Quinoline-Glycomimetic Conjugates Reducing Lipogenesis and Lipid Accumulation in Hepatocytes.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by excess accumulation of triglyceride in hepatocytes, is the major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and no approved drug is available. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes has been implicated in promoting lipogenesis and fat accumulation in the liver, and thus, serve as attractive drug targets. The generation of non- or low cytotoxic mTOR inhibitors is required because existing cytotoxic mTOR inhibitors are not useful for NAFLD therapy. New compounds based on the privileged adenosine triphosphate (ATP) site binder quinoline scaffold conjugated to glucose and galactosamine derivatives, which have significantly low cytotoxicity, but strong mTORC1 inhibitory activity at low micromolar concentrations, have been synthesized. These compounds also effectively inhibit the rate of lipogenesis and lipid accumulation in cultured hepatocytes. This is the first report of glycomimetic-quinoline derivatives that reduce lipid load in hepatocytes.

Isolated ileal ganglioneuromatosis in an 11-year-old boy: Case report and review of literature.

Ganglioneuromatous proliferation in the gastrointestinal tract is a rare occurrence and is usually associated with specific syndrome complexes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 2B or von Recklinghausen's disease. We report here a case of diffuse intestinal ganglioneuromatosis, presenting as intestinal obstruction and chronic constipation in an 11-year-old boy. Sporadic cases of intestinal ganglioneuromatosis in the absence of any systemic manifestations are a very rare cause of enteric motility disorders in childhood, and we discuss the pathological and clinical significance of this finding. Histopathological identification of this uncommon cause of a common pediatric problem is important since the condition is amenable to surgical treatment.

IgG Lambda Myeloma Presenting as Plasmacytic Ascites: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Multiple myeloma is a neoplastic disease of plasma cells accounting for 13 % of haematological malignancies and 2 % of all malignancies worldwide. Ascites may develop very rarely during the course of disease in multiple myeloma. We report the case of a 78 years old male with IgG lambda multiple myeloma who initially presented with plasmacytic ascites. An exhaustive review of world literature reveals 65 cases of ascites to have been reported in myeloma over a span of 62 years (1952 till date), usually developing in the course of treatment. This is the 7th case of plasmacytic ascites to have been diagnosed at initial presentation. We review the clinical features, diagnosis, prognostic significance and treatment of such cases.

Central nervous system teratomas in infants: a report of two cases.

Intracranial teratomas are uncommon neoplasms with most of them being encountered in the pediatric age group. Teratomas are composed of derivatives of all the three germ cell layers and are classified into mature, immature and teratoma with malignant transformation. Two cases of intracranial teratomas in infants are presented here with the idea of highlighting this relatively uncommon condition in an uncommon age.

A selective, expeditious and sustainable entry en route to benzopyrazines and bis-benzopyrazines.

A convenient green synthesis of benzopyrazines and bis-benzopyrazines has been performed by the condensation of diversely substituted diamines and dicarbonyl compounds in water using indium powder as catalyst under controlled microwave exposure. The effects of microwave power, and temperature on this reaction are investigated in detail to identify the best condition. A wide range of diversely substituted diamines and dicarbonyl compounds produce excellent yield of the corresponding benzopyrazines and bis-benzopyrazines. A comparative study has also been made between microwave-induced procedure and conventional method. The present method is atom-economical, environmentally friendly, and affords synthetically useful and challenging products very rapidly.

Synthesis, characterization and heterogeneous catalytic application of copper integrated mesoporous matrices.

Ordered copper integrated mesoporous silicate catalysts (CuMSC) have been synthesized by the utilization of the amphiphilic tri-block copolymer pluronic F127 as a structure directing agent (SDA) under acidic aqueous conditions. The mesophase of the materials was investigated using small-angle powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image analysis. N2 adsorption-desorption studies show that the BET surface area of CuMSC (214-407 m(2) g(-1)) is lower than that of pure silica (611 m(2) g(-1)) and has smaller average pore dimensions (4.0-5.0 nm), both prepared following the same synthetic route. The reduction of pore size and surface area points to incorporation of copper within the silicate network. FEG-SEM results suggest that the materials have a plate-like morphology and are composed of very tiny nanoparticles. EDS surface chemical analysis was utilized for the detection of the distribution of Si, O and Cu in the matrix. The FT IR spectral study suggests the complete removal of the surfactants from the calcined materials and the presence of Si-O-Cu bonds for high nominal contents. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis reflectance spectra show the oxidation state of copper and coordination mode, respectively. These mesoporous materials display a good catalytic activity in the oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol in the presence of the green oxidant hydrogen peroxide. The maximum yield (cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol) was ca. 29% and the TON (turnover number) was 276 under optimal reaction conditions. The good catalytic activity could be attributed to the large surface area and the presence of a high number of active sites located at the surface of the material, as well as to its stability. The catalysts showed negligible loss of activity after five cycles.

Effect of Naja naja Laurenti shed skin extract on estrous cycle, hormone - cytokine profiles, histopathology of ovary and uterus of Swiss albino mice.

The snake shed skin though considered as biological waste products have been mentioned in folk and traditional medicine for treatment of ailments like skin disorders, parturition problems etc. Shedded skin extract (5 mg.kg-1, sc) did not produce any change in the estrous cycle of normal cycling female mice. However in 10 mg.kg-1, sc dose, the extract caused a temporary cessation of the estrous cycle at diestrous phase in normal cycling female mice for 10 days. SSAE (10 mg.kg-1, sc) caused a significant change in the level of LH, FSH, progesterone, estradiol, IL-beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Histopathology of uterus and ovary showed structural disorientation in both. The results substantiate the influence of snake shed skin in mice reproductive cycle.

Inhibition of toxic actions of phospholipase A2 isolated & characterized from the Indian Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus) venom by synthetic herbal compounds.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Phospholipase A2 (PLA2 ) is one of the major constituents of krait venom associated with several pathophysiological actions like myotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, etc. As there was no specific antiserum available against Bungarus fasciatus venom, this study was done with synthetic herbal compounds, anti PLA2 rabbit antiserum and commercial polyvalent snake venom antiserum to neutralize the PLA2 induced toxicities in experimental models. METHODS: B. fasciatus venom phospholipase A2 fraction 38 (BF-38) was isolated by ion exchange chromatography, molecular weight was determined by mass spectrometry and its N terminal amino acid sequence was identified. Monospecific rabbit antiserum was raised against the PLA2 in presence of Freund complete adjuvant. The neutralization of PLA2 induced toxicities was done in in vitro and in in vivo models using synthetic herbal compounds, anti PLA2 rabbit antiserum and commercial polyvalent snake venom antiserum. RESULTS: A toxic PLA2 (BF-38) was purified from the B. fasciatus venom by CM-cellulose and HPLC, of 13.17 kDa and a minor band of 7.3 kDa using ESI-MS. The 13.17 kDa PLA2 sequence was NLYQFKNMIQC. The 7.3 kDa toxin sequence was RKCLTKYSQDNES and was found to be <10 per cent w/w. Anti PLA2 rabbit antiserum produced faint precipitant band in immunogel diffusion and showed low titre value. The commercial polyvalent snake venom antiserum, anti PLA2 rabbit antiserum and the synthetic herbal compounds neutralized the PLA2 induced toxicities at different intensities. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that synthetic herbal compound (BA) along with antiserum might provide effective protection against PLA2 induced toxicities of B. fasciatus venom.

Ultrasound-assisted bismuth nitrate-induced green synthesis of novel pyrrole derivatives and their biological evaluation as anticancer agents.

A series of novel N-substituted pyrrole derivatives have been designed and synthesized following ultrasound-assisted and bismuth nitrate-catalyzed eco-friendly route. This reaction has also provided a general method to prepare diverse varieties of N-substituted pyrroles with less nucleophilic polyaromatic amines. Based on (1)H NMR spectroscopy, a plausible mechanistic pathway has been advanced. Cytotoxicity of some selected N-substituted pyrrole derivatives has been evaluated in vitro in a panel of mammalian cancer cell lines which includes liver cancer cell lines (HepG2 and Hepa1-6), colon cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2), a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and NIH3T3 cells. Two compounds, 5-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (9) and 1-(phenanthren-2-yl)-1H-pyrrole (10) have shown good cytotoxicity against some cancer cell lines. Furthermore, these compounds have exhibited cytotoxic specificity against liver cancer cell lines in vitro when compared with normal cultured primary hepatocytes.

Ultrasound-assisted aza-Michael reaction in water: a green procedure.

The conjugate addition of amines to conjugated alkenes (commonly known as aza-Michael reaction) constitutes a key step for the synthesis of various complex natural products, antibiotics, α-amino alcohols and chiral auxiliaries. Ultrasound-induced addition of several amines to α, ß-unsaturated ketones, esters and nitriles has been carried out very efficiently in water as well as under solvent-free conditions. No catalysts or solid supports have been used in this method. Remarkable enhancement of reaction rate has been observed in water under ultrasound-induced method. This environmentally benign procedure has provided clean formation of the products with better selectivity.

Ethno biological usage of zoo products in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune disorder which causes swelling, redness, pain, stiffness, restriction of limb movements, decreases life expectancy and early death of the patients. Available drugs include non steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesics, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and steroids (glucocorticoids etc). All these drugs have their own limitations such as gastrointestinal irritations, cardiovascular problems, and drug dependency. Search for alternative therapy from natural products are being ventured throughout the world. Zoo therapy in arthritis, a common practice of the ancient times that have been mentioned in traditional and folk medicine. The scientific basis of some of the zoo products are being explored and have been showing promising results in experimental rheumatoid arthritis. These therapies have minimum side effects and many of them have potential to give rise to drug development clues against rheumatoid arthritis. The present review is an effort to establish the folk and traditional treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using zoo products.

Anticancer activity of a low immunogenic protein toxin (BMP1) from Indian toad (Bufo melanostictus, Schneider) skin extract.

Earlier, a protein (BMP1, MW-79kDa) had been isolated from Indian toad (Bufo melanostictus) skin aqueous extract possessed anticancer activity against EAC bearing mice (Bhattacharjee et al., 2011). In the present study, the anti-proliferative and apoptogenic activities of BMP1 have been evaluated in leukemic (U937 and K562) and hepatoma (HepG2) cells. BMP1 dose dependently inhibited U937 and K562 cell growth having IC50 values of 49 µg/ml and 30 µg/ml respectively. The anti-proliferative activity of BMP1 was observed in MTT assay, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and cell cycle arrest study. Flow-cytometric data revealed that BMP1 arrested cell cycle in U937 and K562 cells at Sub-G1 and G1 phases. The BMP1-induced dose dependent expressions of CDKIs (p21(cip1) and p27(kip1)) and inhibition of CDK2 and PCNA expression in HepG2 cells support the inhibition of cell proliferation due to G1 arrest. BMP1-induced apoptosis analyzed by annexin-V binding study and the DNA fragmentation by comet assay were correlated with the sub-G1 arrest. The parallel induction of bax and p53 expression in HepG2 cells and the up-regulation of caspase 3 and caspase 9 due to BMP1 treatment indicated the involvement of p53-dependent intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. BMP1 was found to be low immunogenic in nature.

Detection of progesterone receptor and the correlation with Ki-67 labeling index in meningiomas.

CONTEXT: Although most of the meningiomas are benign, some of them are associated with a less favorable clinical outcome. The major prognostic question regarding meningiomas is the prediction of recurrence which is largely dependent on the histopathological type, grading, proliferation indices and progesterone receptor status. AIMS: Our study was done to assess the expression of Ki-67 and progesterone receptor (PR) in different histological types, grades, recurrent and non-recurrent meningiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 cases were collected over a period of 2.5 years. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was done for histological typing and grading of the tumors. Immunohistochemical staining was done for Ki-67 and PR using standard immunoperoxidase technique and Ki-67 Labeling Index (LI) and PR score was calculated. RESULTS: Mean Ki-67 LI was significantly higher in males versus females, in Grade II versus Grade I, in recurrent versus non-recurrent and in PR-negative versus PR-positive meningiomas. Moreover, considering Grade I and Grade II-meningiomas separately, mean Ki-67 LI was significantly higher in recurrent cases. PR positivity was significantly higher in females versus males, in Grade I versus Grade II and in non-recurrent versus recurrent meningiomas. Correlation between Ki-67 LI and PR expression was also evaluated and a strong inverse correlation was found between Ki-67 LI and PR expression. A strong negative correlation was also established between the values of Ki-67 LI and recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSION: Our results establish that the immunodetection of Ki-67 LI and PR expression in meningiomas provides a practical tool for assessing the biological behavior of meningiomas.

An effective microwave-induced iodine-catalyzed method for the synthesis of quinoxalines via condensation of 1,2-diamines with 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds.

A microwave-induced iodine-catalyzed simple, rapid and convenient synthesis of different types of quinoxalines via condensation of 1,2-diamines with 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds has been accomplished with an excellent yield.

An expeditious synthesis of N-substituted pyrroles via microwave-induced iodine-catalyzed reactions under solventless conditions.

An expeditious synthesis of N-substituted pyrroles has been developed by reacting 2,5-dimethoxy tetrahydrofuran and several amines using a microwave-induced molecular iodine-catalyzed reaction under solventless conditions.

Herbs and herbal constituents active against snake bite.

Snake bite, a major socio-medical problem of south east asian countries is still depending on the usage of antisera as the one and only source of treatment, which has its own limitations. In India, mostly in rural areas, health centres are inadequate and the snake bite victims mostly depend on traditional healers and herbal antidotes, as an alternative treatment. The present review has been focussed on the varied folk and traditional herbs and their antisnake venom compounds, which might be a stepping stone in establishing the future therapy against snake bite treatment and management.