Combinations of Ashwagandha Leaf Extracts Protect Brain-Derived Cells against Oxidative Stress and Induce Differentiation

Background

Ashwagandha, a traditional Indian herb, has been known for its variety of therapeutic activities. We earlier demonstrated anticancer activities in the alcoholic and water extracts of the leaves that were mediated by activation of tumor suppressor functions and oxidative stress in cancer cells. Low doses of these extracts were shown to possess neuroprotective activities in vitro and in vivo assays.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We used cultured glioblastoma and neuroblastoma cells to examine the effect of extracts (alcoholic and water) as well as their bioactive components for neuroprotective activities against oxidative stress. Various biochemical and imaging assays on the marker proteins of glial and neuronal cells were performed along with their survival profiles in control, stressed and recovered conditions. We found that the extracts and one of the purified components, withanone, when used at a low dose, protected the glial and neuronal cells from oxidative as well as glutamate insult, and induced their differentiation per se. Furthermore, the combinations of extracts and active component were highly potent endorsing the therapeutic merit of the combinational approach.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha leaf derived bioactive compounds have neuroprotective potential and may serve as supplement for brain health.     

Two Gr genes underlie sugar reception in Drosophila

We have analyzed the molecular basis of sugar reception in Drosophila. We define the response spectrum, concentration dependence, and temporal dynamics of sugar-sensing neurons. Using in situ hybridization and reporter gene expression, we identify members of the Gr5a-related taste receptor subfamily that are coexpressed in sugar neurons. Neurons expressing reporters of different Gr5a-related genes send overlapping but distinct projections to the brain and thoracic ganglia. Genetic analysis of receptor genes shows that Gr5a is required for response to one subset of sugars and Gr64a for response to a complementary subset. A Gr5a;Gr64a double mutant shows no physiological or behavioral responses to any tested sugar. The simplest interpretation of our results is that Gr5a and Gr64a are each capable of functioning independently of each other within individual sugar neurons and that they are the primary receptors used in the labellum to detect sugars.     

Characterization of Bioactive Actinomycetes Isolated from Kadolkele Mangrove Sediments,Sri Lanka

Exploring untapped microbial potentials in previously uncharted environments has become crucial in discovering novel secondary metabolites and enzymes for biotechnological applications. Among prokaryotes, actinomycetes are well recognized for producing a vast range of secondary metabolites and extracellular enzymes. In the present study, we have used surface sediments from ‘Kadolkele’ mangrove ecosystem located in the Negombo lagoon area, Sri Lanka, to isolate actinomycetes with bioactive potentials. A total of six actinomycetes were isolated on modified-starch casein agar and characterized. The isolates were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against four selected bacterial strains and to produce extracellular enzymes: cellulase, amylase, protease, and lipase. Three out of the six isolates exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus, but not against Listeria monocytogenes. Five strains could produce extracellular cellulase, while all six isolates exhibited amylase activity. Only three of the six isolates were positive for protease and lipase assays separately. Ac-1, Ac-2, and Ac-9, identified as Streptomyces spp. with the 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were used for pigment extraction using four different solvents. Acetone-extracted crude pigments of Ac-1and Ac-2 were further used in well-diffusion assays, and growth inhibition of test bacteria was observed only with the crude pigment extract of Ac-2. Further, six different commercially available fabrics were dyed with crude pigments of Ac-1. The dyed fabrics retained the yellow color after acid, alkaline, and cold-water treatments suggesting the potential of the Ac-1 pigment to be used in biotechnological applications.     

Maternal hormonal interventions as a risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder: An epidemiological assessment from India

Globalization and women empowerment have led to stressful life among Indian women. This stress impairs women’s hormonal makeup and menstrual cycle, leading to infertility. National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) reports a decline in fertility status in India, indicating a rise in various infertility treatments involving hormonal interventions. No studies are available from India on the risk association link between maternal hormonal treatments and ASD. Hence, this study explores the association of maternal hormonal interventions with risk for ASD. Parents of 942 children (471 ASD and 471 controls) across 9 cities in India participated in the questionnaire-based study. The questionnaire was pilot tested and validated for its content and reliability as a psychometric instrument. Data collection was done at 70 centres through direct interaction with parents and with the help of trained staff. Statistical analysis of data was carried out using SAS 9.1.3. Out of the 471 ASD cases analysed, 58 mothers had undergone hormonal interventions (12.3%) while there were only 22 mothers among controls who underwent hormonal interventions (4.6%). According to logistic regression analysis maternal hormonal intervention (OR=2.24) was a significant risk factor for ASD.     

Bacterial Adaptation through Loss of Function

The metabolic capabilities and regulatory networks of bacteria have been optimized by evolution in response to selective pressures present in each species'' native ecological niche. In a new environment, however, the same bacteria may grow poorly due to regulatory constraints or biochemical deficiencies. Adaptation to such conditions can proceed through the acquisition of new cellular functionality due to gain of function mutations or via modulation of cellular networks. Using selection experiments on transposon-mutagenized libraries of bacteria, we illustrate that even under conditions of extreme nutrient limitation, substantial adaptation can be achieved solely through loss of function mutations, which rewire the metabolism of the cell without gain of enzymatic or sensory function. A systematic analysis of similar experiments under more than 100 conditions reveals that adaptive loss of function mutations exist for many environmental challenges. Drawing on a wealth of examples from published articles, we detail the range of mechanisms through which loss-of-function mutations can generate such beneficial regulatory changes, without the need for rare, specific mutations to fine-tune enzymatic activities or network connections. The high rate at which loss-of-function mutations occur suggests that null mutations play an underappreciated role in the early stages of adaption of bacterial populations to new environments.     

The Rotary Zone Thermal Cycler: A Low-Power System Enabling Automated Rapid PCR

Advances in molecular biology, microfluidics, and laboratory automation continue to expand the accessibility and applicability of these methods beyond the confines of conventional, centralized laboratory facilities and into point of use roles in clinical, military, forensic, and field-deployed applications. As a result, there is a growing need to adapt the unit operations of molecular biology (e.g., aliquoting, centrifuging, mixing, and thermal cycling) to compact, portable, low-power, and automation-ready formats. Here we present one such adaptation, the rotary zone thermal cycler (RZTC), a novel wheel-based device capable of cycling up to four different fixed-temperature blocks into contact with a stationary 4-microliter capillary-bound sample to realize 1-3 second transitions with steady state heater power of less than 10 W. We demonstrate the utility of the RZTC for DNA amplification as part of a highly integrated rotary zone PCR (rzPCR) system that uses low-volume valves and syringe-based fluid handling to automate sample loading and unloading, thermal cycling, and between-run cleaning functionalities in a compact, modular form factor. In addition to characterizing the performance of the RZTC and the efficacy of different online cleaning protocols, we present preliminary results for rapid single-plex PCR, multiplex short tandem repeat (STR) amplification, and second strand cDNA synthesis.     

Reproductive Biology of Malabar Pufferfish Carinotetraodon travancoricus (Tetraodontidae)

Journal of Ichthyology - Carinotetraodon travancoricus, is endemic to rivers of Western Ghats of India and supports a lucrative export trade of live aquarium fishes from India. Aspects of its...