Role of prolactin on Leydig, Sertoli and germ cellular neutral lipids in bonnet monkeys, Macaca radiata.

To elucidate the specific influence of prolactin on neutral lipids in Leydig, Sertoli and germ cell compartments of the testis in immature and mature monkeys, the present study was carried out by injecting ovine prolactin (oPRL) (1 mg/kg body weight/twice daily for 10 days ip), to both age groups. Similarly, bromocryptine (an ergot alkaloid which inhibits prolactin secretion) was given to other sets of immature and mature monkeys (1 mg/kg body weight/twice daily for 10 days ip) to induce hypoprolactinemia. It was observed that after oPRL administration the total lipid accumulated in the germ cells of immature and mature monkeys. Total lipid was markedly decreased in the Leydig cells of mature monkeys only. But no such influence of PRL was evident in the Leydig cells of immature monkeys, suggesting an age-dependent effect of PRL on the Leydig cells. The increase in total lipid in the germ cells following PRL treatment was contributed by mono, di- and triacyl glycerols and free cholesterol. However, an opposite effect of PRL was evident in the Leydig cells of mature monkeys, where the cholesterols and glyceride fractions registered a decrease. The reduced cholesterol fractions in the Leydig cells following PRL treatment suggests the utilization of cholesterol for steroidogenesis. Sertoli cells were found to be comparatively resistant to change in PRL status. Bromocryptine treatment brought about the opposite effect of PRL in almost all parameters studied in both immature and mature monkeys. In general, these findings with prolactin suggests that PRL has a specific and definite influence on testicular neutral lipids and the response of different cellular compartments was found to vary.     

DNA OF BROMODEOXYURIDINE–TREATED NEUROBLASTOMA CELLS

Abstract— Cells of an adrenergic clone M1 of the mouse neuroblastoma C 1300 show morphological differentiation when treated with BrdU (10⁻⁵ m ). The involvement in this phenomenon of an action of BrdU at the membrane level has been suggested (see References). Taking into account the alterations observed after addition of BrdU in culture cell lines it was interesting to investigate the incorporation of BrdU into DNA of neuroblastoma cells. Our results showed an active BrdU incorporation into the DNA of treated Ml cells (an average of 25% of all thymidine residues for the 10⁻⁵ m -BrdU concentration present in our experimental conditions). Thymidine substitution by BrdU did not occur randomly, indicating the existence of selective parts in the genome sensitive toward BrdU. In mitomycin–treated cells (at high doses) BrdU incorporation occurred significantly at a very low level when related to the total thymidines (2%). Our findings suggest that since DNA synthesis is not inhibited BrdU may act by being incorporated into DNA and thus altering gene expression in addition to a site of action on the cell membranes.     

Skin thermophysiological effects of 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency in healthy adults: A randomised crossover study and comparison with pulsed shortwave therapy

Radiofrequency-based electrophysical agents (EPA) have been used in therapy practice over several decades (e.g., shortwave therapies). Currently, there is insufficient evidence supporting such devices operating below shortwave frequencies. This laboratory-based study investigated the skin physiological effects of 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMRF) and compared them to pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT). In a randomised crossover study, seventeen healthy volunteers received four treatment conditions – High, Low and Placebo dose conditions receiving 15-min CRMRF treatment and a Control condition receiving no intervention. Fifteen participants also received high dose PSWT for comparison. Treatment was applied to the right lower medial thigh. Pre, post and 20-min follow-up measurements of skin temperature (SKT), skin blood flow (SBF) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were obtained using Biopac MP150 system. Group data were compared using the ANOVA model. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05 (0.8P, 95%CI). Significant increase and sustenance of SKT with both high and low dose CRMRF was demonstrated over the other groups (p < 0.001). PSWT increased SKT significantly (p < 0.001) but failed to sustain it over the follow-up. However, among the five conditions, only high dose CRMRF significantly increased and sustained SBF (p < 0.001). Overall, the CRMRF physiological responses were significantly more pronounced than that of PSWT. No significant changes in NCV were noted for any condition. Physiological changes associated with CRMRF were more pronounced when compared to PSWT, placebo or control. Any potential stronger therapeutic benefits of CRMRF need to be confirmed by comparative clinical studies.     

Ethnobotanical significance of medicinal plants: Beta-amyloid and tau aggregation inhibitors against Alzheimer's disease

Among the various neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is identified as one of primary causes of dementia in the elderly, which progresses slowly leading to cognitive decline and ability to function independently. Although various pathological mechanisms have been proposed, the exact mechanism is not yet elucidated. Numerous processes such as old age, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genetics lead to the aggregation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) as amyloid plaques and tau proteins as neurofibrillary tangles in the neurons leading to their death and destruction, finally leading to AD. The current treatment measures can only temporarily improve the symptoms, slowing cognitive decline without any effect on AD pathology for better therapeutic effect. Furthermore, the high failure rates of a number of drugs during clinical trials due to their side effects has led the researchers to focus on alternative sources for drug development. As natural ingredients were considered the primary line of treatment in the olden days, and as several medicinal plant products are also proven as effective AD targets, it will be wise to investigate those with significant ethnobotanical value as potential neuroprotectives, nootropics or memory boosters. Throughout the study, propanoids, glycosides, iridoids, carotenoids and flavonoids that show potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cholinesterase were also found to be inhibitors of Aβ and tau aggregation, where Saikosaponin C, Fisetin, and Morin can act as dual inhibitors. The review provides an insight in the need for proper and complete scientific evaluation of these ethnobotanically useful medicinal plants to be identified as potential leads in AD therapy.     

Using operonic gene pairs to set the threshold correlation coefficient for differently expressed genes

We have developed an approach to estimating the correlations in the noise component of gene expression data. An efficient noise reduction technique has been suggested. The resulting methods have been applied to E. coli microarray data and tested on SOS response modulated genes.