Quercetin accelerated cutaneous wound healing in rats by increasing levels of VEGF and TGF-β1.

Quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-penthydroxyflavone)-induced biological effects have been beneficial in various disease conditions. In this study, wound healing potential of quercetin was evaluated in a time-dependent manner in open excision wounds in adult Wistar rats. Experimentally-wounded rats were divided into two groups namely, control and quercetin-treated. Wounds were photographed and the area was measured on the day of wounding and on days 3, 7, 11 and 14 post-wounding. The granulation/healing tissue was collected on days 3, 7, 11 and 14 post-wounding for cytokine/growth factor measurements and histology/immunohistochemistry studies. There was significant time-dependent increase in wound closure in quercetin-treated rats. Vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 expressions were significantly upregulated in quercetin-treated rats, whereas tumor necrosis factor-α level was markedly reduced. Interleukin-10 levels and CD31 stained vessels were markedly higher on day 3 and on day 7, respectively, in quercetin-treated rats. In H & E stained sections, quercetin-treated group showed less inflammatory cells, more fibroblast proliferation, increased microvessel density, better reepithelialization and more regular collagen deposition, as compared to control. The results suggest that topical application of quercetin promotes wound healing by effectively modulating the cytokines, growth factors and cells involved in inflammatory and proliferative phases of healing.

Impact of mineral deposition on shrimp, Penaeus monodon in a high alkaline water.

This study compares water quality parameters, shrimp growth and mortality rates, and biomass at harvest in two ponds of equal size, seeded with the same density (7 m-2) of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Monodon Baculo Virus (MBV) negative post-larvae (PL)-20 of shrimp, Penaeus monodon in the Vellar estuary of South India. The primary difference between the ponds was the water source; one was filled from the estuary and the second with water from bore wells with high alkalinity. Temperature in both ponds was similar and reached 32oC after 185 days of culture. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels were within the acceptable range although levels in the alkaline pond were near the lower limit for the last 90 days before harvest. Salinity levels were similar in both ponds, above optimal levels, and increased over the 185 days. Alkalinity in the estuarine water was typically < 50 ppm and again 200-320 ppm in the alkaline pond. In the alkaline pond, beginning on the 75th day mineral deposits was observed covering all parts of the shrimp including the eye and the inner gill chambers, and by harvest, 42% of the shrimp showed this coating. Elemental analysis identified the major constituents as calcium, phosphorus and manganese. Survival rates in the estuarine-water-fed pond was 92% with a total pond biomass at harvest of 1.65 tons ha-1 compared to survival of 79% in the alkaline pond and a biomass at harvest of 1.020 tons ha-1. When well water must be used, its alkalinity should be monitored and diluted with water from other sources.

Identification of Parapenaeopsis stylifera, a new host for Epipenaeon ingens.

Epipenaeon ingens (Isopoda: Bopyridae) is reported for the first time from Parapenaeopsis stylifera (Decapoda: Penaeidae) in South India. According to the month the parasitic prevalence ranged from 0.0 to 2.9%. A characteristic bulge of the branchial chamber, growth retardation and degenerated sex organs were observed in the infested shrimp.