Search

Envelope gene is of great evolutionary significance and had been targeted as the vaccine candidate for dengue virus. We analyzed partial sequences of this gene to understand its genetic variability among viral isolates from Kerala state, India, if any. The current study focused on the evolutionary trends of this phylogenetically important gene among DENV-3 isolates through 2008 to 2010 outbreaks. The results gave an insight into the microevolutionary trends of the dengue viral genome. A unique mutation was recorded in the Domain II of the Envelope gene (EDII) of the viral genome at the amino acid position 219 (A219T). The evolutionary implication of this non-synonymous mutation near the EDI/EDII hinge remains to be explored. The study also provided knowledge on the genetic ancestral history of the viral isolates. Two variants of different phylogenetic origin were recorded in Kerala State. The findings in the study have significant implications on the development of dengue vaccines based on the Envelope gene of the virus.

Diabetic neuropathic pain is an important microvascular complication in diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress plays a vital role in associated neural and vascular complications. The present study investigated flavonoid rich fruit extract (ethyl acetate:methanol fraction) of E. officinalis (10 mg/kg), in type II diabetes (high fat diet fed/low dose streptozotocin) induced diabetic neuropathy in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Diabetic rats exhibited a significant hyperalgesia (nociception) as compared to control rats. Treatment with E. officinalis extract (EOE) and quercetin in diabetic rats showed significant increase in tail flick latency in hot immersion test and pain threshold level in hot plate test compared to control rats. The changes in lipid peroxidation status and anti-oxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) levels observed in diabetic rats were significantly restored by E. officinalis extract and quercetin treatment. Both, E. officinalis extract and quercetin attenuated diabetic induced axonal degeneration. The study provides experimental evidence of the preventive and curative effect of E. officinalis on nerve function and oxidative stress in animal model of diabetic neuropathy. Since, E. officinalis fruit is already in clinical use for diabetic patients it may be evaluated for preventive therapy in diabetic patients at risk of developing neuropathy.

The maximal endothelial dependent relaxation of isolated aortic rings to cumulative doses of acetylcholine was significantly decreased in the Cyclosporine-A (CSA, 20 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) treated animals compared to olive oil (CSA vehicle) treated control. Administration of antihypertensive drugs like diltiazem, enalapril or propranolol to CSA treated animals augmented the endothelial damage induced by CSA. These drugs also increased the bioavailability of CSA. However, administration of losartan to CSA treated animals produced a significant increase in endothelial dependent relaxation as compared to CSA treated control but did not affect the bioavailability of CSA significantly. The results suggest that losartan is safer compared to other antihypertensives for the treatment of CSA induced hypertension.

A non-radioactive method for in situ hybridisation of Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphic (RFLP) markers to the polytene chromosome of Anopheles gambiae, the important malaria vector, which yielded good readable quality of chromosomal bands is reported. The methodology adopted was a Biotin-Streptavidin-Alkaline Phosphatase system which yielded fluorescent signals when stained with dyes such as Nitro Blue Tetrazolium and Bromo Chloro Indolyl Phosphate.

Laboratory studies conducted on Ma. annulifera collected from Cherthala region, Kerala, endemic for Brugian filariasis indicated that this species is highly susceptible to B. malayi parasites. The experimental infection index of this species was relatively higher (2.74). No significant loss of larvae during development was recorded. The extrinsic incubation period was estimated to be 8 days.