Genome sequencing and functional analysis of a multipurpose medicinal herb Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy).

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson, also known as Giloy, is among the most important medicinal plants that have numerous therapeutic applications in human health due to the production of a diverse array of secondary metabolites. To gain genomic insights into the medicinal properties of T. cordifolia, the genome sequencing was carried out using 10× Genomics linked read and Nanopore long-read technologies. The draft genome assembly of T. cordifolia was comprised of 1.01 Gbp, which is the genome sequenced from the plant family Menispermaceae. We also performed the genome size estimation for T. cordifolia, which was found to be 1.13 Gbp. The deep sequencing of transcriptome from the leaf tissue was also performed. The genome and transcriptome assemblies were used to construct the gene set, resulting in 17,245 coding gene sequences. Further, the phylogenetic position of T. cordifolia was also positioned as basal eudicot by constructing a genome-wide phylogenetic tree using multiple species. Further, a comprehensive comparative evolutionary analysis of gene families contraction/expansion and multiple signatures of adaptive evolution was performed. The genes involved in benzyl iso-quinoline alkaloid, terpenoid, lignin and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were found with signatures of adaptive evolution. These evolutionary adaptations in genes provide genomic insights into the presence of diverse medicinal properties of this plant. The genes involved in the common symbiosis signalling pathway associated with endosymbiosis (Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) were found to be adaptively evolved. The genes involved in adventitious root formation, peroxisome biogenesis, biosynthesis of phytohormones, and tolerance against abiotic and biotic stresses were also found to be adaptively evolved in T. cordifolia.

Genome sequencing of Syzygium cumini (jamun) reveals adaptive evolution in secondary metabolism pathways associated with its medicinal properties.

Syzygium cumini, also known as jambolan or jamun, is an evergreen tree widely known for its medicinal properties, fruits, and ornamental value. To understand the genomic and evolutionary basis of its medicinal properties, we sequenced S. cumini genome for the first time from the world's largest tree genus Syzygium using Oxford Nanopore and 10x Genomics sequencing technologies. We also sequenced and assembled the transcriptome of S. cumini in this study. The tetraploid and highly heterozygous draft genome of S. cumini had a total size of 709.9 Mbp with 61,195 coding genes. The phylogenetic position of S. cumini was established using a comprehensive genome-wide analysis including species from 18 Eudicot plant orders. The existence of neopolyploidy in S. cumini was evident from the higher number of coding genes and expanded gene families resulting from gene duplication events compared to the other two sequenced species from this genus. Comparative evolutionary analyses showed the adaptive evolution of genes involved in the phenylpropanoid-flavonoid (PF) biosynthesis pathway and other secondary metabolites biosynthesis such as terpenoid and alkaloid in S. cumini, along with genes involved in stress tolerance mechanisms, which was also supported by leaf transcriptome data generated in this study. The adaptive evolution of secondary metabolism pathways is associated with the wide range of pharmacological properties, specifically the anti-diabetic property, of this species conferred by the bioactive compounds that act as nutraceutical agents in modern medicine.

Genome of Phyllanthus emblica: the medicinal plant Amla with super antioxidant properties.

Phyllanthus emblica or Indian gooseberry, commonly known as amla, is an important medicinal horticultural plant used in traditional and modern medicines. It bears stone fruits with immense antioxidant properties due to being one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C and numerous flavonoids. This study presents the first genome sequencing of this species performed using 10x Genomics and Oxford Nanopore Technology. The draft genome assembly was 519 Mbp in size and consisted of 4,384 contigs, N50 of 597 Kbp, 98.4% BUSCO score, and 37,858 coding sequences. This study also reports the genome-wide phylogeny of this species with 26 other plant species that resolved the phylogenetic position of P. emblica. The presence of three ascorbate biosynthesis pathways including L-galactose, galacturonate, and myo-inositol pathways was confirmed in this genome. A comprehensive comparative evolutionary genomic analysis including gene family expansion/contraction and identification of multiple signatures of adaptive evolution provided evolutionary insights into ascorbate and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways and stone fruit formation through lignin biosynthesis. The availability of this genome will be beneficial for its horticultural, medicinal, dietary, and cosmetic applications and will also help in comparative genomics analysis studies.

High-quality genome assemblies provide clues on the evolutionary advantage of blue peafowl over green peafowl.

An intriguing example of differential adaptability is the case of two Asian peafowl species, Pavo cristatus (blue peafowl) and Pavo muticus (green peafowl), where the former has a "Least Concern" conservation status and the latter is an "Endangered" species. To understand the genetic basis of this differential adaptability of the two peafowl species, a comparative analysis of these species is much needed to gain the genomic and evolutionary insights. Thus, we constructed a high-quality genome assembly of blue peafowl with an N50 value of 84.81 Mb (pseudochromosome-level assembly), and a high-confidence coding gene set to perform the genomic and evolutionary analyses of blue and green peafowls with 49 other avian species. The analyses revealed adaptive evolution of genes related to neuronal development, immunity, and skeletal muscle development in these peafowl species. Major genes related to axon guidance such as NEO1 and UNC5, semaphorin (SEMA), and ephrin receptor showed adaptive evolution in peafowl species. However, blue peafowl showed the presence of 42% more coding genes compared to the green peafowl along with a higher number of species-specific gene clusters, segmental duplicated genes and expanded gene families, and comparatively higher evolution in neuronal and developmental pathways. Blue peafowl also showed longer branch length compared to green peafowl in the species phylogenetic tree. These genomic insights obtained from the high-quality genome assembly of P. cristatus constructed in this study provide new clues on the superior adaptability of the blue peafowl over green peafowl despite having a recent species divergence time.

Genome sequencing and de novo and reference-based genome assemblies of Bos indicus breeds.

BACKGROUND: Indian cattle breeds (Bos indicus) are known for their remarkable adaptability to hot and humid climates, higher nutritious quality of milk, better disease tolerance, and greater ability to perform in poor feed compared to taurine cattle (Bos taurus). Distinct phenotypic differences are observed among the B. indicus breeds; however, the whole genome sequences were unavailable for these indigenous breeds. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to perform whole genome sequencing to construct the draft genome assemblies of four B. indicus breeds; Ongole, Kasargod Dwarf, Kasargod Kapila, and Vechur (the smallest cattle of the world). METHODS: We sequenced the whole genomes using Illumina short-read technology, and constructed de novo and reference-based genome assemblies of these native B. indicus breeds for the first time. RESULTS: The draft de novo genome assemblies of B. indicus breeds ranged from 1.98 to 3.42 Gbp. We also constructed the mitochondrial genome assemblies (~ 16.3 Kbp), and yet unavailable 18S rRNA marker gene sequences of these B. indicus breeds. The genome assemblies helped to identify the bovine genes related to distinct phenotypic characteristics and other biological processes for this species compared to B. taurus, which are plausibly responsible for providing better adaptive traits. We also identified the genes that showed sequence variation in dwarf and non-dwarf breeds of B. indicus compared to B. taurus. CONCLUSIONS: The genome assemblies of these Indian cattle breeds, the 18S rRNA marker genes, and identification of the distinct genes in B. indicus breeds compared to B. taurus will help in future studies on these cattle species.

Genome sequencing and comparative analysis of Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa species reveal evolutionary mechanisms of longevity.

Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa are large woody trees well known for their long lifespan, ecological and traditional significance, and medicinal properties. To understand the genomic and evolutionary aspects of these characteristics, the whole genomes of these Ficus species were sequenced using 10x Genomics linked reads and Oxford Nanopore long reads. The draft genomes of F. benghalensis and F. religiosa comprised of 392.89 Mbp and 332.97 Mbp, respectively. We established the genome-wide phylogenetic positions of the two Ficus species with respect to 50 other Angiosperm species. Comparative evolutionary analyses with other phylogenetically closer Eudicot species revealed adaptive evolution in genes involved in key cellular mechanisms associated with prolonged survival including phytohormones signaling, senescence, disease resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance, which provide genomic insights into the mechanisms conferring longevity and suggest that longevity is a multifaceted phenomenon. This study also provides clues on the existence of CAM pathway in these Ficus species.

Genome sequencing of turmeric provides evolutionary insights into its medicinal properties.

Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is traditionally known for its immense medicinal properties and has diverse therapeutic applications. However, the absence of a reference genome sequence is a limiting factor in understanding the genomic basis of the origin of its medicinal properties. In this study, we present the draft genome sequence of C. longa, belonging to Zingiberaceae plant family, constructed using 10x Genomics linked reads and Oxford Nanopore long reads. For comprehensive gene set prediction and for insights into its gene expression, transcriptome sequencing of leaf tissue was also performed. The draft genome assembly had a size of 1.02 Gbp with ~70% repetitive sequences, and contained 50,401 coding gene sequences. The phylogenetic position of C. longa was resolved through a comprehensive genome-wide analysis including 16 other plant species. Using 5,388 orthogroups, the comparative evolutionary analysis performed across 17 species including C. longa revealed evolution in genes associated with secondary metabolism, plant phytohormones signaling, and various biotic and abiotic stress tolerance responses. These mechanisms are crucial for perennial and rhizomatous plants such as C. longa for defense and environmental stress tolerance via production of secondary metabolites, which are associated with the wide range of medicinal properties in C. longa.

Western and non-western gut microbiomes reveal new roles of Prevotella in carbohydrate metabolism and mouth-gut axis.

The abundance and diversity of host-associated Prevotella species have a profound impact on human health. To investigate the composition, diversity, and functional roles of Prevotella in the human gut, a population-wide analysis was carried out on 586 healthy samples from western and non-western populations including the largest Indian cohort comprising of 200 samples, and 189 Inflammatory Bowel Disease samples from western populations. A higher abundance and diversity of Prevotella copri species enriched in complex plant polysaccharides metabolizing enzymes, particularly pullulanase containing polysaccharide-utilization-loci (PUL), were found in Indian and non-western populations. A higher diversity of oral inflammations-associated Prevotella species and an enrichment of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes in the gut microbiome of western populations speculates an existence of a mouth-gut axis. The study revealed the landscape of Prevotella composition in the human gut microbiome and its impact on health in western and non-western populations.

"Chopper Shield" Technique to Protect Corneal Endothelium During Phacoemulsification Surgery for Rock Hard Cataracts.

PURPOSE: To describe an innovative technique of using a chopper as a shield for preventing mechanical corneal endothelial trauma that can occur during the phacoemulsification of brunescent cataracts. METHODS: This prospective study included patients with hard cataracts (grade nuclear opalescence 4 and above on LOCS III) who underwent phacoemulsification surgery. The chopper shield technique was performed in 48 eyes of 44 patients. The technique entailed placing the chopper horizontally as a shield anterior to the emulsifying nuclear fragment between the phaco tip and corneal endothelium to prevent nucleus fragments from coming into contact with the corneal endothelium. Outcome measures included cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), corneal edema (day one), CCT (assessed at one day, one week, and one month), and endothelial cell density assessed at three months. RESULTS: Of the 48 eyes included in the study, 23 were males and 25 were females (mean age: 70.02±5.98years). Preoperatively, mean central corneal thickness (CCT) was 529.62±21.70 microns, and endothelial cell counts were 2258.76±182.22 cells per mm2. Postoperatively on day one, CCT increased to 563.93±24.53 microns, a 6.47% increase from preoperative central corneal thickness. CCT became 534.83±22.64 microns on postoperative day seven, a 0.98% increase from preoperative CCT. Endothelial cell loss was 6.77% at three months from the day of surgery. CONCLUSION: The chopper shield technique offers continuous protection to the corneal endothelium by minimizing endothelial cell loss during phacoemulsification of dense nuclear cataracts.

The genome sequence of Aloe vera reveals adaptive evolution of drought tolerance mechanisms.

Aloe vera is a species from Asphodelaceae family having characteristics like drought resistance and numerous medicinal properties. However, the genetic basis of these phenotypes is yet unknown primarily due to unavailability of its genome sequence. Thus, we report the first Aloe vera genome sequence comprising of 12.93 Gbp and harboring 86,177 protein-coding genes. It is the first genome from Asphodelaceae family and the largest angiosperm genome sequenced and assembled till date. We also report the first genome-wide phylogeny of monocots including Aloe vera to resolve its phylogenetic position. The comprehensive comparative analysis of Aloe vera with other available high-quality monocot genomes revealed adaptive evolution in several genes of drought stress response, CAM pathway, and circadian rhythm and positive selection in DNA damage response genes in Aloe vera. This study provides clues on the genetic basis of evolution of drought stress tolerance capabilities of Aloe vera.

The Gene Catalog and Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiome of Big Cats Provide New Insights on Panthera Species.

Majority of metagenomic studies in the last decade have focused on revealing the gut microbiomes of humans, rodents, and ruminants; however, the gut microbiome and genic information (gene catalog) of large felids such as Panthera species are largely unknown to date. In this study, the gut bacterial, fungal, and viral metagenomic composition was assessed from three Panthera species (lion, leopard, and tiger) of Indian origin, which were consuming the same diet and belonged to the same geographical location. A non-redundant bacterial gene catalog of the Panthera gut consisting of 1,507,035 putative genes was constructed from 27 Panthera individuals, which revealed a higher abundance of purine metabolism genes correlating with their purine-rich dietary intake. Analysis with Carbohydrate Active enZyme (CAZy) and MEROPS databases identified enrichment of glycoside hydrolases (GHs), glycoside-transferases, and collagenases in the gut, which are important for nutrient acquisition from animal biomass. The bacterial, fungal, and viral community analysis provided the first comprehensive insights into the Panthera-specific microbial community. The Panthera gene catalog and the largest comparative study of the gut bacterial composition of 68 individuals of Carnivora species from different geographical locations and diet underscore the role of diet and geography in shaping the Panthera gut microbiome, which is significant for the health and conservation management of these highly endangered species.

Nuclear scaffold: Three-dimensional indigenous capsular bag support combined with IOL scaffold and capsular tension ring to prevent posterior capsule rupture in zonulopathy.

We describe a technique for performing phacoemulsification in eyes with zonular fiber dehiscence of less than 90 degrees using hard nuclear fragments as a scaffold. In conjunction with a capsular tension ring (CTR), hard nuclear fragments and the intraocular lens (IOL) are used as scaffolds during different steps of nuclear emulsification to prevent posterior capsule rupture and aggravation of zonulopathy. Devices such as capsular hooks, CTRs, and IOLs are used to support the capsular bag associated with zonulopathy. The mass of hard nuclear fragments provides support toward the anteroposterior and the horizontal planes, thereby providing 3-dimensional capsular bag support.

Association of Flavonifractor plautii, a Flavonoid-Degrading Bacterium, with the Gut Microbiome of Colorectal Cancer Patients in India.

Recently, dysbiosis in the human gut microbiome and shifts in the relative abundances of several bacterial species have been recognized as important factors in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, these studies have been carried out mainly in developed countries where CRC has a high incidence, and it is unclear whether the host-microbiome relationships deduced from these studies can be generalized to the global population. To test if the documented associations between the microbiome and CRC are conserved in a distinct context, we performed metagenomic and metabolomic association studies on fecal samples from 30 CRC patients and 30 healthy controls from two different locations in India, followed by a comparison of CRC data available from other populations. We confirmed the association of Bacteroides and other bacterial taxa with CRC that have been previously reported in other studies. However, the association of CRC with Flavonifractor plautii in Indian patients emerged as a novel finding. The plausible role of F. plautii appears to be linked with the degradation of beneficial anticarcinogenic flavonoids, which was also found to be significantly correlated with the enzymes and modules involved in flavonoid degradation within Indian CRC samples. Thus, we hypothesize that the degradation of beneficial flavonoids might be playing a role in cancer progression within this Indian cohort. We also identified 20 potential microbial taxonomic markers and 33 potential microbial gene markers that discriminate the Indian CRC from healthy microbiomes with high accuracy based on machine learning approaches.IMPORTANCE This study provides novel insights on the CRC-associated microbiome of a unique cohort in India, reveals the potential role of a new bacterium in CRC, and identifies cohort-specific biomarkers, which can potentially be used in noninvasive diagnosis of CRC. The study gains additional significance, as India is among the countries with a very low incidence of CRC, and the diet and lifestyle in India have been associated with a distinct gut microbiome in healthy Indians compared to other global populations. Thus, in this study, we hypothesize a unique relationship between CRC and the gut microbiome in an Indian population.

A rapid technique for en masse soft cataract phacoemulsification.

Purpose: To describe a new, en masse, stepwise technique for purely soft cataracts. Methods: RAPID, a soft cataract phacoemulsification technique, is an acronym-based procedure where R is rotation of nucleus, A is alignment of phacoemulsification tip sideways, P is placement of tip adjacent to the nuclear rim, I is impaling of tip into nuclear rim and D is devouring wherein nucleus is aspirated/emulsified. RAPID technique was performed in 54 eyes of 54 patients (31 males and 23 females; mean age 46.35±3.95 years). The soft nucleus was emulsified, after performing hydrodissection, in a stepwise manner in the safe zone away from posterior capsule and corneal endothelium. Centurion/Infiniti Phacoemulsification system (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.) was used with vacuum parameters at 475 mm Hg and an aspiration flow rate of 0-45 mL/min in linear mode. The primary outcome measures were cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), ultrasound time (UST), amount of fluid used, surgical complications and mean endothelial cell loss. Results: Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was performed successfully in all patients without any intraoperative complications. CDE was 1.03±0.61. Total UST for nuclear emulsification was 3.84±3.27 seconds and fluid used was 10±2.35 milliliters. Postoperative follow-up examinations were done on 1, 4, 14, 30 and 90 days. Mean percentage of endothelial cell loss was 7.05±2.65% (mean endothelial cell counts were 2383.75±105.21 cells/mm2 preoperatively and 2215.78±114.9 cells/mm2 3 months postoperatively). Conclusion: RAPID is an en masse non-fragmentation technique for purely soft cataracts. This technique requires neither any specialized instrumentations nor the use of high vacuum with complimenting surge preventing software. Simple stepwise multi-planer approach of RAPID technique allows easy and fast emulsification of soft cataracts with simultaneous safeguarding of posterior capsule and corneal endothelium.

Modified 30 G needle trypan blue staining technique under air for a uniform and consistent anterior capsule staining.

PURPOSE: To describe a trypan blue dye staining technique under air, a modification of the previously described 30 G needle under-air technique. DESIGN: This is a prospective, randomized study of 1,000 eyes of 952 patients undergoing phacoemulsification in a private practice setting from January 2015 to August 2016. Three variants as a modification of the previously known 30 G needle technique are described. In our technique, after injecting one drop of the dye under air, the needle is kept in the anterior chamber (AC) for 15 seconds. In the second variation, along with the additional hold time, 0.05 mL air is injected prior to dye injection to deepen the AC in eyes with shallow ACs or in cases with increased posterior pressure. The third variation is the selective painting approach in which more than one drop is injected for a homogenous staining. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were safety and reproducibility of the technique along with homogeneity and uniformity of the anterior capsule staining. RESULTS: AC remained stable during the hold time of 15 seconds with no egress of air. No iatrogenic trauma occurred in any of the cases. All cases had a homogeneously stained anterior capsule. The staining intensity was excellent in 80.8% of the eyes and good in 19.2% of the eyes. CONCLUSION: This is a safe, simple, and cost-effective technique which achieves consistent, uniform, and reproducible staining. It overcomes the shortcomings of the known 30 G needle technique.

Flap motility as a sign of posterior capsule rupture in peripherally extended anterior capsular tears.

PURPOSE: To describe various types of anterior capsular tears and an early diagnostic, flap motility, as a sign of posterior capsular rupture following posterior extension of radial tears. DESIGN: This was a prospective study carried out in 4,331 eyes that underwent phacoemulsification in a private practice setting from April 2015 to February 2016. Twenty six consecutive cases of anterior capsular tears were included. Morphological features of anterior capsular tears and resultant complications were evaluated. Parameters studied were surgical step during which the tear occurred, shape of tear, its extension in relation to the equator, and flap nature and motility in tear extending up to equator. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were motility and nature of flaps in anterior capsular radial tears and the relation to posterior capsule rupture. RESULTS: Based on shape, extent, and angulation, anterior capsular tears were categorized into 5 types: Type I, pre-equatorial radial tear (26.92%); Type II, post-equatorial radial tear (3.85%); Type III, Argentinean flag sign pre-equatorial tear (57.69%); Type IV, Argentinean flag sign post-equatorial tear (7.69%), and Type V, mini punch (3.85%). Flaps were either seen to be everted and fluttering or inverted and non-fluttering. In all cases with everted fluttering flaps no posterior capsular rupture (PCR) was observed, while in cases with inverted non-fluttering flaps a PCR was observed (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Everted and fluttering flaps of the anterior capsular tears indicate pre-equatorial tear, while inverted and non-fluttering flaps indicate posterior capsule rupture following tear extension beyond the equator.

Intraocular lens scaffold technique to prevent posterior capsule rupture in cases of Morgagnian cataract.

We describe a technique for performing safe phacoemulsification of a Morgagnian cataract using the intraocular lens (IOL) scaffold. An IOL scaffold has been used in cases in which posterior capsule rupture has occurred, leaving nonemulsified nuclear pieces. The scaffold provides a barrier that prevents the nuclear fragments from falling posteriorly into the vitreous cavity. Our technique uses the IOL as a scaffold to prevent the vulnerable posterior capsule from rupturing during nuclear emulsification in Morgagnian cataract. The technique prevents rupture of the floppy posterior capsule by providing a constant support to it. The scaffold provides stable inflation of the capsular bag and prevents inadvertent emulsification. Concurrently, it prevents dehiscence of weak zonular fibers by minimizing the stress on the zonular apparatus.

Pleomorphic adenoma of a deep orbital ectopic lacrimal gland.

Ectopic lacrimal gland, being one of the choristomas, is comprised of lacrimal gland tissue outside the lacrimal gland fossa in the fronto-lateral part of the orbital roof. Ectopic lacrimal gland is a rare condition where the gland may be found in the orbit, eyelids, ocular adnexa or within the globe. Neoplastic transformation of such tissue may occur. A sixty-two-year old male patient presented with right eye proptosis and slight nasal displacement of the globe. Computerized tomography scan revealed a well-defined hypodense lesion of size 19 x 18 x 20 mm supero-lateral to lateral rectus muscle, with mild proptosis and thinning of the right lateral orbital wall. Excisional biopsy was performed through a lateral orbitotomy approach. A well circumscribed globular mass was removed from the right orbit, well behind the fossa for the lacrimal gland in the retrobulbar space. Histopathology was suggestive of pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland. Pleomorphic adenoma is an epithelial tumor of the lacrimal gland which is extremely rare from an ectopic lacrimal gland and only few cases have been reported in literature till date.

Uric acid a better scavenger of free radicals than vitamin C in rheumatoid arthritis.

Uric acid an endogenous aqueous antioxidant in normal humans is present in much higher concentrations than vitamin C and has been known to cover 2/3(rd) of the free radical scavenging capacity in plasma. In the present study average uric acid levels of patients of rheumatoid arthritis were found to be close to the normal individuals. A unique feature was observed after classifying the patients on the basis of the duration of suffering, the patients having longer duration of disease had least uric acid levels as compared to those suffering from relatively lesser period, similar trend was observed in the ascorbic acid estimations. The decline in uric acid values with progression of the disease was much more than what was observed in case of ascorbic acid suggesting the significant role of uric acid in scavenging of free radicals. Too much lowering of Uric Acid should be checked and vitamin C should be supplemented in diet for maintaining the balance between pro oxidant and antioxidant forces to check pro oxidant insult in rheumatoid arthritis.

An electromyographic analysis of shoulder muscle activation during push-up variations on stable and labile surfaces.

BACKGROUND: Numerous exercises are used to strengthen muscles around the shoulder joint including the push-up and the push-up plus. An important consideration is the addition of surface instability in the form of swiss ball for rehabilitation and strength. The justification for the use of the swiss ball is based on its potential for increasing muscular demand required to maintain postural stability and for improving joint proprioception. Evidence for this is lacking in literature. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To compare the myoelectric amplitude of shoulder muscles during push-ups on labile and stable surface. STUDY DESIGN: Same subject experimental study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty healthy male subjects in the age group 20-30 years with a mean height of 173.65 cm (+/- SD 2.56) and a mean weight of 69.9 kg (+/-SD 0.2) were taken. Surface electromyogram was recorded from triceps, pectoralis major, serratus anterior and upper trapezius while performing push-up and push-up plus exercises, both on labile and stable surface. RESULTS: Significant increase in muscle activity was observed in pectoralis major and triceps muscle (only during eccentric phase of elbow pushups), while serratus anterior and upper trapezius showed no change in activation level on swiss ball. CONCLUSION: The addition of a swiss ball is capable of influencing shoulder muscle activity during push-up variations, although the effect is task and muscle dependent.