Zooplankton diversity of Chikkadevarayana canal in relation to physico-chemical characteristics.

Plankton diversity and physico-chemical parameters are an important criterion for evaluating the suitability of water for irrigation and drinking purposes. In this study, we tried to assess zooplankton species richness, diversity and evenness to predict the state of Chickadevarayana canal water of Cauvery River according to physico-chemical parameters. A total of 51 taxa were recorded with 22 rotifers, 5 copepods, 6 cladocerans, 1 ostracoda and 17protozoans. More number of zooplankton species were recorded in Darasaguppe (30) followed by Edmuri (26), Kennala (20), Pandavpura (19) and Gendehosahalli (16). Among the rotifers, Euchlanis sp. species was abundant (194). Acantholeberis curvirostris was predominant among cladocerans (970). Among copepods, numerical superiorities were found in the case Cyclops sp. Cypris sp. was recorded in the ostracoda. Centropyxis aculeate repeated abundance in protozoans (412). The water samples analyzed for temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, sulphate and nitrate did not indicate variation. The occurrence of Asplanchna herricki, Lacrymaria sp, Brachionus pala and Monostyla lunaris showed highest similarity of occurrence reaching above 90%. The study revealed that the presence of certain species like Monostyla, Lepadella, Leydigia, Keratella, Branchionus and Cypris species can be considered as a biological indicator for eutrophication.

Fish diversity and its conservation in major wetlands of Mysore.

The paper highlights the fish diversity in major wetlands of Mysore district, Karnataka, India and its conservation status. Forty-five species of fishes belonging to 15 families, 31 genera have been identified. Fish species belonging to genus Puntius were more common in many of these lakes. However, it was observed that the fish diversity was decreasing since last two years unprecedently, mainly due to manifold human activities. Fish diversity in the lakes is becoming rare and about seven species were identified as endangered. Out of the 45 identified fishes, six fish species were identified as threatened species. Tor khudree, also known as Deccan mahseer and seven other species were identified as vulnerable fish species. Though there were 40 species of fish endemic to this region, their number decreased with introduction of more exotic species. Conservation of endemic fishes, propagation of endangered and threatened fishes should be therefore, undertaken to preserve and protect fish diversity in the wetlands of Mysore district.

Status of lipid peroxidation, glutathione, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and antioxidant enzymes in patients with pregnancy--induced hypertension.

The exact pro-oxidant and antioxidant status in pregnancy--induced hypertension patients is still not clear. To add a new insight to the question, changes in the erythrocyte lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde; MDA), levels of glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and plasma vitamin E (non enzymatic antioxidant parameters) and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase in erythrocytes were studied in thirty five patients with pregnancy--induced hypertension and thirty five healthy pregnant normotensive cases. It was observed that there was a significant increase in erythrocyte MDA levels, activities of SOD, GPx and a significant decrease in erythrocyte GSH, ascorbic acid, plasma vitamin E levels and catalase activity in patients with pregnancy--induced hypertension when compared to controls. The results of our study have shown higher oxygen free radical production, evidenced by increased levels of MDA and decreased levels of GSH, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and Catalase activity supports the oxidative stress in pregnancy--induced hypertension. The increased activities of antioxidant enzymes may be a compensatory regulation in response to increased oxidative stress. The decreased concentrations of glutathione and antioxidant vitamin status supports the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation is an important causative factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Status of lipid peroxidation, glutathione, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and antioxidant enzymes in patients with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The exact pro-oxidant and antioxidant status in osteoarthritis patients is still not clear. To add a new insight to the question, changes in the erythrocyte lipid peroxidation products (MDA), levels of glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and plasma vitamin E (nonenzymatic antioxidant parameters); and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase in erythrocytes and plasma glutathione - S - transferase (GST) were measured in patients with osteoarthritis. AIM: This work was undertaken to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with osteoarthritis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted in 20 patients and compared to controls. Levels of erythrocyte MDA, GSH, ascorbic acid, plasma vitamin E; and activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured in patients with osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Erythrocyte GSH was measured by the method of Beutler et al. Ascorbic acid levels were measured by the method of Tietz. Plasma vitamin E levels were measured by the method of Baker et al. MDA was determined as the measure of thio barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). SOD activity in the hemolysate was measured by the method of Misra and Fridovich. Activity of catalase was measured by the method of Beers and Sizer. GPX activity was measured as described by Paglia and Valentine in erythrocytes and Plasma GST activity was measured as described by Warholm et al. These parameters were measured in 20 patients and compared to controls. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis between group 1 (controls) and group 2 (patients) was performed by the student's t - test using the stat -view package. RESULTS: It was observed that there was a significant increase in erythrocyte MDA levels; SOD, GPX and plasma GST activities; and a significant decrease in erythrocyte GSH, ascorbic acid, plasma vitamin E levels and catalase activity in patients with osteoarthritis when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest higher oxygen-free radical production, evidenced by increased MDA and decreased GSH, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and catalase activity, support to the oxidative stress in osteoarthritis. The increased activities of antioxidant enzymes may be a compensatory regulation in response to increased oxidative stress.

Impact of malathion on the biochemical parameters of gobiid fish, Glossogobius giuris (Ham).

There is a dearth of information regarding the changes in heart muscle metabolites induced by pesticides. In the present study, the gobiid fish, Glossogobius giuris, was exposed to sub lethal concentrations of (0.05, 0.25 and 0.5 ppm) organophosphorus pesticide, malathion for short duration (24 to 96 hr). The cardiac muscles showed maximum depletion of glycogen and cholesterol content during 72 and 96 hr after treatment with 0.5 ppm malathion. Whereas a slight fluctuation of protein and glycogen content was observed in low concentration (0.05 ppm) of malathion. The levels of protein showed a significant decrease at high concentration (0.5 ppm) when treated for longer duration (96 hr). The present study reports metabolic dysfunction in response to malathion toxicity in the fish.