Phytochemical screening and antioxidative property evaluation of lipid-producing fungi.

The increased demands for natural bioactive compounds have induced the search for unusual sources. Microorganisms, especially fungi are a potent source of secondary metabolites, which could act mainly as antioxidant compounds to prevent oxidative stress. In the present study three soil-isolated fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus heteromorphus and Aspergillus fumigatus, were screened for their oleaginous property as well as their potential for the production of bioactive compounds. Fungal biomasses were freeze dried and extracted with methanol using a cold percolation process for the production of intracellular metabolites and the fungal culture media after fermentation were examined for extracellular metabolites. Intracellular and extracellular extracts of the isolated fungi along with the single-cell oils extracted from those fungi were screened for phytochemicals, which showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoides, glycosides, phenols, saponins and terpenoids. All strains showed potent antioxidant activity, determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity. Extracellular extract and single-cell oil of A. heteromorphus showed the highest antioxidant activity with maximum ABTS radical scavenging activity and reducing potential. Highest content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds within the isolated fungi was found to be 37.58 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 62.07 mg catechine equivalent (CE)/g, respectively. Chromatographic analysis of the intracellular and extracellular extracts of the fungi showed the presence of gallic acid, di-hydroxy benzoic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, epigerin, kampferol, trans cinnamic acid, chlorogenic acid and rutin, which made them biologically important and beneficial for human health.

Use of the MMRI-R prognostic tool for older patients discharged to nursing homes from hospital: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: the Minimum Dataset Mortality Risk Index-Revised (MMRI-R) is a prognostic score predicting 6-month mortality in US nursing homes. It has not been validated in the UK nor at the hospital-nursing home interface. METHODS: prospective cohort study of consecutive patients discharged from hospital or intermediate care to nursing homes from January 2012 to January 2014. MMRI-R scoring was done prior to discharge and subsequent deaths were ascertained. Calibration plots, receiver operative characteristic curves with area under the curve (AUC) and an optimal cutpoint were obtained. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted with scores stratified by the cutpoint. RESULTS: a total of 183 patients were followed up for a median of 230 days. Median age was 87 years and 55.7% were female. Median MMRI-R score was 55. By the end of follow-up, 99 patients (54.1%) were dead. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed P-values of 0.4406 for 3-month and 0.8904 for 6-month mortality. The AUC was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.622-0.777) for 3-month death prediction and 0.723 (95% CI: 0.649-0.797) for death at 6 months. Of patients with MMRI-R scores >48 (the cutpoint), 43.6% were dead at 3 months and 53.6% by 6 months. The corresponding figures for scores <48 were 9.6 and 16.4% (P < 0.001, log-rank test). CONCLUSION: the MMRI-R can be used at the acute hospital/nursing home interface, and can help predict 3-month and 6-month mortality. The finding of an MMRI-R score of ≥48 should trigger end-of-life discussions.

Effect of Fungal Fermentation on Enhancement of Nutritional Value and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Oilseed Meals.

Agro-industrial residues contain high nutritive value. Nowadays, various advanced researches have been done for the production of various value-added products, using these wastes as substrates in the fermentation media. Flaxseed, mustard, and rice bran meal, residues of oil industry, were used as substrates for fermentation. Submerged fermentation with soil-isolated fungal species of the genus Aspergillus sp. was done for oil production by using these substrates in the fermentation media. Effect of fermentation by the oleaginous species of Aspergillus on the nutritive value and functional properties of flaxseed, mustard, and rice bran meal has been discussed for the first time in the present study. After fermentation, the seed meals showed substantial increase in the protein and ash content. The fungal strains utilized the carbohydrate present in the seed meals for the production of highly nutritional metabolites, which decrease the sugar contents of the meals. The fungi also showed extracellular amylase and cellulase activities which helped to hydrolyze the carbohydrates present in these meals, to utilize them for their metabolism. The enhancement was also observed in terms of antioxidant activity of the meals. Increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents was observed after fermentation along with radical scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid reagents and ferric reduction potential. These effects of fermentation modify these cheap waste materials into nutrient dense substrates, which could be further used in the formulation of value-added products.

Consumer awareness and perceptions about e-waste management in semi-urban area of northern Tamil Nadu: A mixed-method approach.

BACKGROUND: The increased use of electronic devices has caused a rise in the generation of e-waste, which is detrimental to the environment and human health. This study aimed to assess consumer awareness, perception, and disposal methods of e-waste management and its determinants in a semi-urban area of northern Tamil Nadu. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a mixed-method approach using a sequential explanatory technique with both quantitative and qualitative methods in adult e-consumers. Quantitative data were collected from 350 participants selected via simple random sampling using score-based semi-structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were obtained purposely from eight selected consumers such as recyclers, local leaders, and importers of electronics using key informant interviews. Sociodemographic details and disposal practices were summarized as frequencies and percentages. The independent t-test and linear regression analysis were used to obtain the determinants. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Of the 350 participants (208 males and 142 females), the majority (76%), had good knowledge of e-waste management. Consumers (70%) predominantly had a positive perception. Selling e-wastes to scrap dealers (35%) and disposing of household wastes (21%) were common disposal methods. Male gender, higher education (≥10th grade), and skilled and professional workers were significant determining factors of good knowledge and positive perception toward e-waste management. CONCLUSION: There is a need for those in authority to pay special attention to sensitizing the public to the disposal of e-waste practices, ill effects of e-wastes, segregation at collection sites, legislations and laws on e-waste to consumers, and the establishment of disposal sites.

Domestic violence and its associated factors among married women in urban Chennai: A cross-sectional study.

Context: Domestic violence against married women is a sensitive issue, which is prevalent in many societies and countries across the world. One in every three women experiences it in some form across the world, with prevalence ranging from 10 to 69% across various settings. Aims: To find the extent of domestic violence in Urban Chennai, Tamil Nadu and to find the factors associated with it. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study is done in the urban field practice area of Saveetha medical college and hospital, Thirumazhisai area in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Methods and Material: The participants who matched our inclusion criteria and who were residing in the area were included in the study. Convenient sampling method was used to collect data. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. Statistical Analysis Used: Data was analyzed by calculating Percentages and Proportions and was presented in suitable tabular. Statistical test like Odds ratio and Chi-Square was used for finding the factors associated with the study variables. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with domestic violence. Results: The overall prevalence of domestic violence was 38.2%, with physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional violence comprising of 28.7%, 9.1%, 12.6%, and 15.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis found that the involvement of women in decision-making at their home, alcohol abuse among husbands, religion and husband's education (P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with domestic violence. Conclusions: The prevalence of domestic violence recorded was high. Moral support and necessary measures needs to be taken to empower women against it.

Role of domestic migration stress in adapting precarious behaviours among interstate migrant workers in a semi-urban area of Tamil Nadu.

Background: Migration is a process in which a person moves from one cultural setting to another for a long period of time or permanently, which induces increased adaptation of risky behaviors due to migration stress. This study aimed to identify domestic migration stress and to determine its role in practising precarious behaviours among interstate migrant workers. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 313 migrant workers in the Kanchipuram district using a simple random sampling method for recruitment. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data with details on socio-demographic characteristics and precarious behavior profiles, and the 'domestic migration stress scale' was validated. For analysis, variables were described using frequencies, proportions and mean ± standard deviation, appropriately. Inferential statistics like the 'Chi-square test and multiple logistic regressions' were performed to establish the relationship between migration stress and high-risk behavior. Results: Among respondents, 286 (91.37%) were males. The majority were chronic alcoholics [151 (48.56%)], followed by tobacco chewers [106 (33.86%)], chronic smokers [83 (26.51%)], had illicit sexual activity [59 (18.84%)] and drug abusers [4 (1.27%)]. About 247 (78.93%) were under domestic migration stress. Smokers, tobacco chewers and those involved in illicit sexual activity were significant predictor factors. Conclusion: Stress management is paramount, and having the knowledge about their precarious behavior and stress among workers will help in the further development of health promotion strategies for migrant workers.

Role of Nutritional and Environmental Factors in the Development of Essential Hypertension among School-going Adolescents in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Background: Essential hypertension is one of the fastest rising noncommunicable diseases among adolescents and poses a major public health issue globally. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among school-going adolescents in Chennai and also to delineate the role of nutritional and environmental determinants in the development of hypertension. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among school-going adolescents aged 14 to 18 years in northern Chennai. Four schools (two private, two public) out of 21 were selected randomly using probability proportionate to sampling size and 401 students were recruited after consent. Data were collected using an adapted modified World Health Organization (WHO) Global School-based student Health Survey (GSHS) questionnaire; anthropometry and blood pressure measurements were done by trained healthcare professionals using standard procedures. Prehypertension was defined when systolic or diastolic pressure >90th percentile and <95th percentile; hypertension when systolic or diastolic pressure >95th percentile. Data were analyzed using SPSS, descriptive statistics like frequencies, mean, and percentages were used and inferential statistics like Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to elicit predictors of essential hypertension. Results: Out of 401 participants, 185 (46.1%) were males and 216 (53.9%) were females. Overall prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 14.2% and 5.5%, respectively. Gender (P = 0.039), overweight/obese (P = 0.000), junk food intake for >3 days/week (P = 0.000), physical inactivity for <3 days/week (P = 0.000), and parent's history (P = 0.005) were significant determinants in the development of prehypertension and hypertension. Conclusions: Nutritional and environmental determinants play a critical role in influencing blood pressure status among adolescents, this requires lifestyle and behavioral modification.

Impact of health education intervention on menstruation and its hygiene among urban school-going adolescent girls in Thiruvallur, Tamilnadu.

Introduction: Adolescent girls require specific and special attention since they are the most vulnerable group not only in terms of their social status but also their health. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to developing infections and other complications. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of assessing the impact of health education on menstrual hygiene among urban school-going adolescent girls. Methodology: A quasi-experimental, pre and post-test study was conducted among adolescent girls aged between 11 to 17 years from two public schools in the urban field practice area of tertiary care medical college in Thiruvallur district of Tamilnadu. A pre-interventional survey was done using a pretested validated questionnaire. Multipronged health education intervention was administered, and its effectiveness was measured after four months using the same tool. Frequencies, percentages, median, and range were used to describe variables. 'Wilcoxon signed-rank test' and the "Mann-Whitney U-" test were used for inferential statistics. Results: There was a statistically significant (P = 0.0001) improvement in the knowledge of menstruation, perceived attitude, and practice of good menstrual hygiene from pre to post-test after the intervention. Demographic factors such as age, mother's education, and socio-economic status, and Menstrual characteristics such as age at menarche, regular menstrual flow, absence of dysmenorrhea, and getting menstruation advice before menarche were found to be significantly associated with the post-test median scores. Conclusion: A planned and structured health education program should be addressed to adolescent girls both at schools and community settings for improving menstruation-related knowledge and practices.

Subcritical water extraction of antioxidant compounds from Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) leaves for the comparative evaluation of antioxidant activity.

A novel environmentally friendly technique, subcritical water extraction (SWE) was employed for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from Seabuckthorn leaves (SBT). Antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using commonly accepted chemical assays. Also, present study reports the cytoprotective and antioxidant properties of SBT against tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (tert-BOOH) induced oxidative stress in murine macrophages (Raw 264.7). Exposure of cells to tert-BOOH resulted, increase in cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, which is responsible for fall in intracellular antioxidant levels. Pretreatment of cells with SBT extracts inhibited cytotoxicity, ROS production and maintained antioxidants levels similar to that of control cells. The chemical composition of the SWE extracts studied showed total phenol content (76.07-93.72mg/g GAE) and total flavonoid content (47.06-66.03mg/g rutin). Further, some of its phenolic constituents; (1) Quercetin-3-galactoside, (2) Kaempferol and (3) Isorhamnetin were quantified by RP-HPLC.

An epidemiological study on quality of life among elderly in an urban area of Thirumazhisai, Tamilnadu.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important indicators of health and well being of the elderly is the quality of life they live in. Owing to the rise in elderly population due to the demographic transition, there is growing need to address the health concerns of this population. AIMS: The study was undertaken to find out the Quality of Life among the elderly and the associated factors. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive cross sectional study done in urban area of Thiruvallur district Tamil Nadu. To arrive at the required sample of 199, elderly people above 60 years were selected by probability proportionate to size sampling. Semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection regarding sociodemographic details and related factors. Katz scale was used to assess activities of daily living and Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using WHO quality of life BREF (WHOQOL BREF) questionnaire. RESULTS: Moderate score in QOL was obtained in all the 4 domains with highest in Psychological and environmental domains. Nearly 99% of had full activity in Katz scale. All the three QOL domains were found to have statistical significant association with age and education. Gender and marital status were found to be associated with psychological domain, and employment/pensioner status with physical domain. CONCLUSION: Measures like Health education have to be targeted for the elderly in ways to improve their physical and psychological wellbeing which can imporove the quality of life they live in. Primary care and family physicians have to be made aware and empowered to identify the various domains of QOL in elderly and to identify in which domain the person needs to take care the most.

Valeriana wallichii extract inhibits tert-BOOH induced oxidative damage and cytotoxicity.

Oxidative stress is well known to be involved in pathophysiology of several disorders. Valeriana wallichii (VW) root extracts is known for its expedient activities but its antioxidant and cytoprotective efficacy need to be explored further. In present study tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (tert-BOOH) was used to induce oxidative stress in C6 glioma cells. Antioxidant activity of the VW root extracts were evaluated by chemical assays i.e. DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assay. Further effect of VW on tert-BOOH induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage was studied. Result of present study revealed that exposure of cells to tert-BOOH resulted in increase in cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, super oxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. On the other hand, pretreatment of cells with VW extracts ameliorated these damaging effects. Additionally, HPLC analysis revealed hesperidin as an active ingredient and concentration of heavy metal was found within the maximum permissible limits prescribed by WHO. In conclusion present study revealed the antioxidant and cytoprotective property of VW against oxidative stress.

Stress and Stressors among Medical Undergraduate Students: A Cross-sectional Study in a Private Medical College in Tamil Nadu.

BACKGROUND: Medical education is perceived as being stressful, and a high level of stress may have a negative effect on cognitive functioning and learning of students in a medical school. OBJECTIVES: To (a) assess the perceived stress among medical undergraduate students, (b) identify the sources of stress, and (c) find an association of perceived stress with sociodemographic characteristics and various stressors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical undergraduate students in a private medical college in Tamil Nadu. A total of 750 medical students from 1st year to final year were invited to participate in the study. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding sociodemographic profile, perceived stress using perceived stress scale-14 and academic, psychosocial and environmental stressors. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, sources of stress and perceived stress. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to assess determinants of stress. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 93.33% (700 out of 750 students). The mean perceived stress score was 25.64 ± 5.44. Higher age-group, year of studying bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery, vastness of academic curriculum, fear of poor performance in examination, lack of recreation, loneliness, family problem, and accommodation away from home were important determinants of perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS: The perceived stress was higher among higher age group and final year medical students. Academic, psychosocial, and environmental stressors are associated with perceived stress. Reframing the academic curriculum and examination patterns, incorporating recreational and sports activities, and establishment of counseling cells in the institution is needed.

Role of Community in Swachh Bharat Mission. Their Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Sanitary Latrine Usage in Rural Areas, Tamil Nadu.

BACKGROUND: In most developing countries, open defecation is the 'way of life'. This practice is considered as the most serious health and environmental hazard. Prime Minister of India launched the "Swachh Bharat Mission" to accelerate the efforts for achieving universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation. OBJECTIVE: To find the knowledge, attitude and practices of sanitary latrines usage in rural area, Tamil Nadu. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted among rural population in Kuthambakkam village, Tamil Nadu. There were a total of 1175 households in Kuthambakkam village. These households were serially numbered and of these a sample of 275 households were selected for the study using simple random sampling technique by lottery method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the background characteristics, their knowledge, attitude and practices towards sanitary latrines usage. Descriptive statistics were calculated for background variables, the prevalence of sanitary latrines usage and open air defecation. Association between factors responsible for open air defecation was found by using chi square test. RESULTS: The prevalence of usage of household sanitary latrine and community latrines was 62.5% and 4.3% respectively. The prevalence of open air defecation among the study participants was 33.1%.Significant association was found between low standard of living and open air defecation practice. CONCLUSIONS: To solve the problem of underutilization of sanitary latrines, planning and conducting Information Education Communication activities is very essential. Effective political and administrative support is needed to scale up the sanitation program.

Acclimatization to oxidative stress at high altitude.

Hypoxia-mediated oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of high altitude maladaptations. To explore whether prolonged exposure to high altitude can trigger an adaptive response to oxidative stress and restore redox homeostasis in the body, the study was conducted to evaluate biochemical variables related to oxidative stress and antioxidant status in humans at sea level (190 m) and following 3- and 13- month sojourns at altitude (4,500 m). After 3 months at altitude, whole-blood thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly higher (65.6%), nonenzymatic antioxidants like ascorbic acid and caeruloplasmin were significantly lower (41% and 22%, respectively) and plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione levels, and superoxide dismutase activity were marginally altered as compared to their basal values. After 13 months at altitude, TBARS levels regressed back to preexposure levels. Plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) improved by 21%, glutathione levels by 32.8%, and plasma bilirubin by 35.8% as compared to sea level. Average concentrations of ascorbic acid and caeruloplasmin were 18% and 37% higher as compared to the subjects studied after a 3-month stay at high altitude. In addition, there was a progressive rise in erythrocytic superoxide dismutase activity and persistent hyperurecemia. The study observed that on prolonged exposure to high altitude humans could mount an effective adaptive response to oxidative stress by activating the antioxidant defense. Hence, strengthening the antioxidant defense could be an effective strategy to prevent free-radical-mediated pathophysiological alterations and quicken acclimatization to oxidative stress.

A Population based Study on Alcoholism among Adult Males in a Rural Area, Tamil Nadu, India.

BACKGROUND: India's reputation as a country with a culture of abstinence especially in matters regarding alcohol is underserved. There has been a rapid proliferation of city bars and nightclubs in recent years and people are fast shedding its inhibitions about alcohol as a lifestyle choice. This scenario has led to fears of an undocumented rise in alcohol abuse among all sections of society. Policies by the government has been laid down to regulate sales and pricing of alcohol, but not well improvised. Our aim was to find out the prevalence of alcoholism among adult males in a rural population and also to analyze its association between various factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study in a rural population at Kuthampakkam village, in Poonamallee block of Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu, India. The study population included adult male population. Simple random sampling method was adopted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the background characteristics, history of alcoholism and certain social factors. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data entry and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15 software. Descriptive statistics were calculated for background variables and the prevalence of the alcoholism. Chi-square test and p-value were calculated to see the association between alcoholism and social factors. RESULTS: A total of 157 adult male were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 37.20 years. The prevalence of alcoholism among the study participants was 35.7%. Among them only 4.5% who presented with symptoms of chronic alcoholism had taken treatment. Reasons for not taking treatment for alcoholism among study population were mainly due to their family problems (55.2%). CONCLUSION: Although alcohol consumption has existed for many centuries, the quantity, usage pattern, and resultant problems have undergone substantial changes over the past 20 years. These developments have raised concerns about the public health and social consequences. Awareness among the population and necessary rehabilitation and self-help programs will help in bringing down the prevalence of alcoholism.

The role of immunohistochemistry in the analysis of the spectrum of small round cell tumours at a tertiary care centre.

CONTEXT: The term, "Small Round - Cell Tumours" (SRCT) describes a group of highly aggressive malignant neoplasms which are composed predominantly of small and monotonous undifferentiated cells with high nucleocytoplasmic ratios. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays a crucial role in catagorizing the small round - cell tumours. AIMS: This study was done to analyse the spectrum of small round cell tumours over a period of five years at a tertiary care centre and to study the relevance of immunohistochemistry in making precise diagnoses of the small round cell tumours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Formalin - fixed, paraffin - embedded sections of tumours which were diagnosed as small round cell tumours on small biopsies and resected specimens were retrieved from the files of the Department of Pathology of Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research institute, in the period from January 2005 to December 2009. This study was confined to the bone and the soft tissues. Decalcification was performed on the bony tissues before the routine processing was done. The patients belonging to all age groups were included in this study. The small round cell tumours of the bone marrow, the spleen and the lymph node was excluded from our study. Immunohistochemical stains were performed to differentiate and categorise the small round blue cell tumours. The immunomarkers which were utilised in this study included CD45/LCA (the lymphocyte common antigen), CD20, CD3, CD99 (cluster of differentiation 99 also known as MIC2), desmin, EMA (epithelial membrane antigen), CK(cytokeratin), synaptophysin, chromogranin and GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein). RESULTS: Forty three cases of small round cell tumours were analysed, which included 19 cases of NHL (non Hodgkin's lymphoma), 6 cases of Ewing/PNETs (primitive neuroectodermal tumours), 3 cases of atypical carcinoid, 3 cases of olfactory neuroblastoma, 2 cases each of rhabdomyosarcoma, Wilms tumour, neuroblastoma and synovial sarcoma and 1 case each of small cell osteosarcoma, small (oat) cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma and hepatoblastoma. By using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, we could arrive at a final diagnosis for all the 40 cases in which immunohistochemistry was performed. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the use of immunohistochemistry was extremely beneficial. A majority of the small round cell tumours occurred between the ages of 15-45 years and the most common small round cell tumour was Non-Hodgkins lymphoma (extra lymphoreticular).

Quercetin reverses hypobaric hypoxia-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration and improves memory function in the rat.

Inadequate oxygen availability at high altitude causes elevated oxidative stress, resulting in hippocampal neurodegeneration and memory impairment. Though oxidative stress is known to be a major cause of neurodegeneration in hypobaric hypoxia, neuroprotective and ameliorative potential of quercetin, a flavonoid with strong antioxidant properties in reversing hypobaric hypoxia-induced memory impairment has not been studied. Four groups of male adult Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 7 days in an animal decompression chamber at an altitude of 7600 meters. Rats were supplemented with quercetin orally by gavage during 7 days of hypoxic exposure. Spatial working memory was assessed by a Morris Water Maze before and after exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. Changes in oxidative stress markers and apoptotic marker caspase 3 expression in hippocampus were assessed. Histological assessment of neurodegeneration was performed by cresyl violet and fluoro Jade B staining. Our results showed that quercetin supplementation during exposure to hypobaric hypoxia decreased reactive oxygen species levels and consequent lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus by elevating antioxidant status and free radical scavenging enzyme system. There was reduction in caspase 3 expression, and decrease in the number of pyknotic and fluoro Jade B-positive neurons in hippocampus after quercetin supplementation during hypoxic exposure. Behavioral studies showed that quercetin reversed the hypobaric hypoxia-induced memory impairment. These findings suggest that quercetin provides neuroprotection to hippocampal neurons during exposure to hypobaric hypoxia through antioxidative and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, and possesses promising therapeutic potential to ameliorate hypoxia-induced memory dysfunction.