Background Polyhydroxyalkanoates are a good substitute for synthetic plastic because they are highly biocompatible, ecofriendly, and biodegradable. Bacteria in freshwater bodies such as rivers, tube wells, and canals are exposed to alternating high and low concentrations of substrates that induce PHA production. Methods Fresh water samples were collected for isolation of bacterial strains. Screening of PHA in bacterial cells was performed with Sudan and Nile Red staining. Extracted PHA was characterized by FTIR. Results In this study, nine bacterial isolates were selected for PHA production on the basis of phenotypic screening. Their ability to accumulate PHAs was determined using different monosaccharides and disaccharides. Two bacterial isolates Bacillus cereus T1 (KY746353) and Bacillus cereus R3 (KY746354) produced PHAs. Optimal growth of the bacterial strain (T1) was observed in the presence of glucose, followed by maximum production of PHAs (63% PHAs) during the logarithmic phase of growth. B. cereus R3 (KY746354) accumulated 60% PHAs by dry cell weight. Conclusion PHA accumulation was relatively less with fructose, but both strains showed increased production (up to 50%) with sucrose. The polymer produced was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which showed that the compound contains short-chain PHAs.
BACKGROUND: Fragile X syndrome (FXS), an X-linked disorder, is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation. This is caused by a trinucleotide CGG repeat expansion (>200) on the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1) becoming methylated leading to a deficiency or absence of the FMR1 protein. Determining FXS prevalence in the mentally retarded individuals in the west of Iran was the aim of this study.METHODS: 200 patients with moderate mental retardation who were clinically suspicious to FXS were screened using cytogenetic and molecular methods. Blood samples were collected and cultured in the specific culture media. The G-Banding method was used for karyotyping and DNA sequencing performed for verifying the results of the cytogenetic tests.RESULTS: 16 patients (8%) were found to have fragile X syndrome. The results showed that there is no significant association between the fragile X syndrome and economic status and place of residence, however, the relationship between fragile X syndrome and mental retardation in the family history is significant.CONCLUSION: The frequency of FXS was similar to other reports in the preselected patients. For diagnosis of FXS, chromosome analysis must be accompanied by molecular studies.
BACKGROUND: The protein kinase Target Of Rapamycin (TOR) is a nexus for the regulation of eukaryotic cell growth. TOR assembles into one of two distinct signalling complexes, TOR complex 1 (TORC1) and TORC2 (mTORC1/2 in mammals), with a set of largely non-overlapping protein partners. (m)TORC1 activation occurs in response to a series of stimuli relevant to cell growth, including nutrient availability, growth factor signals and stress, and regulates much of the cell’s biosynthetic activity, from proteins to lipids, and recycling through autophagy. mTORC1 regulation is of great therapeutic significance, since in humans many of these signalling complexes, alongside subunits of mTORC1 itself, are implicated in a wide variety of pathophysiologies, including multiple types of cancer, neurological disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders including diabetes.METHODOLOGY: Recent years have seen numerous structures determined of (m)TOR, which have provided mechanistic insight into (m)TORC1 activation in particular, however the integration of cellular signals occurs upstream of the kinase and remains incompletely understood. Here we have collected and analysed in detail as many as possible of the molecular and structural studies which have shed light on (m)TORC1 repression, activation and signal integration.CONCLUSIONS: A molecular understanding of this signal integration pathway is required to understand how (m)TORC1 activation is reconciled with the many diverse and contradictory stimuli affecting cell growth. We discuss the current level of molecular understanding of the upstream components of the (m)TORC1 signalling pathway, recent progress on this key biochemical frontier, and the future studies necessary to establish a mechanistic understanding of this master-switch for eukaryotic cell growth.
BACKGROUND: The present study elucidates the protective potential of bromelain against dichlorvos intoxication in mice brains. Dichlorvos induces the oxidative stress by disproportionating the balance between free radicals generation and their scavenging in neurons which leads to neuronal degeneration.METHODS: In this study, mice were divided into four groups- group I (control), group II (dichlorvos treated), group III (bromelain treated) and group IV (exposed to both bromelain and dichlorvos both).RESULTS: Dichlorvos treatment increased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl content (PCC) which indicate the increased oxidative stress. Meanwhile, brain endogenous antioxidants and cholinesterases level was decreased after dichlorvos exposure. Levels of TBARS and PCC decreased whereas cholinesterases level was recorded to be elevated after bromelain exposure.CONCLUSION: Bromelain offered neuroprotection by decreasing oxidative stress and augmenting cholinesterases in mice brains. This study highlights the invulnerability of bromelain against oxidative and cholinergic deficits in mice brains.
Background Metastasis is the primary cause of mortality in cancer patients. Therefore, elucidating the genetics and epigenetics of metastatic tumor cells and the mechanisms by which tumor cells acquire metastatic properties constitute significant challenges in cancer research. Objective To summarize the current understandings of the specific genotype and phenotype of the metastatic tumor cells. Method and Result In-depth genetic analysis of tumor cells, especially with advances in the next-generation sequencing, have revealed insights of the genotypes of metastatic tumor cells. Also, studies have shown that the cancer stem cell (CSC) and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes are associated with the metastatic cascade. Conclusion In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the field by focusing on the genomic instability and phenotypic dynamics of metastatic tumor cells.
Objective Recent studies showed coagulation factors play important role in controlling pregnancy duration in addition to controlling homeostasis. Recent studies showed several polymorphisms of coagulation factors genes increase the clot formation and lead to abortion. In this study, we evaluated the polymorphisms of coagulation factors and their effects on the development of the fetus. Material and Methods Relevant literature was identified by a PubMed search (1988-2017) of English language papers using the terms Abortion, pregnancy woman, coagulation factor and polymorphism. Result Several polymorphisms of coagulation factors disturb the exchange of food and other materials between the fetus and the mother, and impairs the formation of the placenta during embryonic stages. Discussion Evaluation of functional polymorphisms in coagulation factors gene during fetal development can be used as a prognostic factor in the prevention of the abortion.
Background Microencapsulation is a technique which improves the survival and viability of probiotics. We demonstrate encapsulation of five potential probiotic yeasts with alginate and gum as encapsulation matrices to improve their gastrointestinal transit. Methods Gum extracted from various cereals viz. rice, oats, barley, finger millet and pearl millet along with alginate have been used to encapsulate five potential probiotic yeasts. Screening was carried out by measuring swelling index, encapsulation efficiency and nutritional value of microcapsules encapsulated with alginate and gum. The concentration of OBG, sodium alginate and inoculum dosage of probiotic yeasts was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Efficiency of alginate OBG microcapsules with or without coating materials viz. whey protein and chitosan also tested. The mucoadhesion ability and storage stability of alginate OBG microcapsules with coating materials were tested. Results Highest encapsulation efficiency of probiotic yeasts was noted using oats bran gum (OBG) microcapsules along with alginate in all the five probiotic yeasts. Notably whey protein coated microcapsules showed maximum GIT tolerance (95%) and mucoadhesion (90%) for L. starkeyi VIT-MN03. The minimum loss of viability was observed in L. starkeyi VITMN03 microcapsules on 60th day of storage. Conclusions This is the first report on optimization and survival of microencapsulated probiotic yeasts under simulated GIT conditions using natural gum and alginate as encapsulation matrices and whey protein as coating material.
BACKGROUND: Evolutionary novelties, be they morphological or biochemical, fascinate both scientists and non-scientists alike. These types of adaptations can significantly impact the biodiversity of the organisms in which they occur. While much work has been invested in the evolution of novel morphological traits, substantially less is known about the evolution of biochemical adaptations.METHODS: In this review, we present the results of literature searches relating to one such biochemical adaptation: α-amanitin tolerance/resistance in the genus Drosophila.RESULTS: Amatoxins, including α-amanitin, are one of several toxin classes found in Amanita mushrooms. They act by binding to RNA polymerase II and inhibiting RNA transcription. Although these toxins are lethal to most eukaryotic organisms, 17 mushroom-feeding Drosophila species are tolerant of natural concentrations of amatoxins and can develop in toxic mushrooms. The use of toxic mushrooms allows these species to avoid infection by parasitic nematodes and lowers competition. Their amatoxin tolerance is not due to mutations that would inhibit α-amanitin from binding to RNA polymerase II. Furthermore, the mushroom-feeding flies are able to detoxify the other toxin classes that occur in their mushroom hosts. In addition, resistance has evolved independently in several D. melanogaster strains. Only one of the strains exhibits resistance due to mutations in the target of the toxin.CONCLUSIONS: Given our current understanding of the evolutionary relationships among the mushroom-feeding flies, it appears that amatoxin tolerance evolved multiple times. Furthermore, independent lines of evidence suggest that multiple mechanisms confer α-amanitin tolerance/resistance in Drosophila.
Using genetic markers and miRs work strongly beside other sensitive biomarkers in lupus management during sensitive period of pregnancy.
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) increased in recent years in both adolescents and children groups. The aim of the study is evaluating the relationship between insulin and uric acid (UA) level in MS in adolescents
BACKGROUND: Post-translational (PT) modification in cells regulates many intracellular events like signal transduction, transcription, cell cycle, protein quality control, apoptosis and cellular development. Ubiquitination is one of the PT modifications which functions as a marker for degradation of target proteins by the proteasome and as a regulatory mechanism for several signalling pathways. The ubiquitination mechanism requires multiple enzymes, including E1, E2, and E3 ligases. Among them, E3 ligases play a major role in recognizing target proteins and an essential feature of protein homeostatic mechanisms within the cell. Most of the ASB (ankyrin repeat SOCS box) proteins function as RING family of E3 ubiquitin ligases characterized by the presence of two conserved domains N-terminal ankyrin repeat and C-terminal SOCS box domain METHODS and RESULTS: Current studies have shown that some ASBs function as important regulators of several signalling pathways. This review gives an overview of ASB proteins on numerous cellular processes such as insulin signalling, spermatogenesis, myogenesis and in cellular development. Including various pathological situations, such as cancer, primary open-angle glaucoma, and inflammation, indicating that ASBs has important functions in both normal and pathological development CONCLUSIONS: This article provides a precise comprehensive focus on ASBs protein structure, its biological functions, and their pathological significance.
Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, and its prevalence continues to increase globally. The impact of mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid metabolism on diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance (IR) has been implicated in several previous reports; however, the results of studies are confusing despite four decades of study. Methods/Results This review has evaluated updated understanding of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid metabolism on type 2 diabetes, and found that mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid metabolism disorder induce the dysregulation of liver and pancreatic beta cells, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Conclusion Mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid metabolism induce metabolic dysregulation and finally increasing the possibility of diabetes.
BACKGROUND: Pesticides are used to control various pests of agricultural crops worldwide. Despite their agricultural benefits, pesticides are often considered a serious threat to the environment because of their persistence. Pyrethroids are synthetic derivates of pyrethrins, which are natural organic insecticides procured from the flowers of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and C. coccineum. Pyrethroids are classified into two groups—class I and class II—based on their toxicity and physical properties. These pyrethroids are now used in many synthetic insecticides and are highly specific against insects; they are generally used against mosquitoes. The prominent site of insecticidal action of pyrethroids is the voltage-sensitive sodium channels. METHODS and RESULTS: Pyrethroids are found to be stable, and they persist in the environment for a long period. This article provides an overview of the different classes, structure, and insecticidal properties of pyrethroid. Furthermore, the toxicity of pyrethroids is also discussed with emphasis on bioremediation to alleviate pollution. CONCLUSIONS: The article focuses on various microorganisms used in the degradation of pyrethroids, the molecular basis of degradation, and the role of carboxylesterase enzymes and genes in the detoxification of pyrethroid.
Adult stem cells are surveillance repositories capable of supplying a renewable source of progenitors for tissue repair and regeneration to maintain tissue homeostasis throughout life. Many tissue-resident stem cells have been identified in situ, which lays the foundation for studying them in their native microenvironment, i.e. the niche. Within the musculoskeletal system, muscle stem cells have been unequivocally identified in the mouse, which have led to considerable advances in understanding their role in muscle homeostasis and regeneration. On the other hand, for bone and tendon progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells have been used as the main in vitro cell model as they can differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic and tenogenic fates. Despite considerable efforts and employment of modern tools, the in vivo origins of bone and tendon stem cells remain debated. Tendon regeneration via stem cells is understudied and deserves attention as tendon damage is noted for a bleak, time-consuming recovery and the repaired tendon seldom regains the structural integrity and strength of the native, uninjured state.
The role of the amygdala in controlling emotional pain has been emphasized in several studies. In this study, the role of the NMDA glutamate receptors in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) in regulating inflammation and emotional pain, induced by formalin, was studied in male rats.
Background Metabolic disorders such as Obesity, Diabetes Type 2 (T2DM) and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are the most prevalent globally. Recently, there has been a surge in the evidence indicating the correlation between the intestinal microbiota and development of these metabolic conditions apart from predisposing genetic and epigenetic factors. Gut microbiome is pivotal in controlling the host metabolism and physiology. But imbalances in the microbiota patterns lead to these disorders via several pathways. Animal and human studies so far have concentrated mostly on metagenomics for the whole microbiome characterization to understand how microbiome supports health in general. However, the accurate mechanisms connecting the metabolic disorders and alterations in gut microbial composition in host and the metabolites employed by the microorganisms in regulating the metabolic disorders is still vague. Objective The review delineates the latest findings about the role of gut microbiome to the pathophysiology of Obesity, IBD and Diabetes Mellitus. Here, we provide a brief introduction to the gut microbiome followed by the current therapeutic interventions in restoration of the disrupted intestinal microbiota. Methods A methodical PubMed search was performed using keywords like “gut microbiome,” “obesity,” “diabetes,” “IBD,” and “metabolic syndromes.” All significant and latest publications up to January 2018 were accounted for the review. Results Out of the 93 articles cited, 63 articles focused on the gut microbiota association to these disorders. The rest 18 literature outlines the therapeutic approaches in maintaining the gut homeostasis using probiotics, prebiotics and faecal microbial transplant (FMT). Conclusion Metabolic disorders have intricate etiology and thus a lucid understanding of the complex host-microbiome inter-relationships will open avenues to novel therapeutics for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the metabolic diseases.
Background Schwann cells (SCs) are the glial cells of the peripheral nervous system, which forms a thick insulating structure around the axons. Hyperglycemia is known physiologic conditions in both type I and type II diabetes which causes diabetic neuropathy. But the SC possesses insulin receptors even though glucose uptake is independent of insulin. Since the insulin level is highly altered in diabetes, it is of greater importance to evaluate their role in the Schwann cell survival and death. Methods Schwann cells were isolated from neonatal pups and grown with and without insulin in hyperglycemic medium to mimic diabetic condition for 24 and 48 h. We studied the cell viability using 3 (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay at different time interval on SCs. We also studied the protein and gene expression of Protein Kinase B (AKT) and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which are greatly involved in cell survival and cell death respectively. Results The result shows that, high glucose levels for 48 h decrease the SC viability. Hyperglycemic condition induces the SC death by increasing the JNK expression which in turn reduces the MMP of glial cells. However, insulin administration for SCs grown in high glucose condition can reduce the JNK expression by activating AKT signaling pathway. Conclusion These observations demonstrate that the proper insulin balance is required for Schwann cells survival in hyperglycemic condition. Therefore, altered insulin signaling can be one of the reasons for demyelination of peripheral neurons in diabetic neuropathy.
Background Small for gestational age (SGA) has high frequency which increases the risk of long-term adverse outcomes. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate peak systolic velocity Doppler of middle cerebral artery (MCA) in SGA fetus in order to find appropriate method to diagnosis SGA sooner. Materials and Methods This prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 90 pregnant women with a diagnosis of SGA fetus and 90 pregnant women with normal fetus. Then MCA and umbilical artery assessment were performed for all subjects and compared between two groups. Results Doppler assessment showed that umbilical artery PI was significantly higher in SGA group as compared to normal group (1.11±0.37 vs 0.98±0.18, P = 0.003), while MCA PI was significantly lower in SGA group (1.77±0.44 vs 1.92±0.47, P = 0.028). On the other hand, PSV did not differ between the groups ( P = 0.592). Moreover, we found that PSV was more in SGA group by grouping maternal age (<27 years) ( P = 0.006), and gestational age (>34 weeks) (P<0.001). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that MCA PI decreased significantly in SGA fetuses, while UA PI increased in this group. Moreover, PSV increased in this group when evaluated in different subgroups (based on maternal age and gestational age).
Background With the given diversity and abundance of several targets of miRNAs, they functionally appear to interact with several elements of the multiple cellular networks to maintain physiologic homeostasis. They can function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, whose under or overexpression has both diagnostic and prognostic significance in various cancers while being implicated as prospective regulators of age-related disorders (ARD) as well. Establishing a concatenate between ARD and cancers by looking into the insights of the shared miRNAs may have a practical relevance. Methods In the present work, we performed network analysis of miRNA-disease association and miRNA-target gene interaction to prioritize miRNAs that play significant roles in the manifestation of cancer as well as ARD. Also, we developed a repository that stores miRNAs common to both ARD and cancers along with their target genes. Results We have comprehensively curated all miRNAs that we found to be shared in both the diseases in the human genome and established a database, miRACA (Database for microRNAs Associated with Cancers and ARD) that currently houses information of 1648 miRNAs that are significantly associated with 38 variants supported with pertinent data. It has been made available online at http://genomeinformatics.dtu.ac.in/miraca/ for easy retrieval and utilization of data by the scientific community. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, our database is the first attempt at compilation of such data. We believe this work may serve as a significant resource and facilitate the analysis of miRNA regulatory mechanisms shared between cancers and ARD to apprehend disease etiology.
