Mitochondrial DNA variations associated with recurrent pregnancy loss among Indian women

Several genetic factors have been found to be associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). However, not many attempts have been made to associate the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations with RPL. Therefore, we have analyzed the complete mtDNA of 100 women with RPL and 12 aborted fetal tissues. Our analysis revealed a total of 681 variations, most of which were in NADH Dehydrogenase (ND) genes that encode mitochondrial enzyme Complex I. Presence of T4216C variation (ND1 gene) in 9% of the RPL women and several pathogenic, and novel mutations suggest the role of mtDNA variations in RPL.     

Antihypercholesterolemic and antioxidative effects of an extract of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, and its major constituent, chrysin, in Triton WR-1339-induced hypercholesterolemic rats

Hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress are known to accelerate coronary artery disease and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate the putative antihypercholesterolemic and antioxidative effects of an ethanolic extract of the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and chrysin, one of its major components, in hypercholesterolemic rats. Hypercholesterolemia was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of Triton WR-1339 (300 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.)), which resulted in persistently elevated blood/serum levels of glucose, lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-, and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol), and of hepatic marker enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase). In addition, lowered mean activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and lowered mean levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E) were observed. Oral administration of the mushroom extract (500 mg/kg b.wt.) and chrysin (200 mg/kg b.wt.) to hypercholesterolemic rats for 7 days resulted in a significant decrease in mean blood/serum levels of glucose, lipid profile parameters, and hepatic marker enzymes and a concomitant increase in enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant parameters. The hypercholesterolemia-ameliorating effect was more pronounced in chrysin-treated rats than in extract-treated rats, being almost as effective as that of the standard lipid-lowering drug, lovastatin (10 mg/kg b.wt.). These results suggest that chrysin, a major component of the oyster mushroom extract, may protect against the hypercholesterolemia and elevated serum hepatic marker enzyme levels induced in rats injected with Triton WR-1339.     

Biochemical changes in low-irradiance tolerant and susceptible rice cultivars

In the topmost leaves of low-irradiance (LI) tolerant CO 43 and LI susceptible IR 20 rice cultivars, the contents of chlorophyll (chl)a andb and carotenoids and the Hill reaction activity increased under LI. The increase was greater in cv. CO 43 than that in cv. IR 20, and in Chlb than in Chla. The contents of soluble proteins and reducing sugars and nitrate reductase activity of the leaves decreased while the content of non-reducing sugars increased due to shading. The decrease in reducing sugars was greater in cv. CO 43 than in cv. IR 20. On the other hand, the decrease in soluble proteins and nitrate reductase was much less in cv. CO 43 as compared with cv. IR 20. Communicated by Z. ŠESTáK     

Genotype–phenotype correlation in long QT syndrome families

Heterogeneity in clinical manifestations is a well-known feature in Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). The extent of this phenomenon became evident in families wherein both symptomatic and asymptomatic family members are reported. The study hence warrants genetic testing and/or screening of family members of LQTS probands for risk stratification and prediction.Of the 46 families screened, 18 probands revealed novel variations/compound heterozygosity in the gene/s screened. Families 1–4 revealed probands carrying novel variations in KCNQ1 gene along with compound heterozygosity of risk genotypes of the SCN5A, KCNE1 and NPPA gene/s polymorphisms screened. It was also observed that families- 5, 6 and 7 were typical cases of “anticipation” in which both mother and child were diagnosed with congenital LQTS (cLQTS). Families- 16 and 17 represented aLQTS probands with variations in IKs and INa encoding genes. First degree relatives (FDRs) carrying the same haplotype as the proband were also identified which may help in predictive testing and management of LQTS. Most of the probands exhibiting a family history were found to be genetic compounds which clearly points to the role of cardiac genes and their modifiers in a recessive fashion in LQTS manifestation.     

Mechanisms of resistance to the brown planthopperNilaparvata lugens in wild rice (Oryza spp.) cultivars

Three wild rice species and six cultivated rice varieties were evaluated to determine their mechanisms of resistance toNilaparvata lugens (Stal.). Wild rice species,Oryza officinalis, O. punctata, andO. latifolia and cultivated rices Rathu Heenati (Bph 3), Babawee (bph 4), ARC 10 550 (bph 5), Swarnalata (Bph 6), Ptb 33 (bph 2+Bph 3) and the susceptible Taichung Native (TN 1) (no resistance gene) were included in the study. In a free choice seedbox screening test, wild rice species maintained their high level of resistance through the 48 h exposure toN. lugens nymphs while plant damage ratings of cultivated rice varieties increased with time. Wild rices were non preferred and significantly more individuals settled on susceptible TN 1 followed by cultivated rices. The quantity of food ingested and assimilated byN. lugens on wild rices was less than on cultivated resistant varieties.N. lugens caged on resistant wild rices had slow nymphal development, reduced longevity, low fecundity, and low egg hatchability as compared toN. lugens on cultivated resistant varieties.     

Pharmacophore modeling,comprehensive 3D-QSAR,and binding mode analysis of TGR5 agonists

Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) is emerging as an important and promising target for the development of anti-diabetic drugs. Pharmacophore modeling and atom-based 3D-QSAR studies were carried out on a new series of 5-phenoxy-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamides as highly potent agonists of TGR5. The generated best six featured pharmacophore model AAHHRR consists of two hydrogen bond acceptors (A): two hydrophobic groups (H) and two aromatic rings (R). The constructed 3D-QSAR model acquired excellent correlation coefficient value (R^2?=^?0.9018), exhibited good predictive power (Q^2?=^?0.8494) and high Fisher ratio (F?=?61.2). The pharmacophore model was validated through Guner–Henry (GH) scoring method. The GH value of 0.5743 indicated that the AAHHRR model was statistically valuable and reliable in the identification of TGR5 agonists. Furthermore, the combined approach of molecular docking and binding free energy calculations were carried out for the 5-phenoxy-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamides to explore the binding mode and interaction pattern. The generated contour maps revealed the important structural insights for the activity of the compounds. The results obtained from this study could be helpful in the development of novel and more potent agonists of TGR5.     

Effect of Growth Regulators and Chemicals on Pollen Sterility in TGMS Lines of Rice

Thermosensitive genic male sterility (TGMS) in rice is a widely adopted technique for successful hybrid rice production in Asia. TGMS lines remain male sterile when daily mean temperature is above the critical sterility temperature and are therefore used as female parents. The same line will remain fertile when mean temperature is below the critical sterility temperature. Achievement of 100% male sterility in TGMS lines is important for the successful utilization of TGMS lines as female parents in hybrid rice production. This study examined the external application of some growth regulators and chemicals and their effect on pollen sterility. Among the various treatments, ethrel (800 ppm), salicylic acid (600 ppm) and maleic hydrazide (0.2%) induced a significantly higher percentage of male sterility in the TGMS lines. The sprayed plants also showed higher total phenol accumulation in their flag leaves. The results suggest that it is possible to achieve 100% male sterility in TGMS lines with the external application of growth regulators and chemicals.     

Genetic diversity and relationships among the tribes of Meghalaya compared to other Indian and Continental populations

The autosomal AmpFLSTR markers validated and widely used for forensic applications are used in this study to examine the extent of diversity and genetic relationships among nine Meghalaya populations. Altogether, 932 chromosomes from 9 populations were analyzed using 9 tetrameric AmpFLSTR loci. The included populations were all seven subtribes of the Austro-Asiatic Mon-Khmer-speaking Khasi and the neighboring Tibeto-Burman Garo. The Lyngngam, which are linguistically closer to the Khasi but are culturally intermediate between the Khasi and the Garo, are also included in the study. Although most of the microsatellite loci are highly polymorphic in each of these populations, the allele distributions are fairly uniform across the Meghalaya populations, suggesting relative homogeneity among them. Concurrent with this, the coefficient of gene differentiation (G(ST)) is observed to be low (0.026+/-0.002). This is naturally reflected in the lack of clear differentiation and clustering pattern of the Meghalaya tribes based on either geographic proximity or the historical or current affiliations of these tribes. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) suggests no significant population structure. The structure analysis further suggests that, barring War-Khasi and Pnar, no other population shows any semblance of genetic identity. Even the position of the linguistically distinct Garo is not portrayed as separate from the Khasi. However, when comparable data from other Indian, Southeast Asian, and other continental populations were analyzed, the Meghalaya populations formed a compact cluster clearly separated from other populations, suggesting genetic identity of the Meghalaya populations as a whole. These results are concurrent with the hypothesis of a common and recent origin of these Meghalaya populations, whose genetic differentiation is overwhelmed by the homogenizing effect of continuous gene flow.     

Phylogeography and origin of Indian domestic goats

The Indian subcontinent contains 20 well-characterized goat breeds, which vary in their genetic potential for the production of milk, meat, and fibre; disease resistance; heat tolerance; and fecundity. Indian goats make up 20% of the world's goat population, but there has been no extensive study of these economically important animals. Therefore, we have undertaken the present investigation of 363 goats belonging to 10 different breeds from different geographic regions of India using mtDNA sequence data from the HVRI region. We find evidence for population structure and novel lineages in Indian goats and cannot reconcile the genetic diversity found within the major lineage with domestication starting 10,000 years ago from a single mtDNA ancestor. Thus, we propose a more complex origin for domestic goats.     

Association of SNP41, SNP56 and a novel SNP in PDE4D gene with stroke and its subtypes

An association between phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) gene and risk of stroke has been suggested by deCODE group in an Icelandic population. In the present case–control study we investigated the association of SNP41 (rs12153798) and SNP56 (rs702553) with ischemic stroke and stroke subtypes. Five hundred and sixteen ischemic stroke patients and 513 healthy age and sex matched controls were included in the study. The genotypes were determined by subjecting the PCR products to sequencing. Both the SNPs 56 and 41 associated significantly with stroke [adjusted OR = 1.97; 95% CI (1.262–3.082); p = 0.003: adjusted OR = 5.42; 95% CI (3.45–8.5); p < 0.001 respectively]. In addition to this, a novel SNP at position 59736747 T > G was found while sequencing the PCR products including SNP56. This novel SNP was found in patients as well as controls but did not show a significant association with the disease. We found significant association of SNPs 56 and 41 with large artery atherosclerosis, lacunar and cardioembolic stroke. In conclusion PDE4D gene plays a key part in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke in the South Indian population from Andhra Pradesh.