1. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1929-1933 (2009)
Modifying effect of [6]-paradol on glycoconjugates levels in 7, 12-dimethyl benz (a) anthracene induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

Suresh, K.,  Manoharan, S., Vijayaanand, M. A., Sugunadevi, G., Rajkamal, G. and Virunda, V.

Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University,
Annamalai Nagar-608 002. E. mail: suraj_cks@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: In the present investigation, the modifying effect of [6]-paradol on glycoconjugates (protein bound hexose and hexosamine, total sialic acid and fucose) levels in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis has been explored. 0.5% DMBA painting (three times per week) in hamster buccal pouches for 14 weeks resulted in the formation of well-developed oral squamous cell carcinoma. The incidence of total number of tumours, tumour burden and tumour volume were recorded in DMBA painted hamsters. We observed 100 % tumour formation with marked abnormalities in glycoconjugates status in tumour bearing hamsters as compared to control. The status of glycoconjugates in plasma, erythrocyte membrane and buccal mucosa were analyzed in tumour bearing hamsters and [6]-paradol treated DMBA painted hamsters.   Oral administration of [6]-paradol at a dose of 30 mg/kg bw to DMBA painted hamsters on alternate days for 14 weeks, reduced the tumour formation as well as protected the levels of glycoconjugates in DMBA painted hamsters. The present study suggests that [6]-paradol has potent chemopreventive efficacy as well as protected abnormalities in cell surface glycoconjugates during DMBA induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

2. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1935-1938 (2009)

Estrogen depletion: A risk factor for cardiovascular diseases after menopause

Gupta, N., Arora, K. S., Goyal, G. and Saluja, S.

Department of Physiology, G.G.S. Medical College, Faridkot 151203, E. mail: khushdeep@in.com.

Abstract: Menopause, a normal physiological phenomenon in every woman’s life, may bring with it a significant deterioration of various parameters like obesity, blood pressure, lipid profile, psychological imbalance and many more due to decrease in estrogen level. To assess the changes in these parameters, a study was conducted on a total of 200 healthy women comprising of 100 premenopausal and 100 postmenopausal (permanent cessation of menstruation >1 year) women taken from general population. The estimation of anthropometric measurements as waist hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol) was done in both the groups. Significant increase in BMI (p<0.01), WHR (p<0.001), systolic blood pressure (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure  (p<0.01), total cholesterol (p<0.001), triglycerides (p<0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.01), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.001) and significant decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.001) and serum estradiol level (p<0.001) was found in postmenopausal women as compared to premenopausal women. It is concluded that hormonal fluctuation especially decreased estrogen level during menopause may be responsible for increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women.

3. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1939-1942 (2009)

Comparison of conventional diagnostic modalities and polymerase chain reaction for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Prajapati, H.I., Patel, J.S.,  Singh, N.R., Rupareliya, J.R., Patel, S.B., Pandya, H.B., Sodagar, N.R., Malek, S.R. and Naik, K.B.

Department of Biochemistry, P. D. Patel Institute of Applied Science, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), Changa  388421. E. mail: jagdishsp@yahoo.com

Abstract: Tuberculosis continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Early recognition of disease and beginning the quick antituberculosis treatment are essential to control tuberculosis. So the present study was done to compare conventional diagnostic methods and Polymerase Chain Reaction for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum. One hundred and twenty one sputum samples were collected from suspected patients and processed to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis by AFB staining, culture and PCR. Infection detection rate of PCR was found to be 66.11%, that is higher than that of AFB staining and culture. Sensitivity of PCR was found to be 88.88% followed by AFB staining with 77.77% and culture with 72.22%. PCR was found more accurate with 91.73% accuracy followed by AFB staining (81.81%) and culture (79.33%).  PCR is the most rapid, sensitive, specific and accurate method than AFB staining and culture for detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis.

4. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1943-1946 (2009)

Synergistic action of nitric oxide and calcineurin  in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH)

Sujana, K., Shivani, V., Satyanarayana, M.L., Altaf, A., Mallikarjun, M.,  Sastry, B.K.S.  and Pratibha, N.

Department of Genetics, Osmania Univesity, Jamai Osmania, Hyderabad  50007; E. mail: prathinallari@yahoo.com

Abstract: Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH) is a cardiopulmonary disorder characterized by vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling and thrombosis. The calcium homeostasis is known to play a critical role in many of the cardiovascular disorders. The i[Ca2+] level is a critical determinant of eNOS activity. Nitric oxide generated by eNOS has a regulatory role in relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells. The elevation in i[Ca2+] leads to increased activity of calcineurin, an ubiquitous Ca2+ calmodulin dependent protein phosphatase which promotes prolonged contractile activity. This also activates calmodulin-calcineurin-NFAT pathway which creates antiapoptotic environment. In the present study 54 IPAH serum samples and equal number of serum samples of healthy individuals were analyzed, to correlate the NO levels and the calcineurin activity with the disease. Our study revealed a significant depletion in NO levels and increased calcineurin activity in the IPAH group compared to control group. This suggests the synergistic action of these two variables in endothelial dysfunction and smooth muscle cell proliferation.

5. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1947-1950 (2009)

Inhibitory action of glucagon on sarcoplamic proteins of skeletal muscles

Methe Ketaki, N.

Cell Biology Section, Department of Zoology,  Shivaji University, Kolhapur  416004. E. mail: kaushiki.ketaki@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: Submandibular gland secretes  a number of growth factors which are essential for cellular proliferation and differentiation. Glucagon like material is one of the growth factors secreted from submandibular gland. To explore the effect of this extrapancreatic glucagon on protein synthesis in skeletal muscles  we  have sialoadenectomised the male albino mice at the age of 20 days and allowed to develop in absence of submandibular gland. These animals were sacrificed on 40, 60, 80 and 100 days from birth. The gastrocnemius, soleus and rectus abdominis muscles were dissected out and subjected to protein estimation for evaluating the status of protein content in absence of glucagon. The results are consistent with literature available and showed the increased protein content in absence of glucagon. This confirms the inhibitory action of glucagon on protein synthesis of skeletal muscles.

6. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1951-1955 (2009)

Screening for antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of Spirulina platensis

Mala, R.,  Sarojini, M., Saravanababu, S. and  Umadevi, G.

Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi-626005.Tamilnadu. E. mail: maalsindia@gmail.com

Abstract: Various organic and aqueous extracts of Spirulina platensis were screened for their antibacterial activities. The extracts were tested against different species of human pathogenic bacteria by the agar-solid diffusion method. Water extract of Spirulina platensis showed maximum antimicrobial activity of 18.0mm against   Klebsiella pneumoniae (NCIM2063) and a minimum activity of 10.0mm against Proteus vulgaris (NCIM2027). All the tested microorganisms were resistant to methanol, ethanol and propanol extracts except Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCIM2076) and Escherichia coli (NCIM2065) which exhibited a least inhibition zone of 7.0 and 8.0 mm respectively in propanol. Acetone extract of Spirulina platensis also showed the highest biological activity of 17.0 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae (NCIM2063), moderate activity of 11.0 mm against Salmonella typhi (NCIM2080), and 10.0 mm against   Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCIM2076), Escherichia coli (NCIM2065) and Staphylococcus aureus (NCIM2079). Sequential extract of Spirulina exhibited maximum antimicrobial activity. Inhibition zone of 25.3 mm was observed for Klebsiella pneumoniae and 16.0 mm for Proteus vulgaris.  FTIR Spectrum of sequential extract showed strong bands at 1047,1383,1640,2361, and 3450 cm-1.

7. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1957-1962 (2009)

Impact of glomus fasciculatum and gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus on alleviation of drought stress  in Sorghum bicolor (L) monech

 Meenakshisundaram, M. and Santhaguru, K.

P. G. Department of Biotechnology, Nehru Memorial College, Puthanampatti, Tiruchirappalli 621007,
Tamilnadu. E. mail: meenakram06@yahoo.co.in

Abstract : The present study focused on the combining ability of Gluconactobacter diazotrophicus with Glomus fasciculatum in alleviation of drought stress in Sorghum bicolor. In relation to uninoculated control and single inoculation with G. diazotrophicus or G. fasciculatum, their dual inoculation enhanced the   soluble  proteins  and phosphorus contents, and dry matter yield but not the relative water content (RWC) under well watered conditions. Drought stress significantly reduced the RWC in leaves, and dry weight, total phosphorus content and total soluble proteins in both the control and inoculated plants. Under water stressed conditions, dual inoculation substantially reduced the above said water deficit stress effects, and thereby alleviating the stress effects including RWC, as compared to single inoculation. Protein profiles in SDS-Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis have shown both qualitative and quantitative differences between the treatments. Dual inoculation induced 38  KDa peptide under drought stress conditions. This band was not seen in the control or in the single inoculated plants. The 40 kDa peptide that appeared in the well watered plants has not been observed in the stressed plants in all the treatments. The significance of dual inoculation in stress alleviation is discussed.

8. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1963-1968 (2009)

Screening, enrichment and media optimization for  L-asparaginase production

Warangkar, S.C. and Khobragade, C.N.

School of Life Sciences, Biotechnology Research Laboratory, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada
University, Nanded, 431606, E. Mail: cnkhobragade@rediffmail.com

Abstract: Asparaginases obtained from Erwinia carotovora and Escherichia coli have found wide applications in medicine as effective antitumor agent for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), lymph sarcoma and reticulum cell sarcomas. The antitumor effect is attributed to their ability to suppress asparagine metabolism, which is necessary for tumor cell growth. The Erwinia species enzyme preparation can be used to treat some of the obstinate tumors that cannot be cured with the enzyme from E. coli.  The E. carotovora has been reported to produce larger quantities of L-asparaginase than E. coli. The majority of asparaginases are intracellular in location; therefore total yield of asparaginase depends upon the cell biomass. Hence, the asparaginase producer strain is isolated and the culture conditions of L-asparaginase productions were optimized. The objective of present investigation is to determine the activity of asparaginase under different physiochemical conditions of carbon and nitrogen sources.

9. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1969-1974 (2009)

Effect of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis on carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes in monosodium glutamate  induced obesity in female rats

Igomathi, N. and Malarvili, T.

Department of Biochemistry, J. J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai - 622 404, Tamilnadu, E-mail: malarvilimail@yahoo.com

Abstract: We evaluated the effect of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis on carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes in monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced obesity in female rats. Obese rats showed a significant increase in the activities of glucose metabolising enzymes like hexokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase and in the level of glycogen. The activities of enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase were also significantly lower in obese rats. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (HRF) administration to obese rats reversed the above changes in a significant manner. From our observations, we conclude that administration of HRF regulated the blood sugar levels in MSG induced obesity in rats. HRF therapy not only maintained the blood glucose homeostasis but also altered the activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes.

10. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1975-1979 (2009)

Antibacterial activity of prawn exoskeleton extract against marine and estuarine pathogenic bacteria

Sasikala, S. L. and Chitra, S.

Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Centre for Marine Science & Technology, Manonmaniam
Sundaranar University, Marina campus, Rajakkamangalam  629502,  Tamil Nadu. E. mail:  cmst.drsashii@gmail.com

Abstract: Exoskeleton of the freshwater giant prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii was divided into head region which includes cephalothoracic carapace with rostrum, chelate leg and walking leg, dried and powdered.  Exoskeleton homogenate in acetone as well as Glucosamine extracted from three different regions of exoskeleton were used in the study. Biochemical analyses indicated the presence of high total protein content than total free sugar and very meager quantity of total lipid in all the regions.  Extracted glucosamine revealed its highest level in head region ( 56 mg/gm) and lowest in walking leg (9 mg/gm).  Marine bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus sporogens, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Virbio damsella and estuarine bacteria Proteus vulgaris, Aeromonas hydrophilla, Serratia marscens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas fluorsence, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas mirabilis, Xanthomonas campestris were studied for their sensitivity against prawn exoskeleton extracts. Antimicrobial studies revealed maximum zone of inhibition for head exoskeleton against marine bacteria, L. sporogenses (15 mm) and estuarine bacteria, S. aureus (19 mm) which were higher than the commecial control antibiotics (9 mm and 11 mm respectively).  P. fluorescens, V. damsella and P. mirabilis displayed higher sensitivity against chelate leg than control while very low sensitivity was observed against walking leg exoskeleton. Zone of inhibition was slightly higher in samples after glucosame extraction than in samples before extraction.

11. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1981-1984  (2009)

Evaluation of the protective efficacy of Woodfordia fruticosa on phenytoin induced liver
damage in rats

Brindha, D. and Geetha, R.

Department of Biochemistry, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore- 641 046, Tamil Nadu.
E. mail: brindhavenkatesh@ymail.com

Abstract: The present study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa  against phenytoin induced hepatic injury in albino rats. The extract in the dose of 250mg/kg body weight was administered orally once daily for 21 days.  The hepatoprotective activity of the extract was assessed by measuring the total bilirubin, total protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides and serum marker enzymes in control and experimental animals.  The results revealed significant reduction (p<0.05) in total bilirubin and serum marker enzymes and increase in total proteins in the animals treated with the flower extract. However, significant rise in these serum enzymes and decrease in total protein level was noticed in phenytoin treated group indicating the hepatic damage, while the extract of Woodfordia fruticosa significantly protected the phenytoin induced hepatocellular injury.

12.  Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1985-1988  (2009)

Effect of Mimusops elengi linn. bark extract on alloxan induced hyperglycemia in albino rats

Jerline, M., Jothi, G. and Brindha, P.

Department of Biochemistry, M.I.E.T Arts and Science College, Tiruchirappalli- 620007, E. mail:  jothi173@yahoo.com

Abstract: The present study evaluates the effect of aqueous bark extract of Mimusops elengi Linn. in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in rats by administering alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/ kg bw) intraperitonially (ip). Animals were divided into five groups (n=6) receiving different treatments: Group I: vehicle (Control), Group II:  diabetic (control), Groups III and IV:  aqueous bark extract treated (250 mg and 500 mg/ kg bw, orally respectively), and Group V:  standard antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (1 mg/ kg bw, orally). Blood samples and liver tissues were collected and analyzed for blood glucose, serum insulin, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) and liver glycogen, glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase after 45 days of the treatment. The aqueous bark extract of Mimusops elengi Linn. at the dose level of 500 mg/ kg bw, produced  significant  alteration in biochemical and enzymatic parameters studied. The present investigation thereby reveals the anti-hyperglycemic potential of bark extract of Mimusops elengi Linn.

13.  Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1989-1994  (2009)

Insilico prediction of structure and functional aspects of a hypothetical protein of Neurospora crassa

Neelamathi, E., Vasumathi, E.,  Bagyalakshmi, S. and Kannan, R.

P. G..  Department of Biotechnology, Nehru Memorial College, Puthanampatti  621 007, Tamilnadu. E. mail: neelamathimsc@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: Large-scale sequence analysis has increased the number of accessible genes tremendously in the last few years. In recent times, the proteomic studies in general and prediction and structural elucidation of protein, in particular adapt an in silico approach. With the advent of functional genomics and the availability of comprehensive publicly accessible Neurospora genomic sequence database, the present study has been carried out in silico to predict the structure and function of a hypothetical protein of Neurospora. The hypothetical protein analyzed in the present study showed conserved domain characteristics of FNR (Fumarate and Nitrate Reduction) like protein. FNR is a DNA binding protein that regulates a large family of genes involved in cellular respiration and carbon metabolism in anaerobic condition. The modelled protein exhibited a maximum number of random coils (47.48%) with alpha helix (25.79%) and extended strands (26.73%) as secondary structural elements. The existence of FNR like domains in the hypothetical protein showed the importance of oxidoreductase activity in the metabolism of the organism.

Lack of influence of progin polymorphism in breast cancer development and progression

Surekha, D., Sailaja, K., Nageswara Rao, D., raghunadha Rao, D. and Vishnupriya, S.

Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad 500 007, E. mail: surekhadamineni@yahoo.co.in    

Abstract: The human progesterone (HPR) gene is located on chromosome 11q22-23 and belongs to the steroid-thyroid-retinoic acid receptor super family of transcription factor. The Alu insertion in intron 7 of progesterone gene (PROGINS) results in increased stability and hormone induced transcriptional activity. The presence of insertion is represented by A2 allele. 250 breast cancer and same number of healthy age matched controls were analyzed for the polymorphism of PROGIN by polymerase chain reaction.  In the present study, A2 homozygous genotype was present in only two cases of breast cancer and none in controls. So the frequencies of both A1A2 and A2A2 genotypes were pooled for the associated study. The frequency of A2 carriers was found to be slightly increased in disease (3.6%) when compared with  controls (2.8%). The A2 carrier frequency was found to be increased in patients without family history of cancer (4.5%), who were occupied in agriculture (11.1%), negative for both estrogen and progesterone receptors status and nodal status. No association was observed with respect to menopausal status, HRE2/neu status of patients and PROGINS polymorphism. In conclusion, our study suggested that PROGINS might play a role in the development of the disease.

15.  Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3): 1999-2003 (2009)

Cryopreservation of semen from edible rock lobster, Panulirus homarus

Sasikala, S. L. and Meena, B.

Marine Biotechnology Laboratory, Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Marina Campus, Rajakkamangalam-629502. Tamil Nadu.  E. mail: cmst.drsashii@gmail.com

Abstract : Rock lobsters, Panulirus homarus, collected from Kanyakumari coast, South India  are of export quality with good demand in international market.  Their catch is dwindling in recent years which prompted us to study their semen quality before and after cryopreservation at subzero temperature for preservation and semen banking.  The semen separated from spermatophore was cryopreserved for a period of 25 days at -196 °C in liquid nitrogen.  Phosphate buffer was used as standard diluent.  In order to assess the efficiency of various cryoprotectants which are used to prevent the sperm cell damage during cryopreservation, glecerol, dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), methanol and glucose were used in different combinations.  Crustacean sperm cells lack tail which is  present in all other animal groups.  So it is not possible to check the viability of sperm cells from their active motility. Therefore, the survivability of sperm cells was determined through eosin-nigrosin dye exclusion method where the live sperm cells do not absorb dye.  Among the different cryoprotectants used, a combination of DMSO (5%) + glycerol (10%) showed best survivability rate (90 to 61%) than the  combination of DMSO (5%) + glucose (0.25m) + methanol (10%).  Quantification of major organic constituents such as total protein, total free sugar and total lipid revealed more fluctuations for E4 and least for E1.  There was a decline (P < 0.001 level)  in all these components reflecting their utilization in the metabolic activities of spermatozoa during the cryopreservation. The significance of  cryopreserving the  lobster spermatozoa is discussed. 

Histoarchitectural alterations in the adrenal gland of the female emballonurid bat, Taphozous longimanus (hardwicke) during the reproductive cycle

Nerkar, A. A.

Cell Biology Section, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Nagpur 440001
E. mail: archana_nerkar1@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: The present study describes the cyclical changes in adrenal activity during the reproductive cycle in Taphozous longimanus. The Indian sheath-tailed bat, T. longimanus at Nagpur (Maharashtra State) shows continuous asynchronous breeding, exhibiting a seasonal polyoestry. The adrenal gland of Taphozous is made up of the steroidogenic and chromaffin cells. Adrenal glands of pregnant bats are significantly larger than those of the nonpregnant bats. Adrenal cortex and medulla is distinct in this bat. The zona glomerulosa consists of numerous bulbous structures which appear as acinus like group of cells. The zona fasciculata occurs in the form of irregular short cords, one or two cells thick arranged radially and merge with each other. These cords consist of large polyhedral vacuolated cells. The zona reticularis is  absent in T. longimanus but it is in the form of islet of cortical cells in the medullary region. The medulla is well developed and consists of polymorphic epitheloid cells  arranged  in irregular strands or short cords surrounded by blood capillaries. The adrenal gland of pregnant bat shows significant differences of structures over the non-pregnant bat adrenal.

17. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3) 2013-2017 (2009)

Unique rat model exhibiting biochemical fluctuations of letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome
and subsequent treatment with allopathic and Ayurvedic medicines

Sasikala, S.L. and  Shamila, S.

Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Centre for Marine Science & Technology, Manonmaniam
Sundaranar University, Marina campus, Rajakkamangalam  629502,  E. mail:  cmst.drsashii@gmail.com

Abstract: Polycystic ovarian  syndrome (PCOS), which is a complex endocrine disorder associated with ovulatory dysfunction, was induced in rat, a unique model for PCOS studies. Letrozole was used to induce PCOS. The PCOS induced rat displayed increased body weight (12.71%) as well as elevated glucose (100.51 mg/dl), total cholesterol (84.24 mg/dl), triglycerides (83.20 g/dl), total protein (8.59 g/dl) and globulin (6.23 g/dl) respectively. Lower levels of albumin (2.65g/dl) and albumin-globulin ratio (0.50 g/dl) were observed in PCOS induced rats. One group of PCOS induced rats were treated with clomiphene citrate, the widely used allopathic medicine available for treating PCOS and the other  group with different doses of ayurvedic medicine ashokarishtam. The body weight loss was more prominent with ashokarishtam treatment. These findings demonstrate that levels of serum glucose (p<0.05), cholesterol (p<0.001) and triglycerides (p<0.01) decreased significantly in PCOS treated rats with ashokarishtam as compared to clomiphene citrate. The levels of albumin – globulin ratio were restored significantly at p<0.05 level.   

18. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3) 2019-2022 (2009)

Comparison of invasive tests with serology to diagnose H. pylori  infections in symptomatic patients

Pandya, H.B.,  Patel, J.S.,  Sodagar, N.R.,  Singh, N.R.,  Salvi, P.N., Patel, S.B.,  Naik, K.B. and  Agravat, H.H.

Department of Biochemistry, P. D. Patel Institute of Applied Science, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), Changa 388421;   E. mail: jagdishsp@yahoo.com,

Abstract: In Anand district of Gujarat, there is less awareness of  H. pylori due to the lack of diagnostic facilities in most of the laboratories, so this study was an attempt to find the overall prevalence rate and to report the best technique to diagnose H. pylori infection. This would certainly help the physician and gastroenterologist in formulating therapy recommendations. Two hundred patients were evaluated and subjected to endoscopy for investigation of dyspeptic symptoms. Four antral biopsies were taken to detect H. pylori by RUT,  gram staining and culture. Serum sample was processed for indirect ELISA [Immunocomb II]. Patients were considered positive if any one invasive test was positive along with serology. Prevalence rate was found to be 57.5 %, higher infection rate was found in males 70.43% than in females 29.57%. H. pylori positive patients revealed gastritis in 51 [44.34 %] patients, followed by reflux oesophagitis in 46 [40 %], duodenitis 11 [9.56 %], duodenal ulcer 5 [4.34 %], and only 2 cases of oesophageal ulcer [1.73 %]. The sensitivity of serology was 98.8 % followed by rapid urease test 72.13 %, specificity of culture was 100%. Accuracy of serology was 86.5 % followed by RUT 81 %. Present study concludes that serology in association with RUT gives reasonable evidence for H. pylori infection. Culture unquestionably is most specific but alone cannot be considered as a gold standard due to its low sensitivity.

19. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3) 2023-2026 (2009)

Catalase and nitric oxide: A comparative study in  hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy

Altaf Ali, Veronica, M., Shivani, V., Narsimhan, C. and Nallari, P.

Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad 500 007. E-mail: prathinallari@yahoo.com.

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species and nitrogen species cause tissue damage by disrupting signaling pathways, leading to a disease condition. The decreased antioxidant capacities lead to an imbalance between the generation and scavenging of reactive oxygen species. HCM and DCM are inflammatory disorders where the role of oxidative stress is implicated in pathogenesis of both the conditions. The present study aims to evaluate the role of two oxidative stress markers, catalase and nitric oxide, in 83 HCM, 97 DCM patients and 100 control individuals to identify their associations with the disease condition. Our results indicate that catalase HP II allele and elevated levels of nitric oxide are associated with the disease phenotypes. Thus, decreased protection against oxidative stress may further add to myocardial damage.

 20. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3) 2027-2036 (2009)

Secondary metabolites and metabolic engineering

Katare, D.P., Aeri, V. and  Bora, M.

Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Padesh, Noida. E. mail: madhumatib@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: Unraveling plant secondary metabolism is the way to successful applications in molecular farming, health food, functional food, and plant resistance. Various pathways have been altered using genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes or regulatory proteins and show enormous potential for the genetic engineering of plant secondary metabolism. Recent achievements have been made in the metabolic engineering of plant secondary metabolism. Various pathways have been altered using genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes or genes encoding regulatory proteins.

21.  Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3) 2037-2042 (2009)

Therapeutic capacities  of natural and synthetic anti-oxidants (alone or in combination with  B  vitamins) in the restoration of   mercury inhibited Na+, K+ and Ca++ ATPases 

Sood, P.P., Rao, A.P., Bharmal, F. and  Shah, A.

Department of Biochemistry,  Saurashtra University, Rajkot 360 005 India.
E-mail: ppsood@yahoo.com

Abstract: Our previous investigations have shown that exogenous application of body physiological agents, like vitamins, GSH  and  cysteine rich NAHT are quite successful in mercury elimination, and repairng histopathological and biochemical machinery in all organs including brain during post therapy. Considering the significance of these chelating agents, in the present investigation Na+, K+ and Ca++ ATPases recoveris in nervous and non nervous tissues of fish  Chana  punctatus have been worked out. Ten groups with six animals each of similar morphological and physiological conditions were considered for the study. Two groups were used as control.  Eight groups of  fishes were intoxicated with 0.5 ppm solution of meruric chloride for 96 h. Out of these, one group was sacrificed immediately and another was kept in fresh water for another 96 h and then sacrificed. Rest of the six intoxicated  groups were kept separately for another  96h in water tanks containing either of the solutions:  i) glutathione (10 ppm), ii) Vitamin B complex (10 ppm), iii) NAHT (10 ppm), iv) equal concentration of GSH + vitamin B complex (10 ppm), v) equal concentration of NAHT + GSH (10 ppm), vi) equal concentration of NAHT + vitamin B complex (10 ppm). Fishes of all these groups were sacrificed after 192 h. Brain, liver, kidney, gills and muscles were screened for the loss of Na+, K+ and Mg++ and Ca++ ATPases. Study shows an acute inhibition of all these enzymes (both in nervous and non-nervous tissues) during mercury intoxication and a significant recovery in all the therapeutic groups. 

22.  Journal of Cell and Tissue Research Vol. 9(3) 2043-2048 (2009)

Antioxidant effect of Solanum lycopersicum, Azadirachta indica, citrus Limon and Aloe vera against oxidising agents on primary chicken embryo fibroblast cell culture

Sharma, A., Gupta, S., Gaba, R. and Dahiya, S.

Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119. E. mail: swatidahiya@yahoo.co.in.

Abstract:  The present study evaluates the antioxidative potential of different plants viz., Solanum lycopersicum seeds extract, Azadirachta indica leaf extract, Citrus limon juice extract and Aloe vera gel extract against chemical oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (1X and 10X H2O2) and potassium permanganate (N/100 and N/10 KMnO4) on primary chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cell culture. Higher survival rate of CEF cells treated with antioxidants was observed in the microtiter wells having higher concentrations of plant extracts as they were able to prevent oxidationo. Interestingly the survival rate of the cells is reduced with decreasing the concentration of plant extract. Present investigation shows that all the four plant extracts exhibit antioxidant potential in CEF cells against oxidizing agents. S. lycopersicum seed extract was found to be most effective against 1X H2O2 as it protects 80% cells upto 10-6 concentration, whereas C. limon and A. vera extracts protect 80% cells upto 10-2 and 10-3 conc., respectively while using A. indica extract  about 50% cells were protected upto 10-5 concentration. After treating the CEF cells with N/100 KMnO4, S. lycopersicum and A. vera extracts were found to be more effective among all other extracts as they protect about 80% cells upto 10-4 conc. It can be concluded from these results that the seed extract of S. lycopersicum has the highest potential amongst all the four plant extracts for protecting CEF cells against damaging effect of highly reactive free radicals. The treatment of cells first with oxidizing agent and then with plant extracts showed that these plant extracts particularly S. lycopersicum  can repair the damage done by H2O2 and KMnO4 in the CEF cells.

Key words: Antioxidants, Chicken embryo fibroblast cell culture, Solanum lycopersicum, Azadirachta indica,  Citrus limon, Aloe vera.