Melatonin has profound effects on mitochondrial dynamics in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion.

Research focus recently shifted to mitochondrial dynamics and the role of fusion and fission in cardioprotection. The aim of this study was to evaluate (i) the function and dynamics of mitochondria isolated from hearts exposed to ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) (ii) the effects of melatonin, a powerful cardioprotectant, on mitochondrial dynamics in I/R. Isolated perfused rat hearts were stabilized for 30 min, subjected to 20 min global ischaemia, followed by 30 min reperfusion. Tissue was collected, mitochondria isolated for measurement of mitochondrial oxidative function and lysates from mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions prepared for western blotting. Melatonin (0.3 or 50 µM) was administered for 10 min immediately before the onset of ischaemia and for 10 min at the onset of reperfusion. Infarct size was assessed after 35 min regional ischaemia/60 min reperfusion using triphenyltetrazolium staining. The results show that reperfusion significantly reduced mitochondrial QO2 (states 3 and 4), with minor effects by melatonin. Cytosolic Beclin 1 and the LC3 II/I ratio were reduced by ischaemia and increased by reperfusion. Both ischaemia and reperfusion reduced mitochondrial PINK1 and Parkin levels, while reperfusion increased p62. An alternative mitophagy pathway mediated by Rab9 is activated during myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion. Ischaemia reduced and reperfusion increased cytosolic ULK1 expression, associated with redistribution of Rab9 and Drp1 between the cytosol and mitochondria. Melatonin significantly reduced mitochondrial p62 expression upon reperfusion. Throughout the protocol, melatonin significantly (i) increased cytosolic total (t) and phospho (p) ULK1, and Rab9 levels (ii) increased the cytosolic and reduced the mitochondrial pDrp1 levels and p/t Drp1 ratio, suggesting inhibition of mitochondrial fission. Fusion was affected to a lesser extent. Cardioprotection by melatonin is associated with substantial effects on mitophagy, the significance thereof remains to be established.

Microemulsion Mediated Synthesis and Characterization of CdS Nanoparticles and Its Anti-Biofilm Efficacy Against Escherichia Coli ATCC 25922.

In this paper, we have reported the synthesize of CdS Nanoparticles through microemulsion mediated Triton X-100 neutral micelles at room temperature and its anti-biofilm activity against Escherichia coli. The encapsulated micelles nanoparticle system was studied for its absorption at 450 nm and emission spectrum was recorded peaking at 402 and 425 nm excited at 350 nm. The X-ray diffractive pattern (XRD) was confirmed the presence of cubic CdS crystallites. High resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) reveals that the particles were spherical in shape and average size is 20 nm. Anti-biofilm activity of CdS nanoparticles were studied at 5 µL and inhibition of growth of biofilm formed by Escherichia coli bacteria was documented by confocal laser scanning microscopy(CLSM) and confirmed that CdS nanoparticles in low concentration have very good anti-biofilm activity and hence may be used in antibacterial drug formulation.

Sono-chemical synthesis of ZnO nano-particles and their application in hydrogen sulphide gas sensing.

Herein we describe synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles by using alkaline solution of ZnX2 (X = NO3, Cl) under ultrasound energy of 20 KHz. The reaction can be completed in about 1-2 hours. As prepared powders were analyzed by XRD measurement to find that the product is hexagonal phase pure ZnO. UV-Visible measurement of aq. solution showed absorption band at -365 nm and photoluminescence (PL) indicated multiple bands in visible region due to deep traps owing to high temperature sintering. The hydrophilicity can be imparted by use of a suitable polyelectrolyte. Freshly prepared samples showed good dispersion in aqueous and alcoholic medium. The thick films derived from the ZnO nano-particles showed excellent sensing for hydrogen sulphide gas.

Phytochemical analysis & Antibacterial activity of Nerium oleander.

Nerium indicum [Family:Apocynaceae] is commonly known as Arali [Tam] found throughout India, and has been used in the treatment of cancer, cardiotonic, leprosy and skin diseases. Plant parts such as root, bark and leaves are used. The present study is therefore undertaken to analyse its phyto chemical constituents in solvents like Benene, Chloroform and Alcohol and to screen its antibacterial activity. The dried leaf sample is extracted with solvents by cold maceration. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Cardiac glycosides, Saponins, Tannins & Carbohydrates in all the solvents. All the extracts were screened for antibacterial activity by Disc Diffusion Method. Out of the cultures used Staphylococccus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium showed better zone of inhibition which is 10mm, 9mm & 7 mm respectively.