Nanocurcumin–pyrroloquinoline formulation prevents hypertrophy–induced pathological damage by relieving mitochondrial stress in cardiomyocytes under hypoxic conditions

This study investigates the therapeutic effect of a nanocurcumin formulation (NCF) containing nanocurcumin (NC) and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on ameliorating hypoxia-induced stress in hypertrophied primary human ventricular cardiomyocytes (HVCM) under hypoxic conditions, as validated in a Sprague-Dawley rat model of chronic hypobaric hypoxia (cHH)-induced right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH). Based on our previous findings, here, we analyzed the improvement in the protective efficacy of NCF against mitochondrial damage. The electron transport chain Complexes’ activities were analyzed as a chief operational center for mitochondrial homeostasis, along with key gene and protein markers for mitochondrial biogenesis, redox function, fatty acid oxidation, bio-energetic deficit and cell survival. NCF supplementation imparts cyto-protection from hypoxia-induced hypertrophy and damage in both in vitro and in vivo models while maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis better than NC and PQQ alone. This study proposes the use of NCF as a potential candidate molecule for imparting protection from high altitude-induced maladies in ascendants.

Field evaluation of repellency of a polyherbal essential oil against blackflies and its dermal toxicity using rat model

In the present study we have evaluated the repellent activity of mixture of Curcuma longa, Zanthoxylum limonella and Pogostemon heyneanus essential oils in 1:1:2 ratio at 5%, 10% and 20% concentration against blackflies in northeastern India. Initially the essential oil mixture tested here has been found effective against Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The average protection recorded in 20% concentration (170.56±4.0; 95% CI = 162.09-179.02) was higher as compared to other two concentrations (F = 90.2; p<0.0001; df = 53). Percentage repellency and repellency index was found to be higher in 20% concentration (p<0.017). No appreciable clinical and behavioral signs were observed in the acute dermal toxicity using rat model. No changes were observed in biochemical profiles of treatment group animals. Similarly, no prominent lesions were observed in vital organs of treatment in both the sexes. The study concludes that tested repellent is safe for use and has multi-insects repellent property.

Protective effect of L-arginine against necrosis and apoptosis induced by experimental ischemic and reperfusion in rat liver

To study the effect of L-arginine on apoptosis and necrosis induced by 1-hischemia followed by 3-h reperfusion. Adult Wistar rats underwent 60 min of partial liver ischemia followed by 3-h reperfusion. Eighteen Wistar rats were divided into sham-operated control group [I] [n = 6], ischemia and reperfusion [I/R] group [0.9% saline [5 mL/kg, orally] for 7 days] [II] [n = 6], and L-arginine-treated group [10 mg/kg body weight daily orally for 7 days before inducing ischemia-reperfusion maneuver] [III] [n = 6]. Apoptotic and necrotic hepatocytes, nitric oxide levels in hepatocytes, Bc1-2 mRNA, and Bc1-2 protein were measured. Liver injury was assessed by plasma alanine transaminases [ALT], aspartate transaminases [AST], liver histopathology, and electron microscopy. An ischemic and reperfusion hepatocellular injury occurred as was indicated by increased serum ALT, AST, histopathology, and electron microscopy. Apoptosis and necrosis associated marker gene Bc1-2 mRNA and protein expression were decreased in I/R group. Pretreatment with L-arginine significantly decreased serum ALT and AST level and apoptotic and necrotic cells after 1 h ischemia followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Nitric oxide production in hepatocytes was increased twofold by L-arginine treatment when compared with 1/ R group. Histopathology and transmission electron microscopy [TEM] studies showed markedly diminished hepatocellular injury in L-argmnine-pretreated rats during the hepatic I/R. Thus, it may be concluded that L-arginine afforded significant protection from necrosis and apoptosis in I/R injury by upregulated Bc1-2 gene and nitric oxide production

Anti-Inflammatory and Antipyretic Activities of Hygrophila spinosa T. Anders Leaves (Acanthaceae)

Purpose: Hygrophila spinosa T. Anders (Acanthaceae) is commonly used in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of inflammation; pain; jaundice; rheumatism; arthritis; anaemia; etc. In the present study; we investigated the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the petroleum ether; chloroform; alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaf of this plant. Methods: The anti-inflammatory activity of the various extracts was studied based on their effects on carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats while antipyretic activity was evaluated on the basis of their effect on Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The extracts were screened for alkaloids; steroids; proteins; flavonoids; saponins; mucilage; carbohydrates; organic acids; fats and oils. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids; steroids; proteins; flavonoids; fats and oils; tannins; mucilage and organic acids in the leaves of H. spinosa. Chloroform and alcoholic extracts of leaves of H. spinosa produced significant (p 0.05 and p 0.01) anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand; petroleum ether and aqueous extracts did not show significant anti- inflammatory and antipyretic activities. The maximum anti-inflammatory activities produced by chloroform and alcoholic extracts (400 mg/kg) were 33.7and 47.5; respectively. These two extracts also reduced elevated body temperature in rats at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight doses throughout the observation period of 6h .Conclusion: Chloroform and alcoholic extracts of H. spinosa leaves have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities