Identification of stably expressed Internal Control Genes (ICGs) for normalization of expression data in liver of C57BL/6 mice injected with beta casomorphins.

In recent years, beta-casomorphin peptides (BCM7/BCM9) derived from the digestion of cow milk have drawn a lot of attention world over because of their proposed impact on human health. In order to evaluate the transcriptional modulation of target genes through RT-qPCR in response to these peptides, availability of appropriate reference or internal control genes (ICGs) will be the key. The present study was planned to identify a panel of stable ICGs in the liver tissue of C57BL/6 mice injected with BCM7/BCM9 cow milk peptides for 3 weeks. A total of ten candidate genes were evaluated as potential ICGs by assessing their expression stability using software suites; geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper. The suitability of the identified ICGs was validated by assessing the relative expression levels of target genes, HP and Cu/Zn SOD. Based on geNorm, PPIA and SDHA gene pair was identified to be most stably expressed in liver tissue during the animal trials. Similarly, NormFinder analysis also identified PPIA as the most stable gene. BestKeeper analysis showed crossing point SD value for all the genes in the acceptable range that is closer to 1. Overall, the study identified a panel of stable ICGs for reliable normalization of target genes expression data in mice liver tissues during BCM7/9 peptides trial.

Effects of medicated enema and nasal drops using Triphaladi oil in the management of obesity - A pilot study.

An open label, randomized, comparative, interventional pilot study was done to assess the effect of Lekhana Basti (medicated enema) and Rechana Nasya Karma (Errhine therapy) in the management of Sthoulya with special reference to obesity. In the study 30 clinically diagnosed patient of either sex were randomly divided into two groups. In Basti group, Lekhana Basti in Karma Basti manner was given for 30 days. Anuvasana Basti (enema with Triphaladi Taila) in the dose of 120 mL and Asthapana Basti (enema with Triphaladi decoction etc.) in the dose of approximately 960 mL was given. In Nasya group, Rechananasya on alternate days was given with Triphaladi (oil) in the dose of 0.5 mL per nostril for total 28 days. The patients were assessed on objective criteria such as such as weight, chest circumference, mid-arm circumference, mid-thigh circumference, triceps skin fold thickness, sub-scapular skin fold thickness, abdominal skin fold thickness, waist-hip ratio and lipid profile. It was observed that Basti group was a better intervention in providing relief, however there intergroup standard deviation was low on most of the variable expect the lipid profile. The results suggest that the Nasya Karma may be developed as a better practical approach in obesity management.