Development and optimization of an in-house heterologous ELISA for detection of prednisolone drug in enzyme conjugates using spacers.

The introduction of spacers in coating steroid protein complexes and/or enzyme conjugates or immunogens is known to exert an influence on the sensitivity of steroid enzyme immunoassays. We investigated the impact of different homobifunctional spacers, ranging in atomic length from 3 to 10, on the sensitivity and specificity of prednisolone (PSL) enzyme immunoassays. In this study, four homo-bifunctional spacers, namely, carbohydrazide (CH), adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH), ethylene diamine (EDA), and urea (U), were incorporated between PSL and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for preparing the enzyme conjugate with an aim to improve the sensitivity of the assay without compromising assay specificity. The assays were developed using these enzymes conjugated with antibodies raised against the PSL-21-HS-BSA immunogen. The sensitivity of the PSL assays after insertion of a bridge in the enzyme conjugate was 1.22 ng/mL, 0.59 ng/mL, 0.48 ng/mL, and 0.018 ng/mL with ADH, CH, EDA, and urea as a spacer, respectively. Among the four combinations, the PSL-21-HS-BSA-antibody with PSL-21-HS-U-HRP-enzyme conjugate gave better sensitivity and less cross-reaction. The percent recovery of PSL from the exogenously spiked human serum pools was in the range of 88.32%-102.50%. The intra and inter-assay CV% was< 8.46%. The PSL concentration was estimated in the serum samples of patients on PSL treatment. The serum PSL values obtained by this method correlated well with the commercially available kit (r2 = 0.98). The present study suggests that the nature of the spacer is related to assay sensitivity and not the spacer length.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors: possible therapeutic drugs for female fertility regulation.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are group of enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of cyclic adenosine 3', 5' monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine 3', 5' monophosphate (cGMP) levels in wide variety of cell types. These PDEs are detected in encircling granulosa cells or in oocyte with in follicular microenvironment and responsible for the decrease of cAMP and cGMP levels in mammalian oocytes. A transient decrease of cAMP level initiates downstream pathways to cause spontaneous meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest and induces oocyte maturation. The nonspecific PDE inhibitors (caffeine, pentoxifylline, theophylline, IBMX etc.) as well as specific PDE inhibitors (cilostamide, milrinone, org 9935, cilostazol etc.) have been used to elevate cAMP level and inhibit meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest and oocyte maturation, ovulation, fertilization and pregnancy rates both in vivo as well as under in vitro culture conditions. The PDEs inhibitors are used as powerful experimental tools to demonstrate cyclic nucleotide mediated changes in ovarian functions and thereby fertility. Indeed, non-hormonal nature and reversible effects of nonspecific as well as specific PDE inhibitors hold promise for the development of novel therapeutic drugs for female fertility regulation.

In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Betulin on Calcium Oxalate Crystal Formation.

Objective: The medicinal plant Betula alba has been used for prevention and treatment of kidney stones. Betulin is one of the main phytochemicals of Betula alba. The aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant and antiurolithiatic activity of betulin in vitro and in silico. For antioxidant activity, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total reducing capacity, nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging assay, and superoxide radical scavenging assay were studied. Method: In order to study antiurolithiatic activity, three assays such as crystallization, nucleation, and aggregation of oxalate crystal in urine were performed. In silico experiments were performed by using AutoDock 4.2 tools in order to establish affinity of phytochemicals toward antioxidant enzyme and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and 9). Results: The results obtained clearly demonstrate the significant scavenging activity of betulin and cystone against DPPH, NO, and superoxide radicals in comparison to standard antioxidant L-ascorbate (L-AA). It has also been observed that betulin has the capacity to inhibit the crystallization, nucleation, and aggregation in comparison to cystone. On the other hand, betulin and L-AA showed strong affinity toward antioxidant enzymes and matrix metalloproteinase as determined by in silico experiments. Conclusions: From this, it may be concluded that the antiurolithiatic activity of betulin is, at least in part, mediated by its antioxidant property.

Homologous ELISA for measurement of medroxyprogesterone acetate in serum.

In order to develop ELISA for medroxyprogesterone acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate-3-carboxymethyloxime (MPA-3-CMO) was coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) for immunogen preparation and to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for enzyme conjugate preparation by N-hydroxysuccinimide mediated carbodiimide reaction. The immunogen was used to raise the antiserum in New Zealand white rabbit. The immunoreactivity of MPA-3-CMO-BSA-antibody and MPA-3-CMO-HRP enzyme conjugate was checked by checkerboard assay. The MPA-3-CMO-HRP enzyme conjugate and MPA-3-CMO-BSA-antibody were used for further development, standardization and validation of the assay. Sensitivity, ED50 and affinity of the assay were found to be 0.114 ng/mL, 2.75 ng/mL and 9.9 × 10⁻8 L/mol respectively. The % cross-reaction of analogous steroids with MPA-3-CMO-BSA-antibody was less than 0.025%. The recovery of the exogenously spiked MPA serum pools were in the range of 96.83-105.47%. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation was less than 7.02%. The correlation coefficient of the serum level of MPA measured by the developed assay with the commercially available kit was found to be 0.95 (n = 37). This developed ELISA was further validated by measuring serum level of MPA in rat after administering them different doses of MPA intramuscularly.

Role of granulosa cell mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 in gonadotropin-mediated meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest of mammalian oocytes.

In mammals, preovulatory oocytes are encircled by several layers of granulosa cells (GCs) in follicular microenvironment. These follicular oocytes are arrested at diplotene arrest due to high level of cyclic nucleotides from encircling GCs. Pituitary gonadotropin acts at the level of encircling GCs and increases adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and activates mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (MAPK3/1) signaling pathway. The MAPK3/1 disrupts the gap junctions between encircling GCs and oocyte. The disruption of gap junctions interrupts the transfer of cyclic nucleotides to the oocyte that results a drop in intraoocyte cAMP level. A transient decrease in oocyte cAMP level triggers maturation promoting factor (MPF) destabilization. The destabilized MPF finally triggers meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest in follicular oocyte. Thus, MAPK3/1 from GCs origin plays important role in gonadotropin-mediated meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest in follicular oocyte of mammals.

Impact of stress on female reproductive health disorders: Possible beneficial effects of shatavari (Asparagus racemosus).

Stress is deeply rooted in the society and women are frequently exposed to psychological, physical and physiological stressors. Psychological stress disturbs reproductive health by inducing generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thereby oxidative stress (OS). The increased OS may affect physiology of ovary, oocyte quality and cause female reproductive health disorders. To overcome stress-mediated reproductive health disorders in women, shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is frequently recommended in Ayurvedic system of medicine. Although shatavari is one of the major health tonics and most popular rasayana drugs to treat reproductive ailments of women, underlying mechanism of shatavari action at the level of ovary remains poorly understood. Based on the existing studies, we propose that shatavari may improve female reproductive health complications including hormonal imbalance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), follicular growth and development, oocyte quality and infertility possibly by reducing OS level and increasing antioxidants level in the body. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of shatavari actions at the level of ovary and oocyte that directly impacts the reproductive health of women.

Role of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase and Maturation Promoting Factor During the Achievement of Meiotic Competency in Mammalian Oocytes.

The oocyte quality remains as one of the major problems associated with poor in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate and assisted reproductive technology (ART) failure worldwide. The oocyte quality is dependent on its meiotic maturation that begins inside the follicular microenvironment and gets completed at the time of ovulation in most of the mammalian species. Follicular oocytes are arrested at diplotene stage of first meiotic prophase. The resumption of meiosis from diplotene arrest, progression through metaphase-I (M-I) and further arrest at metaphase-II (M-II) are important physiological requirements for the achievement of meiotic competency in mammalian oocytes. The achievement of meiotic competency is dependent upon cyclic stabilization/destabilization of maturation promoting factor (MPF). The mitogen-activated protein kinase3/1 (MAPK3/1) modulates stabilization/destabilization of MPF in oocyte by interacting either with signal molecules, transcription and post-transcription factors in cumulus cells or cytostatic factors (CSFs) in oocyte. MPF regulates meiotic cell cycle progression from diplotene arrest to M-II arrest and directly impacts oocyte quality. The MAPK3/1 activity is not reported during spontaneous meiotic resumption but its activity in cumulus cells is required for gonadotropin-induced oocyte meiotic resumption. Although high MAPK3/1 activity is required for the maintenance of M-II arrest in several mammalian species, its cross-talk with MPF remains to be elucidated. Further studies are required to find out the MAPK3/1 activity and its impact on MPF destabilization/stabilization during achievement of meiotic competency, an important period that decides oocyte quality and directly impacts ARTs outcome in several mammalian species including human. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 123-129, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nitric oxide signaling during meiotic cell cycle regulation in mammalian oocytes.

Nitric oxide (NO) acts as a major signal molecules and modulate physiology of mammalian oocytes. Ovarian follicles generate large amount of NO through nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathway to maintain diplotene arrest in preovulatory oocytes. Removal of oocytes from follicular microenvironment or follicular rupture during ovulation disrupt the flow of NO from granulosa cells to the oocyte that results a transient decrease of oocyte cytoplasmic NO level. Decreased NO level reduces cyclic nucleotides level by inactivating guanylyl cyclases directly or indirectly. The reduced cyclic nucleotides level modulate specific phosphorylation status of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) and triggers cyclin B1 degradation. These changes result in maturation promoting factor (MPF) destabilization that finally triggers meiotic resumption from diplotene as well as metaphase-II (M-II) arrest in most of the mammalian species.

Calcium Signaling During Meiotic Cell Cycle Regulation and Apoptosis in Mammalian Oocytes.

Calcium (Ca++ ) is one of the major signal molecules that regulate various aspects of cell functions including cell cycle progression, arrest, and apoptosis in wide variety of cells. This review summarizes current knowledge on the differential roles of Ca++ in meiotic cell cycle resumption, arrest, and apoptosis in mammalian oocytes. Release of Ca++ from internal stores and/or Ca++ influx from extracellular medium causes moderate increase of intracellular Ca++ ([Ca++ ]i) level and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increase of Ca++ as well as ROS levels under physiological range trigger maturation promoting factor (MPF) destabilization, thereby meiotic resumption from diplotene as well as metaphase-II (M-II) arrest in oocytes. A sustained increase of [Ca++ ]i level beyond physiological range induces generation of ROS sufficient enough to cause oxidative stress (OS) in aging oocytes. The increased [Ca++ ]i triggers Fas ligand-mediated oocyte apoptosis. Further, OS triggers mitochondria-mediated oocyte apoptosis in several mammalian species. Thus, Ca++ exerts differential roles on oocyte physiology depending upon its intracellular concentration. A moderate increase of [Ca++ ]i as well as ROS mediate spontaneous resumption of meiosis from diplotene as well as M-II arrest, while their high levels cause meiotic cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by operating both mitochondria- as well as Fas ligand-mediated apoptotic pathways. Indeed, Ca++ regulates cellular physiology by modulating meiotic cell cycle and apoptosis in mammalian oocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 976-981, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Measuring fecal testosterone metabolites in spotted hyenas: Choosing the wrong assay may lead to erroneous results.

Enzyme-immunoassays (EIA) that detect fecal testosterone metabolites (fTM) are powerful tools to monitor gonadal activity non-invasively. However, a challenge with testosterone EIAs might be their potential for cross-reactivities with structurally similar glucocorticoid metabolites. Therefore, we aimed to verify the capability of four different testosterone EIAs to monitor fTM without reflecting changes in adrenocortical activity in spotted hyenas by analyzing fecal samples following testosterone and ACTH challenge tests. We demonstrated that none of the testosterone EIAs is appropriate to measure fTM as all of them showed substantial cross-reactivities to unknown metabolites. Our study underlines the importance of validating androgen EIAs.

Impact of stress on oocyte quality and reproductive outcome.

Stress is an important factor that affects physical and mental status of a healthy person disturbing homeostasis of the body. Changes in the lifestyle are one of the major causes that lead to psychological stress. Psychological stress could impact the biology of female reproduction by targeting at the level of ovary, follicle and oocyte. The increased level of stress hormone such as cortisol reduces estradiol production possibly by affecting the granulosa cell functions within the follicle, which results deterioration in oocyte quality. Adaptation of lifestyle behaviours may generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ovary, which further affects female reproduction. Balance between level of ROS and antioxidants within the ovary are important for maintenance of female reproductive health. Physiological level of ROS modulates oocyte functions, while its accumulation leads to oxidative stress (OS). OS triggers apoptosis in majority of germ cells within the ovary and even in ovulated oocytes. Although both mitochondria- as well as death-receptor pathways are involved in oocyte apoptosis, OS-induced mitochondria-mediated pathway plays a major role in the elimination of majority of germ cells from ovary. OS in the follicular fluid deteriorates oocyte quality and reduces reproductive outcome. On the other hand, antioxidants reduce ROS levels and protect against OS-mediated germ cell apoptosis and thereby depletion of germ cells from the ovary. Indeed, OS is one of the major factors that has a direct negative impact on oocyte quality and limits female reproductive outcome in several mammalian species including human.

Apoptosis in mammalian oocytes: a review.

Apoptosis causes elimination of more than 99% of germ cells from cohort of ovary through follicular atresia. Less than 1% of germ cells, which are culminated in oocytes further undergo apoptosis during last phases of oogenesis and depletes ovarian reserve in most of the mammalian species including human. There are several players that induce apoptosis directly or indirectly in oocytes at various stages of meiotic cell cycle. Premature removal of encircling granulosa cells from immature oocytes, reduced levels of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, increased levels of calcium (Ca(2+)) and oxidants, sustained reduced level of maturation promoting factor, depletion of survival factors, nutrients and cell cycle proteins, reduced meiotic competency, increased levels of proapoptotic as well as apoptotic factors lead to oocyte apoptosis. The BH3-only proteins also act as key regulators of apoptosis in oocyte within the ovary. Both intrinsic (mitochondria-mediated) as well as extrinsic (cell surface death receptor-mediated) pathways are involved in oocyte apoptosis. BID, a BH3-only protein act as a bridge between both apoptotic pathways and its cleavage activates cell death machinery of both the pathways inside the follicular microenvironment. Oocyte apoptosis leads to the depletion of ovarian reserve that directly affects reproductive outcome of various mammals including human. In this review article, we highlight some of the important players and describe the pathways involved during oocyte apoptosis in mammals.

Neem (Azadirachta indica L.) leaf extract deteriorates oocyte quality by inducing ROS-mediated apoptosis in mammals.

Neem (Azadirachta indica L.) leaf has been widely used in ayurvedic system of medicine for fertility regulation for a long time. The molecular mechanism by which neem leaf regulates female fertility remains poorly understood. Animal studies suggest that aqueous neem leaf extract (NLE) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) - mediated granulosa cell apoptosis. Granulosa cell apoptosis deprives oocytes from nutrients, survival factors and cell cycle proteins required for the achievement of meiotic competency of follicular oocytes prior to ovulation. Under this situation, follicular oocyte becomes more susceptible towards apoptosis after ovulation. The increased level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) inside the follicular fluid results in the transfer of H2O2 from follicular fluid to the oocyte. The increased level of H2O2 induces p53 activation and over expression of Bax protein that modulates mitochondrial membrane potential and trigger cytochrome c release. The increased cytosolic cytochrome c level induces caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities that trigger destruction of structural and specific proteins leading to DNA fragmentation and thereby oocyte apoptosis. Based on these animal studies, we propose that NLE induces generation of ROS and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis both in granulosa cells as well as in follicular oocyte. The induction of apoptosis deteriorates oocyte quality and thereby limits reproductive outcome in mammals.

Development of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for estimation of urinary albumin.

Yearly estimation of urinary albumin is a prerequisite for predicting renal status in Diabetes Type II patients with negative dipstick results for overt proteinuria. A simple, sensitive, and cost-effective enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for urinary albumin has been developed using human serum albumin antiserum (HSA-antiserum), HSA-biotin, and streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase (SA-HRP) conjugates. To the antibody-coated wells, 100 µL of HSA standards followed by 1:100 diluted urine samples in duplicate were added and then 50 µL of HSA-biotin conjugates was added in all the wells. 100 µL of SA-HRP was added after washing. Bound enzyme activity was measured by adding 100 µL TMB/H2O2. The analytical sensitivity and ED50 of the developed method was found to be 0.01 µg/mL and 0.35 µg/mL, respectively. The percent recovery of the HSA from exogenously spiked urine pools were in the range of 98.13-100.29%. The intra- and inter-assay coefficient of variation (CVs) ranged from 3.38-10.32 % and 4.22-11.01%, respectively. The antibody showed 4.4% and 3.2% cross reactivity with monkey and horse serum albumin, respectively. There was no cross reaction with human ß2-microglobulin, γ-globulin, and haemoglobulin.

An increase of granulosa cell apoptosis mediates aqueous neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract-induced oocyte apoptosis in rat.

OBJECTIVE: Neem plant (Azadirachta indica) has been extensively used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for female fertility regulation for a long time, but its mechanism of action remains poorly understood. Hence, the present study was aimed to determine whether an increase of granulosa cell apoptosis is associated with aqueous neem leaf extract (NLE)-induced oocyte apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sexually immature female rats of 20 days old were fed NLE (50 mg/day) for 10 days and then subjected to superovulation induction protocol. The morphological changes in cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs), rate of oocyte apoptosis, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), total nitrite, and cytochrome c concentrations, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cytochrome c, p53, Bcl2 and Bax expressions, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation, and estradiol 17ß level in granulosa cells collected from preovulatory COCs were analyzed. RESULTS: Aqueous NLE increased H2O2 concentration and decreased catalase activity, increased iNOS expression and total nitrite concentration, increased p53, Bax, and p53 expressions but decreased Bcl2 expression, increased cytochrome c concentration and induced DNA fragmentation in granulosa cells. An increased granulosa cell apoptosis resulted in reduced estradiol 17ß concentration and induced apoptosis in ovulated oocytes. CONCLUSION: We conclude that aqueous NLE-induced granulosa cell apoptosis through the mitochondria-mediated pathway, reduced estradiol 17ß concentration and induced apoptosis in ovulated oocytes. Thus, granulosa cell apoptosis mediates NLE-induced oocyte apoptosis during female fertility regulation in rat.

Influence of different length spacers containing enzyme conjugate on functional parameters of progesterone ELISA.

In steroid enzyme immunoassay (EIA), there is an increase or decrease of labeled steroid recognition by antibody due to homologous and heterologous combinations of enzyme conjugate with immunogen that affects sensitivity of the assay. We have introduced three to 18 atomic length linkers between enzyme and steroid moieties and studied their effects on functional parameters such as sensitivity, ED(50), and specificity of progesterone enzyme immunoassays. Progesterone-3-carboxymethyloxime-bovine serum albumin (P-3-CMO-BSA) was used as an immunogen to raise the antiserum in New Zealand white rabbits. Five enzyme conjugates were prepared using 17-α-hydroxy-progesterone-3-carboxymethyloxime (17-α-OH-P-3-CMO) as carboxylic derivative of 17-α-hydroxy-progesterone and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as label. These were 17-α-OH-P-3-CMO-HRP, 17-α-OH-P-3-CMO-urea-HRP (17-α-OH-P-3-CMO-U-HRP), 17-α-OH-P-3-CMO-ehylenediamine-HRP (17-α-OH-P-3-CMO-EDA-HRP), 17-α-OH-P-3-CMO-carbohydrazide-HRP (17-α-OH-P-3-CMO-CH-HRP), and 17-α-OH-P-3-CMO-adipic acid dihydrazide-6-aminocaproic acid-HRP (17-α-OH-P-3-CMO-ADH-6ACA-HRP). The influence of different atomic length linkers on sensitivity, ED(50), and specificity were studied with reference to label without linker. The results of the present investigation revealed that the incorporation of ADH-6ACA spacer in 17-α-hydroxy-progesterone-enzyme conjugate improved the sensitivity in antigen plus bridge heterologous EIA system. The presence of spacer in enzyme conjugate improved the sensitivity and specificity (cross-reactivity) in some antigen plus bridge heterologous assay of progesterone.

Heterologous enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for measurement of testosterone in serum.

In steroid enzyme immunoassay (EIA), homologous and heterologous combinations of enzyme conjugate with immunogen influences labeled steroid recognition by antibodies that affect sensitivity of the assay. To develop testosterone enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antibodies were generated against testosterone-3-carboxymethyloxime-bovine serum albumin (T-3-CMO-BSA), testosterone-11-hemisuccinate-bovine serum albumin (T-11-HS-BSA), testosterone-17-hemisuccinate-bovine serum albumin (T-17-HS-BSA), testosterone-17-glucuronide-bovine serum albumin (T-17-G-BSA), and testosterone-19-carboxymethylether-bovine serum albumin (T-19-CME-BSA). Testosterone horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme conjugate were prepared using carboxyl derivatives of 11-keto-testosterone (11-keto-T) and 1-dehydrotestosterone (1-Dehydro-T). Ten combinations of heterologous assays were evaluated. The data of the present study revealed that the use of the T-11-HS-BSA antibody in antigen plus site heterologous assay that employed 11-keto-testosterone-3-CMO-HRP as the label showed binding and displacement, and led to the development of sensitive and specific assay.

Influence of different length linker containing DHEA-7-cmo-enzyme conjugates on sensitivity and specificity of DHEA-3-hs-antibody.

The introduction of spacers in coating steroid antigen or enzyme conjugates or immunogen is known to exert an influence on the sensitivity of steroid enzyme immunoassays. We have introduced different homobifunctional spacers having varying atomic length (3 to 10) between enzyme and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) moiety and studied their effects on functional parameters such as sensitivity and specificity of DHEA enzyme immunoassays. DHEA-3-hemisuccinate-bovine serum albumin (DHEA-3-HS-BSA) was used as immunogen to raise the antiserum in New Zealand white rabbits. Five enzyme conjugates were prepared using DHEA-7-carboxymethyloxime (DHEA-7-CMO) as carboxylic derivative of DHEA and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as an enzyme label. These were DHEA-7-CMO-HRP, DHEA-7-CMO-urea-HRP (DHEA-7-CMO-U-HRP), DHEA-7-CMO-ehylenediamine-HRP (DHEA-7-CMO-EDA-HRP), DHEA-7-CMO-carbohydrazide-HRP (DHEA-7-CMO-CH-HRP), and DHEA-7-CMO-adipic acid dihydrazide-HRP (DHEA-7-CMO-ADH-HRP). The influence of different atomic length linkers on sensitivity and specificity were studied with reference to label without linker. The results of the present investigation revealed that DHEA moiety having a 3-hemisuccinate carboxyl arm that is hydrophilic in nature and spacer arm urea that is also hydrophilic in nature when used for the link to the protein carrier and enzyme for the preparation of immunogen and enzyme conjugate respectively resulted in development of assay having comparable sensitivity and lowest ED(50) as compared to other spacers. Thus sensitivity and ED(50) of the assay depend partly on the nature of the steroid and spacer arm link to the carrier protein and the enzyme.

Aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf induces generation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in rat oocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Present study was aimed to determine whether aqueous neem leaf extract (NLE) induces generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis through mitochondria-mediated pathway in rat oocytes. DESIGN: A controlled prospective study. SETTING: Laboratory research setting at Department of Zoology of Banaras Hindu University. ANIMAL(S): Forty eight sexually immature female rats that were 20-30 days of age. INTERVENTION(S): Sexually immature female rats were fed palatable dose of NLE (10 mg/g dry feed palate) for 10 days and then subjected to superovulation induction protocol. Thereafter, rats were euthanized, ovulated cumulus oocyte complexes were collected from oviduct and oocytes were denuded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Rate of morphological apoptotic changes, measurement of hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and cytochrome c concentrations, caspase-9, caspases-3 activities and DNA fragmentation in oocytes. RESULTS: In vivo NLE treatment induced morphological apoptotic changes were associated with increased hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and cytochrome c concentrations, caspase-9, caspase-3 activities and DNA fragmentation in oocyte. CONCLUSION: NLE induces generation of ROS that leads to oocytes apoptosis through mitochondria-mediated pathway.

A competitive immunochromatographic strip assay for 17-α-hydroxy progesterone using colloidal gold nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: A rapid and competitive immunochromatographic strip (ICS) test has been developed using colloidal gold as nanoprobe for measuring 17-α-hydroxy progesterone in serum which is a marker for congenital adrenal hyperplasia, an inborn error of metabolism. METHODS: Colloidal gold nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by reducing chloroauric acid with sodium citrate. The corresponding protein conjugate was prepared by passive adsorption of 17-α-hydroxy progesterone-3-carboxymethyl-bovine serum albumin (17-OHP-3-CMO-BSA) immunogen on the colloidal gold surface. Both colloidal gold and its protein conjugates were characterized using standard techniques like transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) in addition to the optical characterization. The test line antibody was raised against 17-α-hydroxy progesterone-BSA immunogen and control line antibody was raised against BSA in New Zealand white rabbits. RESULTS: This test antibody showed high immunoreactivity and specificity when characterized by ELISA for 17-α-hydroxy progesterone on microtiter plate. The primary antibody was coated on the nitrocellulose membrane as test line and anti-BSA antibody was coated as control line. The ICS test was developed in competitive assay format. The sensitivity of the present immunochromatographic strip assay was reported to be 2.5 µg/l by visual observation. The signal at the test line was easily readable to the naked eye even at higher concentrations of 17-α-hydroxy progesterone normally associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: The present immunoassay takes 15 min for completion. There has not been any other lateral flow immunoassay for 17-α-hydroxy progesterone reported.