polypropylene oxide residues. The polyethylene oxide chains were oriented towards the external aqueous environment. The HRMAS-NMR results were supported by MD simulations, and the latter provided further insights into the nature of the interactions.

7.
Protein Sci ; 30(7): 1454-1466, 2021 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34018649

ABSTRACT

Fusion transcription factors generated by genomic translocations are common drivers of several types of cancers including sarcomas and leukemias. Oncofusions of the FET (FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15) family proteins result from the fusion of the prion-like domain (PLD) of FET proteins to the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of certain transcription regulators and are implicated in aberrant transcriptional programs through interactions with chromatin remodelers. Here, we show that FUS-DDIT3, a FET oncofusion protein, undergoes PLD-mediated phase separation into liquid-like condensates. Nuclear FUS-DDIT3 condensates can recruit essential components of the global transcriptional machinery such as the chromatin remodeler SWI/SNF. The recruitment of mammalian SWI/SNF (mSWI/SNF) is driven by heterotypic PLD-PLD interactions between FUS-DDIT3 and core subunits of SWI/SNF, such as the catalytic component BRG1. Further experiments with single-molecule correlative force-fluorescence microscopy support a model wherein the fusion protein forms condensates on DNA surface and enrich BRG1 to activate transcription by ectopic chromatin remodeling. Similar PLD-driven co-condensation of mSWI/SNF with transcription factors can be employed by other oncogenic fusion proteins with a generic PLD-DBD domain architecture for global transcriptional reprogramming.


Subject(s)
Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/metabolism , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism , Prions/metabolism , RNA-Binding Protein FUS/metabolism , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Cell Line , Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/chemistry , Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/genetics , Humans , Microscopy, Fluorescence , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/chemistry , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Prions/chemistry , Prions/genetics , Protein Domains , RNA-Binding Protein FUS/chemistry , RNA-Binding Protein FUS/genetics , Transcription Factors/chemistry , Transcription Factors/genetics
8.
Nat Commun ; 12(1): 872, 2021 02 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33558506

ABSTRACT

Multivalent protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions are the drivers of biological phase separation. Biomolecular condensates typically contain a dense network of multiple proteins and RNAs, and their competing molecular interactions play key roles in regulating the condensate composition and structure. Employing a ternary system comprising of a prion-like polypeptide (PLP), arginine-rich polypeptide (RRP), and RNA, we show that competition between the PLP and RNA for a single shared partner, the RRP, leads to RNA-induced demixing of PLP-RRP condensates into stable coexisting phases-homotypic PLP condensates and heterotypic RRP-RNA condensates. The morphology of these biphasic condensates (non-engulfing/ partial engulfing/ complete engulfing) is determined by the RNA-to-RRP stoichiometry and the hierarchy of intermolecular interactions, providing a glimpse of the broad range of multiphasic patterns that are accessible to these condensates. Our findings provide a minimal set of physical rules that govern the composition and spatial organization of multicomponent and multiphasic biomolecular condensates.


Subject(s)
RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , RNA/metabolism , Amino Acid Sequence , Arginine/metabolism , Base Sequence , Peptides/metabolism , Prions/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry , Surface Tension
9.
Methods Enzymol ; 646: 143-183, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33453924

ABSTRACT

Biomolecular condensates are membrane-less sub-cellular compartments that perform a plethora of important functions in signaling and storage. The material properties of biomolecular condensates such as viscosity, surface tension, viscoelasticity, and macromolecular diffusion play important roles in regulating their biological functions. Aberrations in these properties have been implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders and certain types of cancer. Unraveling the molecular driving forces that control the fluid structure and dynamics of biomolecular condensates across different length- and time-scales necessitates the application of innovative biophysical methodologies. In this chapter, we discuss major experimental techniques that are widely used to study the material states and dynamics of biomolecular condensates as well as their practical and conceptual limitations. We end this chapter with a discussion on more advanced tools that are currently emerging to address the complex fluid dynamics of these condensates.


Subject(s)
Macromolecular Substances , Diffusion , Viscosity
10.
Mol Pharm ; 18(1): 124-147, 2021 01 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33346663

ABSTRACT

The rate and extent of drug release under physiological conditions is a key factor influencing the therapeutic activity of a formulation. Real-time detection of drug release by conventional pharmacokinetics approaches is confounded by low sensitivity, particularly in the case of tissue-targeted novel drug delivery systems, where low concentrations of the drug reach systemic circulation. We present a novel fluorescence turn-on platform for real-time monitoring of drug release from nanoparticles based on reversible fluorescence quenching in fluorescein esters. Fluorescein-conjugated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were esterified with methotrexate in solution and solid phase, followed by supramolecular functionalization with a chemoenhancer (suramin) or/and a stealth agent (dextran sulfate). Suramin was found to increase the cytotoxicity of methotrexate in A549 cells. On the other hand, dextran sulfate exhibited no effect on cytotoxicity or cellular uptake of CNTs by A549 cells, while a decrease in cellular uptake of CNTs and cytotoxicity of methotrexate was observed in macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells). Similar results were also obtained when CNTs were replaced with graphene. Docking studies revealed that the conjugates are not internalized by folate receptors/transporters. Further, docking and molecular dynamics studies revealed the conjugates do not exhibit affinity toward the methotrexate target, dihydrofolate reductase. Molecular dynamics studies also revealed that distinct features of dextran-CNT and suramin-CNT interactions, characterized by π-π interactions between CNTs and dextran/suramin. Our study provides a simple, cost-effective, and scalable method for the synthesis of nanoparticles conferred with the ability to monitor drug release in real-time. This method could also be extended to other drugs and other types of nanoparticles.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry , Neoplasms/drug therapy , A549 Cells , Animals , Cell Line , Cell Line, Tumor , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Drug Liberation , Fluorescence , Graphite/chemistry , Humans , Methotrexate/chemistry , Methotrexate/pharmacology , Mice , RAW 264.7 Cells
11.
J Am Chem Soc ; 141(37): 14593-14602, 2019 09 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31437398

ABSTRACT

In eukaryotic cells, ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) form mesoscale condensates by liquid-liquid phase separation that play essential roles in subcellular dynamic compartmentalization. The formation and dissolution of many RNP condensates are finely dependent on the RNA-to-RNP ratio, giving rise to a windowlike phase separation behavior. This is commonly referred to as reentrant liquid condensation (RLC). Here, using ribonucleoprotein-inspired polypeptides with low-complexity RNA-binding sequences as well as an archetypal disordered RNP, fused in sarcoma, as model systems, we investigate the molecular driving forces underlying this nonmonotonous phase transition. We show that an interplay between short-range cation-π attractions and long-range electrostatic forces governs the heterotypic RLC behavior of RNP-RNA complexes. Short-range attractions, which can be encoded by both polypeptide chain primary sequence and nucleic acid base sequence, control the two-phase coexistence regime, regulate material properties of polypeptide-RNA condensates, and oppose condensate reentrant dissolution. In the presence of excess RNA, a competition between short-range attraction and long-range electrostatic repulsion drives the formation of a colloidlike cluster phase. With increasing short-range attraction, the fluid dynamics of the cluster phase is arrested, leading to the formation of a colloidal gel. Our results reveal that phase behavior, supramolecular organization, and material states of RNP-RNA assemblies are controlled by a dynamic interplay between molecular interactions at different length scales.


Subject(s)
RNA/chemistry , Ribonucleoproteins/chemistry , Arginine/analysis , Lysine/analysis , Phase Transition , Static Electricity
12.
J Contemp Dent Pract ; 20(6): 707-715, 2019 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31358714

ABSTRACT

AIM: The purpose of this research is to compare peri-implant bone level in immediate and conventionally loaded implants using flap and flapless techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients were selected and were subjected into four groups. Group A: 10 patients with immediate loading (IL) by raising the flap. Group B: 10 patients with IL without raising the flap. Group C: 10 patients with conventional loading by raising the flap. Group D: 10 patients with conventional loading without raising the flap. RESULTS: It was observed that for most of the flapless techniques with IL cases, the bone loss settled at first thread or just below the implant collar after 6 months. CONCLUSION: It was seen that the crestal bone height was reduced in both flap and flapless techniques by immediate and conventional loading, respectively. On comparing the bone loss, the flapless approach by IL showed statistically significant lesser reduction as determined by radiovisiography. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Postoperative pain was less in the flapless technique as compared to the traditional flap technique. IL minimizes invasiveness, complexity, and also improves acceptance by patients.


Subject(s)
Dental Implantation, Endosseous , Dental Implants , Humans , Surgical Flaps
13.
Biomolecules ; 9(2)2019 02 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30791483

ABSTRACT

Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules are membraneless liquid condensates that dynamically form,dissolve, and mature into a gel-like state in response to a changing cellular environment. RNP condensation islargely governed by promiscuous attractive inter-chain interactions mediated by low-complexity domains(LCDs). Using an archetypal disordered RNP, fused in sarcoma (FUS), here we study how molecular crowdingimpacts the RNP liquid condensation. We observe that the liquid⁻liquid coexistence boundary of FUS islowered by polymer crowders, consistent with an excluded volume model. With increasing bulk crowderconcentration, the RNP partition increases and the diffusion rate decreases in the condensed phase.Furthermore, we show that RNP condensates undergo substantial hardening wherein protein-dense dropletstransition from viscous fluid to viscoelastic gel-like states in a crowder concentration-dependent manner.Utilizing two distinct LCDs that broadly represent commonly occurring sequence motifs driving RNP phasetransitions, we reveal that the impact of crowding is largely independent of LCD charge and sequence patterns.These results are consistent with a thermodynamic model of crowder-mediated depletion interaction, whichsuggests that inter-RNP attraction is enhanced by molecular crowding. The depletion force is likely to play akey role in tuning the physical properties of RNP condensates within the crowded cellular space.


Subject(s)
Ribonucleoproteins/chemistry , Sarcoma/chemistry , Humans , Macromolecular Substances/chemistry , Particle Size , Surface Properties , Thermodynamics
14.
BMC Nephrol ; 20(1): 24, 2019 01 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30674290

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Reproductive function in women with end stage renal disease generally improves after kidney transplant. However, pregnancy remains challenging due to the risk of adverse clinical outcomes. METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Elsevier EMBASE, Scopus, BIOSIS Previews, ISI Science Citation Index Expanded, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from date of inception through August 2017 for studies reporting pregnancy with kidney transplant. RESULTS: Of 1343 unique studies, 87 met inclusion criteria, representing 6712 pregnancies in 4174 kidney transplant recipients. Mean maternal age was 29.6 ± 2.4 years. The live-birth rate was 72.9% (95% CI, 70.0-75.6). The rate of other pregnancy outcomes was as follows: induced abortions (12.4%; 95% CI, 10.4-14.7), miscarriages (15.4%; 95% CI, 13.8-17.2), stillbirths (5.1%; 95% CI, 4.0-6.5), ectopic pregnancies (2.4%; 95% CI, 1.5-3.7), preeclampsia (21.5%; 95% CI, 18.5-24.9), gestational diabetes (5.7%; 95% CI, 3.7-8.9), pregnancy induced hypertension (24.1%; 95% CI, 18.1-31.5), cesarean section (62.6, 95% CI 57.6-67.3), and preterm delivery was 43.1% (95% CI, 38.7-47.6). Mean gestational age was 34.9 weeks, and mean birth weight was 2470 g. The 2-3-year interval following kidney transplant had higher neonatal mortality, and lower rates of live births as compared to > 3 year, and < 2-year interval. The rate of spontaneous abortion was higher in women with mean maternal age < 25 years and > 35 years as compared to women aged 25-34 years. CONCLUSION: Although the outcome of live births is favorable, the risks of maternal and fetal complications are high in kidney transplant recipients and should be considered in patient counseling and clinical decision making.


Subject(s)
Kidney Transplantation , Pregnancy Outcome , Pregnancy, High-Risk , Abortion, Induced/statistics & numerical data , Abortion, Spontaneous/epidemiology , Adult , Birth Weight , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Female , Gestational Age , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications/epidemiology , Procedures and Techniques Utilization , Stillbirth/epidemiology , Young Adult
15.
Cleve Clin J Med ; 85(8): 629-638, 2018 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30102593

ABSTRACT

In caring for patients with chronic kidney disease, it is important to prevent and treat hyperphosphatemia with a combination of dietary restrictions and phosphorus binders. This review describes the pathophysiology and control of hyperphosphatemia and the different classes of phosphorus binders with respect to their availability, cost, side effects, and scenarios in which one class of binder may be more beneficial than another.


Subject(s)
Chelating Agents/therapeutic use , Hyperphosphatemia/physiopathology , Phosphorus/blood , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/blood , Humans , Hyperphosphatemia/etiology , Renal Dialysis/adverse effects , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/complications , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/therapy
16.
J Water Health ; 15(1): 103-111, 2017 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28151444

ABSTRACT

A novel, phosphate-binding exobiopolymer (EBP) produced by Acinetobacter haemolyticus MG606 was characterized and its biocompatibility evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells and in mice. EBP was identified as a 50 kDa heteropolysaccharide composed of pentose and hexose sugars. EBP exhibited cytotoxicity, stimulation of free radical production and loss of mitochondrial and lysosomal integrity in RAW 264.7 cells at 500 µg/mL concentration while lower concentrations exhibited no significant (p > 0.05) effect on these parameters. EBP exhibited dose-dependent mortality, body weight reduction, hypothermia and clinical signs of toxicity in mice following intraperitoneal administration. The LD50 of EBP was determined to be 92.31 mg/kg. Overall, the results of our study suggest that composition of EBP produced by A. haemolyticus MG606 is distinct from EBP produced by other Acinetobacter spp. The high biocompatibility supports application of EBP as a safe biosorbent for phosphate remediation.


Subject(s)
Acinetobacter/chemistry , Biopolymers/toxicity , Acinetobacter/metabolism , Animals , Biopolymers/analysis , Female , Injections, Intraperitoneal , Mice , Phosphates/metabolism , RAW 264.7 Cells , Toxicity Tests
17.
Int J Biol Macromol ; 94(Pt A): 187-193, 2017 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27720965

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated five extracellular polymers of bacterial origin possessing mucoadhesive properties for their antimicrobial properties and toxicological characteristics. Of the five tested mucoadhesive biopolymers, the extracellular polymer produced by a strain of Acinetobacter haemolyticus exhibited broad antimicrobial efficacy towards Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Bacillus subtilis. Significant (p<0.05) inhibition of gram negative bacterial pathogens followed by gram positives were observed with the biopolymer at a dose of 40-60µg ml-1 at ambient temperature. The cytotoxicity under in vitro conditions and oral toxicity in murine models was also evaluated. The biopolymer did not elicit either haemolytic activity or toxicity in RAW 264.7 cell lines. Haemotological, histopathological and general examinations indicated no adverse effects in Swiss albino mice fed with the biopolymer (120mg kg-1 body weight-1 day1) over a period of 30 days. These results suggested that the biopolymer was well tolerated without any signs of toxicity and may have several potential biomedical applications where disinfection is desired.


Subject(s)
Acinetobacter/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Polysaccharides, Bacterial/pharmacology , Administration, Oral , Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/isolation & purification , Antibiosis , Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Tests , Drug Evaluation, Preclinical , Inhibitory Concentration 50 , Male , Mice , Polysaccharides, Bacterial/chemistry , Polysaccharides, Bacterial/isolation & purification , RAW 264.7 Cells
18.
J Phys Ther Sci ; 28(1): 293-7, 2016 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26957777

ABSTRACT

[Purpose] Lack of physical activity and an uncontrolled diet cause excessive weight gain, which leads to obesity and other metabolic disorders. Studies have indicated that brisk walking and aerobics are the best methods for controlling and reducing weight and body mass composition. [Subjects and Methods] In this study, 45 overweight women were enrolled and divided into 3 groups. Women not involved in brisk walking or aerobics were included in group A (n = 15) as control subjects; women involved in brisk walking were in group B (n = 15); and those involved in aerobics were in group C (n = 15). [Results] This program was carried out 5 days/week for 10 weeks. Pre- and post-measurements of body mass index, waist and hip circumference, and skinfold thickness of the abdomen, subscapular area, biceps, and triceps were recorded for the women in all 3 groups. All values decreased in women who participated in brisk walking and aerobics for 10 weeks. [Conclusion] These results indicate that aerobics with diet therapy is a more effective intervention program for controlling and reducing body mass index and skinfold thickness than brisk walking with diet therapy in North Indian women.

19.
Microbiol Res ; 181: 8-14, 2015 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26640047

ABSTRACT

Several members of the Acinetobacter spp. produce exobiopolymer (EBP) of considerable biotechnological interest. In a previous study, we reported phosphate removal capacity of EBP produced by Acinetobacter haemolyticus. Insertional mutagenesis was attempted to develop EBP-overproducing strains of A. haemolyticus and mutant MG606 was isolated. In order to understand the underlying mechanism of overproduction, the EBP overproducing mutant MG606 was analyzed and compared with the wild type counterpart for its key EBP synthetic enzymes. The EBP produced by MG606 mutant was 650 mg/L compared to 220 mg/L in its wild type counterpart. Significantly high (p<0.05) levels of phosphoglucomutase/phosphomannomutase (PGM/PMM) in MG606 mutant was noted, whereas activities of other enzymes responsible for EBP synthesis showed no significant change (p>0.05). The up-regulation of PGM/PMM expression in mutant was further confirmed by real time reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR of PGM/PMM transcripts. The optimal conditions for PGM/PMM activity were found to be 35 °C and pH 7.5; PGM/PMM activity was inhibited by ions such as lithium, zinc, nickel. Further, incubation of cells with a PGM inhibitor (lithium) resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in EBP production further confirming the role of PGM/PMM overexpression in enhanced EBP production by the mutant. Overall the results of our study indicate a key role of PGM/PMM in enhanced EBP production, as evident from enhanced enzyme activity, increased PGM/PMM transcripts and reduction in EBP synthesis by a PGM inhibitor. We envisage a potential exploitation of the insights so obtained to effectively engineer strains of Acinetobacter for overproducing phosphate binding EBP.


Subject(s)
Acinetobacter/enzymology , Phosphoglucomutase/metabolism , Phosphotransferases (Phosphomutases)/metabolism , Up-Regulation , Acinetobacter/drug effects , Acinetobacter/genetics , Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel , Mutagenesis, Insertional , Phosphoglucomutase/chemistry , Phosphoglucomutase/genetics , Phosphotransferases (Phosphomutases)/chemistry , Phosphotransferases (Phosphomutases)/genetics , RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Substrate Specificity , Transcriptional Activation
20.
Carbohydr Polym ; 132: 72-9, 2015 Nov 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26256326

ABSTRACT

The present study evaluated an extracellular, novel biopolymer produced by Acinetobacter haemolyticus MG606 for its physicochemical properties and phosphate binding mechanism. The exobiopolymer (EBP) was characterized to be majorly polysaccharide in nature consisting of 48.9 kDa heteropolysaccharide composed of galactose, glucose, xylose, lyxose, allose, ribose, arabinose, mannose and fructose. Maximum phosphate binding efficiency of 25mg phosphate/g of EBP was described by Langmuir isotherm and further, the physicochemical and spectroscopic studies revealed that phosphate appeared to bind predominantly with the polysaccharide fraction, and to a relatively lesser extent to protein fraction of EBP. The electrostatic interactions with amino groups and ligand exchange with hydroxyl groups of EBP were found to be primary basis for phosphate binding mechanism. The results of this study implicate the feasibility of the EBP for commercial bioremediation processes.


Subject(s)
Acinetobacter/metabolism , Environmental Pollutants/isolation & purification , Phosphates/isolation & purification , Polysaccharides/metabolism , Acinetobacter/chemistry , Biodegradation, Environmental , Environmental Pollutants/metabolism , Phosphates/metabolism , Polysaccharides/chemistry
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