Metabolic engineering of soybean seeds for enhanced vitamin E tocochromanol content and effects on oil antioxidant properties in polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich germplasm

Soybean seeds produce oil enriched in oxidatively unstable polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and are also a potential biotechnological platform for synthesis of oils with nutritional omega-3 PUFAs. In this study, we engineered soybeans for seed-specific expression of a barley homogentisate geranylgeranyl transferase (HGGT) transgene alone and with a soybean γ-tocopherol methyltransferase (γ-TMT) transgene. Seeds for HGGT-expressing lines had 8- to 10-fold increases in total vitamin E tocochromanols, principally as tocotrienols, with little effect on seed oil or protein concentrations. Tocochromanols were primarily in δ- and γ-forms, which were shifted largely to α- and β-tocochromanols with γ-TMT co-expression. We tested whether oxidative stability of conventional or PUFA-enhanced soybean oil could be improved by metabolic engineering for increased vitamin E antioxidants. Selected lines were crossed with a stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4^Δ6,9,12,15)-producing line, resulting in progeny with oil enriched in SDA and α- or γ-linoleic acid (ALA, 18:3^Δ9,12,15 or GLA, 18:3^Δ6,9,12), from transgene segregation. Oil extracted from HGGT-expressing lines had ≥6-fold increase in free radical scavenging activity compared to controls. However, the oxidative stability index of oil from vitamin E-enhanced lines was ~15% lower than that of oil from non-engineered seeds and nearly the same or modestly increased in oil from the GLA, ALA and SDA backgrounds relative to controls. These findings show that soybean is an effective platform for producing high levels of free-radical scavenging vitamin E antioxidants, but this trait may have negative effects on oxidative stability of conventional oil or only modest improvement of the oxidative stability of PUFA-enhanced oil.     

Identification of high seed oil yield and high oleic acid content in Brazilian germplasm of winter squash (Cucurbita moschata D.)

Cucurbita moschata D. seed oil contains approximately 75% unsaturated fatty acids, with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E and carotenoids, constituting a promising food in nutritional terms. In addition, the Brazilian germplasm of C. moschata exhibits remarkable variability, representing an important source for the genetic breeding of this vegetable and other cucurbits. The present study evaluated the productivity and profile of the seed oil of 91C. moschata accessions from different regions of Brazil maintained in the Vegetable Germplasm Bank of the Federal University of Viçosa (BGH-UFV). A field experiment was conducted between January and July 2016. The accessions showed high genetic variability in terms of characteristics related to seed oil productivity (SOP), such as the weight of seeds per fruit and productivity of seeds, providing predicted selection gains of 29.39 g and 0.26 t ha^?1, respectively. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic correlations, a greater SOP can be achieved while maintaining a high oleic acid concentration and low linoleic acid concentration, providing oil of better nutritional and chemical quality. In the variability analysis, the accessions were clustered into five groups, which had different averages for SOP and fatty acid concentration of seed oil, an approach that will guide the use of appropriate germplasm in programs aimed at genetic breeding for SOP and seed oil profile. Per se analysis identified BGH-4610, BGH-5485A, BGH-6590, BGH-5556A, BGH-5472A, and BGH-5544A as the most promising accessions in terms of SOP, with an average (μ + g) of approximately 0.20 t ha^?1. The most promising accessions for a higher oleic acid concentration of seed oil were BGH-5456A, BGH-3333A, BGH-5361A, BGH-5472A, BGH-5544A, BGH-5453A, and BGH-1749, with an average (μ + g) of approximately 30%, almost all of which were also the most promising in terms of a lower linoleic acid concentration of the seed oil, with an average (μ + g) of approximately 45%. Part of the C. moschata accessions evaluated in the present study can serve as a promising resource in genetic breeding programs for SOP and fatty acid profile, aiming at the production of oil with better nutritional and physicochemical quality.     

Thunbergia laurifolia leaf extract partially recovers lead-induced renotoxicity through modulating the cell signaling pathways

This research investigated the reno-protective effect of Thunbergia laurifolia Linn. (TL) in a lead-induced toxicity test through the modulation of cell signaling pathways. The study carried out to evaluate the effect of TL leaf extracts in Swiss Albino mice exposed to lead acetate (PbAc). Prior to in vivo study, a probable kidney-protective effect of the plant leaf extract was presumed through an activity-specific (PASS) molecular docking analysis. In animal model study, albino mice were divided in seven groups and co-treated with PbAc and TL (100, 200 mg/kgBW) or vitamin E (100 mg/kgBW) for 38 days, whereas the untreated control, TL control, and vehicle control groups received sodium acetate, PbAc, sodium acetate plus mineral oil, respectively. At the end of treatment, blood and kidney tissue were collected for investigating Pb concentration, estimating biochemical profile, evaluating oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters. The histopathological change of kidney along with apoptosis was assessed from kidney sections using H & E staining and TUNEL assay. Pb-exposed mice were found to be increased concentration of Pb in the blood and kidney sample, which further led to increased MDA levels in the plasma, blood, and tissue. Followed by kidney damage, increased expression of TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 in kidney tissues were noticed, which were related to elevated TNF-α in the systemic circulation of Pb-treated mice. Co-treatment with TL or vitamin E significantly reduced altered structure and apoptosis of kidney tissues. Downregulation of inflammatory markers especially TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 with simultaneous improvement of renal function through reduced plasma BUN and creatinine levels demonstrate that TL act as a potential dietary supplement to detoxify Pb in kidney showing an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.     

Salicylic acid and thiourea mitigate the salinity and drought stress on physiological traits governing yield in pearl millet- wheat

Plant growth is often affected with hampered physiological and cellular functioning due to salinity and drought stress. To assess the effectiveness of plant bioregulators (PBRs) in mitigating abiotic stresses, a double spilt plot field study was conducted with three replications at ICAR-CSSRI, research farm, Nain, Panipat. The study comprised of three deficit irrigation regimes viz., 100, 80 and 60% of crop evapo-transpiration (ET_c) (I₁, I₂ and I₃), four levels of irrigation water salinity i.e. 2, 4, 8, 12 dS m⁻¹ (S₀, S₁, S₂ and S₃) and two PBRs salicylic acid (SA; G₁) and thiourea (TU; G₂). Irrigations, as per regimes and salinity, were applied at identified critical stages of wheat and if needed in pearl millet. PBRs were applied as seed priming and foliar sprays at two sensitive stages of respective crops. The trend of plant height, and physiological and biochemical traits was similar under different treatments at both stages, but differed significantly only at reproductive stage. Water deficit caused significant reduction in pearl millet (5.1%) and wheat (6.7%) grain yields. The reduction in grain yield under 8 and 12 dS m⁻¹ was 12.90 and 22.43% in pearl millet and 7.68 and 32.93% in wheat, respectively compared to 2 dS m⁻¹. Application of either SA (G₁) or TU (G₂) significantly enhanced plant height and grain yield, but magnitude of the increment was higher with SA in pearl millet and with TU in wheat. Application of SA and TU increased grain yield by 14.42 and 12.98 in pearl millet, and 12.90 and 17.36% in wheat, respectively. The plant height, RWC, TC, MI, LP, proline, Fv/Fm and Na/K ratio significantly reduced by salinity stress in pearl millet and both water and salinity stress in wheat. Application of both PBRs proved beneficial to mitigate adverse effect of water deficit and salt stress by significantly improving physiological traits, biochemical traits and ultimately grain yield in both crops.     

Post-COVID-19 effect on biochemical parameters in children: Should we take heed?

The aim of this research is to analyze the potential impact of the COVID-19 infection on the serum biochemical concentration of children 6 months after recovery from the infection.The study included 72 children with a median age of 11 years. The case group consisted of 37 children who had contracted COVID-19 6 months prior to the analysis. They reported no other pre- or post-covid chronic or systemic diseases. The control group consisted of 35 children who had no prior record of COVID-19 infection.The analysis showed a substantial variation (P = 0.026) in the mean urea values (mmol/L) between the case group (4.513 ± 0.839) and the control group (5.425 ± 1.173). However, both groups' urea levels were within the normal range of their age group. No statistical differences were found analyzing the variations between the two groups in the levels of LDH, AST, ALT, BiliT, GGT, AlbBCG2, CRP, CK, AlKP, UA, Phos, Crea2, Gluc, Ca, Na, K, Cl, TP, TC, TG, and HDL (P > 0.05). The DMFT score was substantially greater (P < 0.002) in the infected team (5.38 ± 2.841) in comparison to the non-infected group (2.6 ± 2.257).The study indicates that COVID-19 infection does not leave biochemical alterations among children who did not have pre-existing conditions. The biochemical analysis suggests that children recover better than adults from COVID-19. Furthermore, it calls for investigating non-lethal COVID-19 infection as a tool to discover underlying conditions. The DMFT score shows a correlation between COVID-19 infection and caries. However, the nature of the correlation is yet to be investigated.     

Physiological,biochemical and molecular evaluation of mungbean genotypes for agronomical yield under drought and salinity stresses in the presence of humic acid

Drought and salinity are potential threats in arid and semi arid regions. The current study was conducted with objective to optimize the production of different exotic genotypes of mungbean (NM-121-25, Chakwal M-6, DM-3 and PRI-Mung-2018) under drought and salinity stresses using humic acid in field experiments. One year tri-replicate field experiment was performed in RCBD using three factorial arrangement and effects of humic acid (60 kg ha^?1) were evaluated at physiological, biochemical, molecular and agronomical level under individual and integrated applications of drought (no irrigation till 15 days) and salinity (EC 6.4 dSM^?1). Data for physiological parameters (total chlorophyll, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and membrane damage), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase) and proline were collected on weekly basis since after the initiation of drought and salinity stresses. However data for agronomic characteristics (plant height, branches plant^?1, LAI, pods plant^?1, pod length and hundred seed weight) and grain carbohydrate content were collected after harvesting, while sampling for drought (VrDREB2A, VrbZIP17 and VrHsfA6a) and salinity (VrWRKY73, VrUBC1 and VrNHX1) related genes expression study was done after plants attained seedling stage. Under both individual and integrated applications of drought and salinity, all genotypes showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in all traits excluding Cell membrane damage and proline during humic acid application. Likewise, genes expression revealed statistically distinct (p ≤ 0.05) up-regulation under humic acid treatment as compared to no humic acid treatment during both individual and integrated applications of drought and salinity. The genotype PRI-Mung-2018 recorded noteworthy performance during study. Moreover correlation and PCA analysis revealed that ultimate agronomical yield due to humic acid is an outcome of interconnection of physiological and biochemical parameters.     

Determinants of resistant starch accumulation in wheat endosperm

A part of the big three cereal crops in the world, wheat has become a major constituent of the everyday food chain and is grown at a massive scale to meet global demands. This makes it an important crop from an economic as well as food security perspective. Selection of high-quality cultivars and consistent trait enhancement for such cultivars is crucial, and in light of new challenges from climate change, this has become an absolute necessity of time. In this regard, we conducted a detailed qualitative and quantitative trait analysis for multiple commercially viable varieties of wheat, and corresponding results were subjected to a series of critical statistical analyses. Final results have shown that five cultivars including Uqaab-2000, Faisalabad- 85, Anmol-19, NARC-2009, and Pirsabak-2004 depicts higher levels of various essential qualitative and quantitative traits (including Starch content, grain weight, RS content, Protein content, etc.) and are most viable varieties for further growth and trait enhancements to meet regional and global food challenges.     

Impact on S. aureus and E. coli Membranes of Treatment with Chlorhexidine and Alcohol Solutions: Insights from Molecular Simulations and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Membranes form the first line of defence of bacteria against potentially harmful molecules in the surrounding environment. Understanding the protective properties of these membranes represents an important step towards development of targeted anti-bacterial agents such as sanitizers. Use of propanol, isopropanol and chlorhexidine can significantly decrease the threat imposed by bacteria in the face of growing anti-bacterial resistance via mechanisms that include membrane disruption. Here we have employed molecular dynamics simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance to explore the impact of chlorhexidine and alcohol on the S. aureus cell membrane, as well as the E. coli inner and outer membranes. We identify how sanitizer components partition into these bacterial membranes, and show that chlorhexidine is instrumental in this process.     

The Growth,physiological and biochemical response of foxtail millet to atrazine herbicide

Foxtail millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is a vital crop that is planted as food and fodder crop around the globe. There is only limited information is present for abiotic stresses on the physiological responses to atrazine. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different atrazine dosages on the growth, fluorescence and physiological parameters i.e., malonaldehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (H₂O₂ and O₂) in the leaves to know the extent of atrazine on oxidative damage of foxtail millet. Our experiment consisted of 0, 2.5, 12.5, 22.5 and 32.5 (mg/kg) of labeled atrazine doses on 2 foxtaill millet varieties. High doses of atrazine significantly enhanced ROS and MDA synthesis in the plant leaves. Enzymes activities like ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POD) activities enhanced, while catalase (CAD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities reduced with increasing atrazine concentrations. Finally atrazine doses at 32.5 mg/kg reduced chlorophyll contents, while chlorophyll (a/b) ratio also enhanced. Biomass, plant height, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, minimal and maximal fluorescence (Fo, Fm), maximum and actual quantum yield, photochemical quenching coefficient, and electron transport rate are decreased with increasing atrazine doses.     

Smash ridge tillage strongly influence soil functionality,physiology and rice yield

The practice of smash-ridging on dry land crop cultivation has shown much promise. However, the mechanism how does soil functionality and root traits can affect rice yield under smash ridge tillage with reduced nitrogen fertilization have not yet been explored. To fill this knowledge gap, we used three tillage methods—smash-ridging 40 cm (S40), smash-ridging 20 cm (S20), and traditional turn-over plowing 20 cm (T)—and two rice varieties (hybrid rice and conventional rice) and measured soil quality, root traits, rice yield and their correlation analysis at different growth stages. Soil physical and chemical properties were significantly improved by smash-ridging, including improvements in root morphological and physiological traits during three growth stages compared with T. S40 had the highest leaf area index (LAI), plant height (PH), and biomass accumulation (BA). Increment in biomass and panicle number (PN) resulted in higher grain yield (GY) of 6.9–9.4% compared with T. Correlation analysis revealed that root total absorption area (RTAA), root active absorption area (RAA), and root area ratio (RAR) were strongly correlated with soil quality. Root injury flow (RIF) and root biomass accumulation (RBA) were strongly correlated with LAI and above-ground plant biomass accumulation (AGBA). Conclusively, S40 is a promising option for improving soil quality, root traits, and consequently GY.     

Partial substitution of organic nitrogen with synthetic nitrogen enhances rice yield,grain starch metabolism and related genes expression under the dual cropping system

Improving grain filling in the presernt farming systems is crucial where grain filling is a concern due to the extreme use of chemical fertilizers (CF). A field experiment was conducted at the experimental station of Guangxi University, China in 2019 to test the hypothesis that cattle manure (CM) and poultry manure (PM) combined with CF could improve rice grain filling rate, yield, biochemical and qualitative attributes. A total of six treatments, i.e., no fertilizer (T₁), 100% CF (T₂), 60% CM + 40% CF (T₃), 30% CM + 70% CF (T₄), 60% PM + 40% CF (T₅), and 30% PM + 70% CF (T₆) were used in this study. Results showed that the combined treatment T₆increased starch metabolizing enzymes activity (SMEs), such as ADP-glucose phosphorylase (ADGPase) by 8 and 12%, soluble starch synthase (SSS) by 7 and 10%, granule bound starch synthesis (GBSS) by 7 and 9%, and starch branching enzyme (SBE) by 14 and 21% in the early and late seasons, respectively, compared with T₂. Similarly, higher rice grain yield, grain filling rate, starch, and amylose content were also recorded in combined treatments. In terms of seasons, higher activity of SMEs , grain starch, and amylose content was noted in the late-season compared to the early season. The increment in these traits was mainly attributed to a lower temperature in the late season during the grain filling period. Furthermore, our results suggested that an increment in starch accumulation and grain filling rate were mainly associated with the enhanced sink capacity by regulating key enzyme activities involved in Suc-to-starch conversion. In-addition, RT-qPCR analysis showed higher expression levels of AGPS2b, SSS1, GBSS1, and GBSE11b genes, which resultantly increased the activities of SMEs during the grain filling period under combined treatments. Linear regression analysis revealed that the activity of ADGPase, SSS, GBSS, and SBE were highly positively correlated with starch and amylose accumulation. Thus, we concluded that a combination of 30% N from PM or CM with 70% N from CF is a promising option in terms of improving rice grain yield and quality. Our study provides a sustainable fertilizer management strategy to enhance rice grain yield and quality at the lowest environmental cost.     

Silicon application induces changes C:N:P stoichiometry and enhances stoichiometric homeostasis of sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress

Beneficial effects of silicon (Si) on growth have been observed in some plant species, reportedly due to stoichiometric changes of C, N, and P. However, little is known about the effects on the stoichiometric relationships between C, N, and P when silicon is supplied via different modes in sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress conditions. Therefore, the current study was performed to investigate the impact of differing modes of Si supply on shoot biomass production and C:N:P stoichiometry in sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress. Two experiments were performed in a glass greenhouse using the strong Si-accumulator plant sorghum, as well as the intermediate type Si-accumulator sunflower, both of which were grown in pots filled with washed sand. Plant species were cultivated for 30 days in the absence or presence of salt stress (0 or 100 mM) and supplemented with one of four Si treatments: control plants (without Si), 28.6 mmol Si L⁻¹ via foliar application, 2.0 mmol Si L⁻¹ via nutrient solution, and combined application of foliar and nutrient solution, each group with five replications. The results revealed that supplied Si modified the C, N, and P concentrations, thereby enhancing the C:N:P stoichiometry and shoot dry matter of sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress. Both application of Si via nutrient solution, as well as combined application via foliar and nutrient solution, increased the C:N ratio in both plant species under salt stress, but in sorghum plants decreased the C:P and N:P ratios and increased the shoot biomass production by 39%, while in sunflower plants increased the C:P and N:P ratios and increased the shoot biomass production by 24%. Our findings suggest that salt stress alleviation by Si impacts C:N:P stoichiometric relationships in a variable manner depending on the ability of the species to accumulate Si, as well as the route of Si administration.     

Morphological traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) associated with resistance to shoot fly,Atherigona approximata Malloch

Shoot flies (Atherigona spp.) are the members of muscidae family which have got economic importance as pest of several crops of Gramineae family mostly cereals and millets. One of the most effective management strategies for controlling shoot fly is the use of resistant wheat cultivars carrying specific resistant traits. Among thirty wheat genotypes screened at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-Karnataka (India), two advanced germplasms UAS BW-12417 and UAS BW-11110 recorded least oviposition and dead heart due to shoot fly and found to be less preferred by Atherigona approximata Malloch. The morphological traits of different wheat genotypes revealed a significant negative correlation of shoot fly oviposition and dead heart with leaf length, leaf length to breadth ratio, seedling height, average seedling growth rate, seedling vigour, leaf glossiness and trichome density of wheat leaves, which indicated the enhanced shoot fly infestation as decrease in the values of above-mentioned morphological traits. Meanwhile, increase in leaf breadth and leaf area of wheat genotype aggrandised the oviposition and dead heart damage by shoot fly. Under the changing climate where, the minor insect pests attaining major pest status, the present investigation would pave way for breeders to tailor future breeding programmes to evolve shoot fly resistant hybrids with high yielding traits.     

Analogs of nitrofuran antibiotics are potent GroEL/ES inhibitor pro-drugs

In two previous studies, we identified compound 1 as a moderate GroEL/ES inhibitor with weak to moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, and SM101 Escherichia coli (which has a compromised lipopolysaccharide biosynthetic pathway making bacteria more permeable to drugs). Extending from those studies, we developed two series of analogs with key substructures resembling those of known antibacterials, nitroxoline (hydroxyquinoline moiety) and nifuroxazide/nitrofurantoin (bis-cyclic-N-acylhydrazone scaffolds). Through biochemical and cell-based assays, we identified potent GroEL/ES inhibitors that selectively blocked E. faecium, S. aureus, and E. coli proliferation with low cytotoxicity to human colon and intestine cells in vitro. Initially, only the hydroxyquinoline-bearing analogs were found to be potent inhibitors in our GroEL/ES-mediated substrate refolding assays; however, subsequent testing in the presence of an E. coli nitroreductase (NfsB) in situ indicated that metabolites of the nitrofuran-bearing analogs were potent GroEL/ES inhibitor pro-drugs. Consequently, this study has identified a new target of nitrofuran-containing drugs, and is the first reported instance of such a unique class of GroEL/ES chaperonin inhibitors. The intriguing results presented herein provide impetus for expanded studies to validate inhibitor mechanisms and optimize this antibacterial class using the respective GroEL/ES chaperonin systems and nitroreductases from E. coli and the ESKAPE bacteria.     

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in two-kidney,one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats

BackgroudPeperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth has been used widely to treat headache, kidney disease, fever, and hypertension. Previous in vitro studies discovered that the flavonoid-rich extract of this plant has potential hypotensive effects, specifically angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to validate the result in vivo.PurposeThis study investigated the dose dependencies of the effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanolic extract of this plant on blood pressure and biomarkers associated with the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone systems (RAAS), such as angiotensin II (AII) and the plasma renin concentration (PRC).Study designIn total, 30 two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive model rats were divided into five groups (n = 6 each): model group, captopril 25 mg/kg BW group, and three different ethyl acetate groups (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW). Another six rats comprised the sham group.MethodsRenal hypertensive rats (RHRs) were generated using stainless steel modification clips. Drugs were administered via oral gavage for 2 consecutive weeks. Blood pressure was measured weekly prior to treatment. Blood samples were collected before treatment and after the last dose to measure AII and PRC. The left kidney was isolated for histopathological examination.ResultsBlood pressure, AII levels, and PRC were elevated after 6 weeks in RHRs. Treatment with captopril and the ethyl acetate fraction of P. pellucida (L.) Kunth decreased blood pressure, AII levels, and PRC. The ethyl acetate fraction at a dose of 50 mg/kg BW had similar ACE-inhibitory effects as captopril. Histopathological examination disclosed coagulative necrosis in clipped kidneys. Impairment was alleviated in a dose-dependent manner by P. pellucida (L.) Kunth, similarly as observed in the captopril group.ConclusionP. pellucida (L.) Kunth targets the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, which might explain its antihypertensive effects.     

Establishment of a novel method for the identification of fertilization defective mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana

Plant reproduction is an extremely important phenomenon, as it is strongly associated with plant genetics and early development. Additionally, foundations of the reproductive system have direct implications on plant breeding and agriculture. Investigation of the functions of male and female gametophytes is critical since their fusion is required for seed formation. Although a large number of mutants have been generated to understand the functions of male and female gametophytes, only a small number of genes required for plant fertilization have been identified to date. This is because the screening method used previously required the dissection of siliques, and fertilization-specific mutants exhibiting semi-fertility (or ∼50% fertility) were difficult to identify. Here, we report a new efficient screening method for the identification of fertilization defective mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana using vanillin staining. This method is based on the pollen tube-dependent ovule enlargement morphology (POEM) phenomenon, which generates a partial seed coat within the ovule without fertilization. Using this method, we successfully identified 23 putative fertilization defective mutants in Arabidopsis.     

In-vivo hyperglycemic,antioxidant, histopathological changes,and simultaneous measurement of kaempferol verified by high-performance thin layer chromatography of Setaria italica in streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats

BackgroundSetaria italica (common name- foxtail, kangni) is one of the major food crops which is prominently cultivated in southern regions of India and in certain regions of Uttar Pradesh. Besides the crop’s consumption as a general source of carbohydrate rich cereal, the seeds of the crop are comprised of more fiber. So, it is recommended to add in the dietary supplementation of the diabetic people across the country.ObjectiveIn this paper, it intends to investigate the antidiabetic activity and antioxidant activity of S. italica (foxtail millet) seeds in diabetic rats.MethodsThe six genotypes of foxtail millets (S. italica) namely Kangni-1, Kangni-4, Kangni-5, Kangni-6, Kangni-7 & Kangni-10 respectively were subjected to in vitro investigations via. comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) involving blood glucose study, Kidney & Liver function test, and antioxidant study (Catalase test; Glutathione S-transferase (GST); Superoxide Dismutase (SOD); glutathione (GSH); hiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) & Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and were performed in vivo animal investigations in Wistar rats. The STZ induced diabetic rats were fed with doses of different S. italica seed aqueous extract to evaluate its anti-hyperglycemic activity by oral administration of SISAE. Further, it was compared with Glibenclamide which acts as one of the standard oral hypoglycemic agents.ResultsFrom achieved outcomes, a significant fall of blood glucose level (70%) produced 300 mg SISAE/kg b.w. after 6 h of extract administration. However, no change could be produced by these doses of the SISAE in normal rats’ blood glucose levels. A significant fall in glucose level along with significant glycemic control by lower HbA1c levels was observed in diabetic treated rats after 3 weeks of treatment with 300 mg of SISAE/kg b.w./day when comparing to untreated diabetic rats. Among these five genotypes of S. italica, the differences in the glycemic index were found. a significant fall could be found in blood glucose levels of Wistar rats, when every experimental rat was incorporating with the extract of different genotypes of Setaria italica L. Beauv than the rats treated with Glibenclamide in every 7 days of interval. The level of catalase, SOD, GST, GPx, GSH and TBARS showed variation while the rats were fed with the extract of S. italica in the liver test of rats. In kidney function test, the result shows that there is significant relationship between foxtail extract and kidney function of STZ induced diabetes rats. They show the change in their serum creatinine level, serum urea and serum uric acid.ConclusionThe result obtained from the study shows that the extract of S. italica seeds is capable for the hypolipidemic and antihyperglycemic activities, thereby, they serve as one of the good sources for herbal medicinal items.     

Aldosterone Secretion in Patients With Primary Hyperparathyroidism Without Arterial Hypertension

ObjectiveThere is a direct bidirectional link between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), but few studies evaluated the RAAS in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), mainly biased from concomitant antihypertensive treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of 130 normotensive patients with PHPT comparing aldosterone (ALD) levels and plasma renin activity (PRA) with the demographic, biochemical, or clinical features of PHPT.ResultsNo correlation was found between ALD and PRA, and the demographic, biochemical, and bone densitometry parameters in patients with PHPT without hypertension, with the exception of a negative correlation between age and serum PRA. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between PTH and ALD levels even in patients whose PTH level was >100 ng/L (P = .088).ConclusionIn our normotensive patients with PHPT, the ALD, PRA, and aldosterone/renin ratio were not correlated to PTH and calcium levels. In addition, they were neither related to PHPT clinical presentation nor renal function, vitamin D status, bone mass loss, or the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes and obesity. Further studies are needed to clarify the complex interplay between PTH and the RAAS in the modern PHPT presentation.     

Mechanobiology of neural development

As the brain develops, proliferating cells organize into structures, differentiate, migrate, extrude long processes, and connect with other cells. These biological processes produce mechanical forces that further shape cellular dynamics and organ patterning. A major unanswered question in developmental biology is how the mechanical forces produced during development are detected and transduced by cells to impact biochemical and genetic programs of development. This gap in knowledge stems from a lack of understanding of the molecular players of cellular mechanics and an absence of techniques for measuring and manipulating mechanical forces in tissue. In this review article, we examine recent advances that are beginning to clear these bottlenecks and highlight results from new approaches that reveal the role of mechanical forces in neurodevelopmental processes.