iosr-JPBS   Volume-9 ~ Issue-1 ~ Jan-Feb 2014

Abstract: Datura stramonium L is used as a sedative for the management of insomnia, and the seeds have long been used as drug of abuse by the young people for hallucination purpose. The present study was designed to investigate the sedative properties of seeds extract of D. stramonium using animal model. Diazepam-induced sleeping time test was used in this investigation. Phytochemical screening of the aqueous seed extract shows the presence of Tannins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, saponins, triterpenes, flavonoids as well as alkaloids. The seeds extract of D. stramonium significantly (p<0.01) increased the duration of sleep induced by diazepam at a dose of 40 and 80mg/kg b.wt. In conclusion, the results of our current investigations revealed that D. stramonium may possess sedative properties which support the use of the seeds extract for the management of insomnia.

Abstract: To assess the mutational pattern of multidrug resistant tuberculosis and evaluate the performance of MTBDRplus and MTBDRsl in rapid detection of multidrug and second line resistance of tuberculosis in a geographically isolated population. Methods: The assay was performed directly on 375 smear positive sputum specimens from patients referred to a busy routine diagnostic lab in Manipur, northeast India. MTBDRplus andMTBDRsl were performed as per the directions of the manufacturer. Results were compared with BacT/Alert 3D culture and DST system. Results: Of the 375 smear positive specimen, 364 (97.1%) gave interpretable results by MTBDRplus assay within 1 – 2 days with an additional 2days for EMB resistance of the MDR strains.Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were high for rifampicin and multidrug resistant strains with a range of 98 – 100 %. Isoniazid has comparatively lower sensitivity of 81% amongst the drug compared with phenotypic BacT/Alert 3D results.The mutational pattern of this geographically isolated region didn't have much variation as shown by the absence of bands in the rpoB MUT2A/2B and inhA MUT2/3A/3B regions of the gene.

Keywords: tuberculosis; MTBDRplus; MTBDRsl; northeast India; Manipur.

Abstract: The antiplasmodial activity of the leaves of Xylopia parviflora (Benth, L, FAM: Annonaceae) was evaluated in dietary-controlled mice models. Mice were fed on pellets containing varying nutrient constituents for 21 days and thereafter inoculated with Plasmodium yoelii parasites. Results obtained showed that mice fed with normal pellets responded to treatment with chloroquine 5mg/kg and extract 100 and 200mg/kg of body weight with suppression of 90.52, 70.23 and 86.90% respectively as compared to those fed on protein-deficient and palm oil-supplemented pellets. There was significant decrease in mean parasitized erythrocytes count in mice that were fed with normal food pellets compared to that of control 96hrs after treatment with chloroquine, 5 mg/kg and extract 200 mg/kg (P<0.05). However, mice that fed on palm oil supplemented and protein deficient pellets had mean erythrocytes count that was not significantly different from that of control 96hrs after treatment with the extract at both doses (P>0.05) but significant in those that received chloroquine treatment (P<0.05).Parasitaemia was highest in mice that were fed with protein-deficient pellets 72hrs after inoculation.

Key Words: Antiplasmodial activity, Medicinal plants, Nutritional status Plasmodium Yoelli, Xylopia Parviflora.

Abstract: In order to study its development in-vitro, an investigation was carried out to determine and establish a suitable media for the growth of Ipomoea palmata Forssk, [Ipomoea. cairica]. Aerial parts of a healthy plant were chosen as explants. Callogenesis of these leaf, stem and flower explants was initiated on three different media namely Murashige and Skoog (1962) media, Gamborg or B5 (1968) media and White's media, (1963). These basal media were supplemented with a quantity of coconut water and with various combinations of growth hormones- 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4- D), Indole Acetic acid (IAA), Indole Butyric Acid ( IBA) and 6-Benzyl amino purine (BA). The observation showed that the explants regenerated into profuse calli which eventually proliferated into multiple shoots. Root formation from the callus was also observed. The highest response in callogenesis and morphogenesis was observed in M.S basal media supplemented with 4mg/l BA and 1mg/l 2,4-D. However development was first noticed in B5 basal media supplemented with 4mg/l and 1mg/l 2,4-D. I. palmata responded positively recording rapid growth, thereby, demonstrating both Re and De differentiation. Among the three different media, the low–salt media i.e. White's media showed a relatively poor response in callus and plantlet formation. Interestingly I.palmata seemed to have a great affinity for both MS and B5 media specifically, the hormonal concentration mentioned above. This report of a positive in-vitro response of I.palmata has not been published before. Keywords: callogenesis, dedifferentiation, explants, redifferentiation, shoot morphogenesis.

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether Ramadan fasting (RF) alters the ability of serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and macrophages to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). Methods: Thirty healthy male volunteers who fasted during Ramadan participated in the study. Blood sampling was conducted seven days before and on the seventh and 21st day of Ramadan. The following parameters were measured by ELISA: Complement C3, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in serum and PBMC. The killing ability of immune components from these volunteers was determined by measuring colony-forming units (CFUs). Results: The CFU in PBMC infected with M. tb (PIM) and macrophages infected with M. tb (MIM) decreased on the seventh day of RF compared with that observed before RF. The CFUs in serum infected with M. tb (SIM) increased and CFUs in MIM decreased on the 21st day of RF compared with before RF. The levels of iNOS in serum and the CFUs in MIM decreased and the CFUs in SIM and PIM increased on the 21st day of RF compared with the seventh day of RF. The levels of iNOS in PBMC significantly increased (p<0.05) on the seventh and 21st day of Ramadan compared with before RF. The other differences were not significantly different.
Keywords: killing ability; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Ramadan fasting.

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by inappropriate hyperglycemia secondary to insulin deficiency or insulin resistance and inadequate insulin secretion1 The clinical syndrome is characterized by impaired metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and fat caused by either lack of insulin secretion or decreased sensitivity of tissues to insulin2. To meet the energy requirement fatty acid breakdown increases. Mobilization of lipids from adipose tissue increases. There is resultant hyperlipidemia especially of Non-Esterfied Fatty Acids, Triacylglycerol (TAG) and Choloestrol.

Abstract: The nutrient foramina are cavities that conduct the nutrient arteries and the peripheral nerves on the shaft of long bones. Long bones receive most of the interosseous blood supply from the nutrient arteries, and sometimes through the periosteal vessels. Nutrient arteries play an important role in nutrition and growth of the bones particularly during its growth period in the embryo and fetus as well as during early phases of ossification. The present study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, MNR Medical college, Sangareddy, Medak, Andhra Pradesh and Govt. Medical College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. A study group comprised of 1320 (840male, 480 female) long bones of upper and lower limbs of known age and sex from the bone library. The number, location, direction, position and also whether the nutrient foramina obey the general rule that is directed away from the growing end of long bone is determined in this study. Distance of nutrient foramina from either ends of long bones are more in males than females. Single nutrient foramen is common in females whereas multiple nutrient foramena in males. Femur showed highest number of nutrient foramena in 2nd segment in males and females only 1% shows multiple nutrient foramens in second segment. Two nutrient foramens were found in 68% of femur, 14% of tibia, 20% of fibula and only 10% of Humerus while it is less in females.
Keywords: Nutrient Foramen, Diaphysis, Long Bone, Segments of long bone.

Abstract: Several cell-wall degrading enzymes have been studied and their action involved in the softening concomitant with ripening of various fruits. However, studies pertaining to pectin methylesterase (PME) that catalyzes the demethylesterification of cell wall polygalacturonans have been very limited especially in fruit tissue. The present study covers the biochemical characterization of pectin methylesterase from Musa acuminata in context to delayed ripening phenomenon, principally dealing withidentification of a PME gene, namely, PME 1 from Grand Naineveriety of banana. The expression of this gene was well correlated with the ripening. After Ethylene treatment the expression of PME1 gene was peaked on day 3 while in control fruit, the progression of ripening was rather slow. The GA content was observed to augment significantly during the course of ripening of banana fruit. The overall data obtained provide new insights into correlation of the expression of PME1 with increased PME1 with increased PME activity as well as pectin content.

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disorder, is increasing tremendously around the world. Assessment of interventions designed to prevent disease progression in humans takes years. On the other hand, the use of plants as diabetic agent needs preclinical test to obtain scientific evidence. Therefore, appropriate experimental animal model of diabetes mellitus is essential tools for understanding the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and effectiveness of diabetes phytotherapy. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes is a well-documented model of experimental diabetes. The present study is aimed to investigate the diabetogenic activity of streptozotocin influenced by difference of doses, sex, administration route, duration induction and injection frequency on Kunming strain mice. Induction of STZ on Kunming mice were done according to experimental design and fasting blood glucose level measured using automatic glucometer, in which blood glucose more than 11.1mmol/L is considered as diabetes mellitus. These findings suggest that mild diabetes refers to type 2 diabetes mellitus when fasting blood glucose level is between 11.1-24.9mmol/L. It can be obtained by inducing male Kunming mice using STZ administrated either intravenously at dose of 100 mg/kg or intraperitoneally at dose of 180 mg/kg, in single injection for duration of 3 and 7 days, respectively.
Keywords: diabetogenic, diabetes mellitus, Kunming mouse, streptozotocin.

Abstract: Evaluation of the cardiotonic activity of Pergularia tomentosa containing a special type of cardiac glycosides using the different aqueous extracts of the different organs (root, aerial parts & leaves), their fractions and cardioactive isolated compounds. All were screened for toxicity testing, pharmacological & pathological activities. A comparative study was performed on their cardiotonic activity, blood pressure, heart & respiratory rates, ECG patterns, safety margins & therapeutic indexes in relation to ghalakinoside-the major most active isolate. The results demonstrated dose dependent cardiotonic activity of all extracts, fractions & isolates. The highest cardiotonic activity was produced from the major cardenolide closely followed by calactin. The most cardioactive extract was that of the roots, followed by the aerial parts & leaves respectively. According to safety studies the aerial parts aqueous extract {AAE} demonstrated the widest safety margin. The aqueous extract of the root demonstrated promising cytotoxic activities on some selected human tumor cell lines as cervix carcinoma (Hela cell line), liver as well as brain cell lines. The aerial parts were used for this study to conserve this plant as using the roots would mean complete destruction of the plant.
Keywords: Cardioactive, Cytotoxic, Ghalakinoside, Pergularia tomentosa aqueous extracts , Phytochemical & Pharmacological insights.

Abstract: DNA microarray paves methods in identifying different expression levels of thousands of genes during biological process.Microarray technology helps biologists for monitoringexpression of thousands of genes in a single experiment on a small chip. Microarray is also called as DNA chip, gene chip, orbiochip is used to analyze gene expression. DNA microarraysare rapidly becoming a fundamental tool in genomic research. The problem with microarrays is to measure gene expression from thousands of genes (features) from only tens of hundreds of samples.The compressibility of microarray data to reduce the number of chips used and increase the robustness to noise in measurements can be tested by employing smart pooling.
Keywords: microarray,gene expression, smart pooling.

Abstract: Natural Meno pause is a normal physiological change in a woman's life which is marked by stoppage of menses for lasttwelve months. Surgical meno pause is the sudden stop page of menses brought about by operating procedures like hysterectomy. Women experincing natural meno pause go through a gradual change in hormonal levels. Women in surgical meno pause suffer from sudden hormonal imbalance and hence are more vulnerable to the symptoms like hot flushes, hypertension and cardio vascular disease. In this study estradiol levels were compared between the two groups. It was found that estradiol level in surgical meno pausal women was comparitively lower as compared to women in natural meno pausal group. This study was used to create awarness among the women of surgical meno pausal group about the sudden effects and changes they would be suffering from. So this group is the one which should be advised to take hormonal replacement therapy.
Keywords: Chemiluminescnce, estradiol, natural menopause, surgiacal menopause.

Abstract: Microarrays are a powerful technique to monitor the expression level of thousands of genes in a single experiment under various conditions e.g. normal versus disease and control versus drug treated which offers a promising means to understand how cell react to environmental perturbation. Microarray technology has been phenomenal in the past few years. Cancer is a group of disease caused by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The celecoxib is usually used to treat patients who are suffering with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, painful menstruation but in this study the effect of celecoxib is seen on the patients who were affected with breast cancer and the novel genes which was expressed under certain experimental condition were identified using a microarray technique. Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in females worldwide. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among females, which accounts for 23% of the total cancer cases and 14% of the cancer deaths. Current study aims to identify genes involved in effect of celecoxib a drug over the breast cancer cell lines. Different methods of BRB Array Tool have been used to fulfill this approach. SAM and Hierarchical Clustering identified different genes. In SAM 944 genes were significant out of 4743 genes. So we can conclude that celecoxib affects breast cancer gene expression so it can be used for treatment of breast cancer.
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Celecoxib, Gene expression analysis, Microarray, Pharmacogenomics.