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This study explored the maternal genetic diversity in the pig genetic resources of India by analyzing a mitochondrial D-loop fragment and comparing it with the corresponding sequences of previously published studies involving domestic pigs and wild boars. Sequencing of 103 samples representing different domestic pig populations revealed existence of 32 maternal haplotypes. The indices of haplotype and nucleotide diversity in Indian domestic pigs were 0.9421 and 0.015, respectively. Median-Joining network revealed that Indian pigs belong to Clade A and show conformity to 6 haplogroups reported worldwide (D1a, D1a1, D1a2, D1e, D1h and D3a). Among these, D1e and D1a2 were shared with Asian wild boars too. Interestingly, haplotype sharing was evident between Indian pigs and samples from other countries representing Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania. This study substantiates India's contribution as a possible pig domestication center and highlights the importance of the Indian subcontinent in dispersal of the species to other continents. Additionally, genetic evidence suggested the influence of trading routes and historical interactions in shaping pig genetic exchange. Overall, this investigation provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity, historical migration, and domestication of Indian domestic pigs, contributing to the broader understanding of global pig genetic resources and their evolutionary history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tragulids hold a significant place in the evolutionary history of mammals since they represent the basal branch of ruminants. Only three genera of tragulids are being extant to date such as Tragulus, Hyemoschus and Moschiola. In the genus Moschiola, Sri Lankan chevrotains (Moschiola meminna and Moschiola kathygre) are endemic to Sri Lanka while Moschiola indica is present in India. Sri Lankan chevrotains lack information on their population structure, distribution and molecular evidence on species identification. This leads to possible threats including habitat destruction, poaching and illegal hunting and trading under different names. In this study, genomic DNA from hair follicles was isolated from M. meminna and M. kathygre and 12S rRNA mitochondrial gene was amplified using universal primers. The PCR products were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was done on Sri Lankan chevrotains for the first time. The sequences of Sri Lankan chevrotains share 99.7% similarity as they differ only in a single InDel present in M. meminna. In silico analysis of 12S rRNA region revealed that PCR-RFLP approach can be used to differentiate the Sri Lankan chevrotains from Indian chevrotain using the restriction enzymes; Rsa I, Sca I, Hinf I and Hind III. M. kathygre and M. meminna can be differentiated from each other by using Dra I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South American leafminer, Tuta absoluta is an exotic devastative pest on solanaceous vegetables, including tomatoes, which leads to a cent per cent economic loss in India. The molecular markers assist in assessing gene flow, migratory frequencies, and genetic variety, as well as helping to evaluate the genetic makeup and diversification of an exotic species population to indigenous ones. With this, the present study aimed to investigate the genetic divergence of T. absoluta in different districts of Tamil Nadu, India. The study depicted the examination of genetic divergence of T. absoluta by aiding amplified region of mitochondrial DNA encoding cytochrome oxidase I (COI) from the T. absoluta samples gathered from Coimbatore, Dharmapuri and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu. The findings showed that the phylogenetic tree constructed from all sequences of T. absoluta acquired from the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) and BOLD (The Barcode of Life Data System) databases exhibited 99 percent identity and aggregated together into a single clade. Hence, the present study revealed the great genetic uniformity in T. absoluta populations in India and corroborates that most of the globe rely on the partial COI gene, evidenced by minimal nucleotide diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camelids are acknowledged worldwide to endure hostile conditions prevalent in the hot as well cold deserts across the globe. Adaptations to climatic extremes have been associated with mitochondrial protein variants such as ATP8 and ATP6 in different species. The camel genetic resources of India are represented by 9 breeds of dromedary camels which inhabit hot arid and semi-arid zones of the country and a small population of Bactrian camels found in the cold desert of Ladakh. In this study, within and between breed genetic diversity in Indian dromedaries and their divergence from Bactrian camels was investigated based on ATP8/6 genes. Sequence analysis of a mitochondrial DNA fragment encompassing ATP8 and ATP6 genes identified 15 haplotypes in the dromedaries of India and 3 haplotypes in Bactrian camels. The values of haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were 0.647 and 0.00187 in the former and 0.679 and 0.00098, respectively in the latter. AMOVA analysis revealed 97.81% variance between the two species. Median-Joining network delineated three distinct mitochondrial haplogroups for Camelus dromedarius, Camelus ferus and Camelus bactrianus. Clear demarcation of the old world (Dromedary and Bactrian camels) and new world camelids (Alpaca, llama, guanaco and vicugna) was evident through the phylogenetic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2006, Pattanam coastal village of the Ernakulam District in Kerala, India, has witnessed multi-disciplinary archaeological investigations in collaboration with leading research institutions across the world. The results confirm that the Pattanam site could be an integral part of the lost ancient port of Muziris, which, as per the material evidence from Pattanam and its contemporary sites, played an important role in the transoceanic exchanges between 100 BCE (Before Common Era) and 300 CE (Common Era). So far, the material evidence with direct provenance to the maritime exchanges related to ancient cultures of the Mediterranean, West Asian, Red Sea, African, and Asian regions have been identified at Pattanam. However, the genetic evidence supporting the impact of multiple cultures or their admixing is still missing for this important archaeological site of South India. Hence, in the current study, we tried to infer the genetic composition of the skeletal remains excavated from the site in a broader context of South Asian and worldwide maternal affinity. We applied the MassArray-based genotyping approach of mitochondrial makers and observed that ancient samples of Pattanam represent a mixed maternal ancestry pattern of both the West Eurasian ancestry and the South Asian ancestry. We observed a high frequency of West Eurasian haplogroups (T, JT, and HV) and South Asian-specific mitochondrial haplogroups (M2a, M3a, R5, and M6). The findings are consistent with the previously published and ongoing archaeological excavations, in which material remains from over three dozen of sites across the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Mediterranean littoral regions have been unearthed. This study confirms that people belonging to multiple cultural and linguistic backgrounds have migrated, probably settled, and eventually died on the South-western coast of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial complex I disorder and causes inexorable painless vision loss. Recent studies from India reported that a significant proportion of LHON patients lack primary mitochondrial DNA mutations, suggesting that alternative genetic factors contribute to disease development. Therefore, this study investigated the genetic profile of LHON-affected individuals in order to understand the role of mito-nuclear genetic factors in LHON. A total of thirty probands displaying symptoms consistent with LHON have undergone whole mitochondrial and whole exome sequencing. Interestingly, whole mtDNA sequencing revealed primary mtDNA mutations in 30 % of the probands (n=9), secondary mtDNA mutations in 40 % of the probands (n=12) and no mitochondrial changes in 30 % of individuals (n=9). Further, WES analysis determined pathogenic mutations in 11 different nuclear genes, especially in cases with secondary mtDNA mutations (n=6) or no mtDNA mutations (n=6). These findings provide valuable insight into LHON genetic predisposition, particularly in cases lacking primary mtDNA mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The School of Life Sciences at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India held an International Symposium on Mitochondria, Cell Death and Human Diseases on February 18–19, 2023. The meeting provided a highly interactive forum for scientific discussion, cultural exchange, and collaborations between international scientists working in diverse areas of mitochondrial biology, cell death, and cancer. The two-day symposium attracted more than 180 delegates that included leading international scientists, early career researchers in India, as well as postdoctoral fellows and students. Several of the students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty presented platform talks and had a chance to showcase the depth and emerging progress in biomedical research in India. The meeting will be instrumental for planning future congresses and symposium throughout India, not only to focus on mitochondrial biology, cell death and cancer but to foster continued ferment and collaborations in the biological sciences throughout India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the economic and ecological impact of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens infestation associated with rice cultivation in India, studies on its genetic structure are lacking. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the genetic variability of N. lugens in India. The study evaluated the diversity in N. lugens populations using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequences from India, and compared them with the Bangladesh, China and Japan populations. In all, 47 unique haplotypes were identified and the haplotype number varied from 6 to 18 in the sampled populations. Genetic diversity indices like nucleotide diversity (0.004), average number of nucleotide differences (1.98), haplotype diversity (0.667) and haplotype number (47) of N. lugens populations from India revealed a low level of genetic diversity. A highly significant negative correlation of the demographic history of N. lugens populations along with no significant sum of square deviations indicated possible recent expansion of the brown planthopper in India. A nonsignificant correlation in isolation pattern by distance results indicated that geographic barriers present in the country are not sufficient for genetic differentiation among N. lugens from different migratory populations. In this study, the genetic diversity of N. lugens populations from India is compared with other Asian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulicat Lake is one of India's most valuable ecosystems. Correct species identification is essential for the conservation and management of finite resources. Molecular signatures and character-based keys could be used for faster identification. This will be a powerful tool to obtain a significant amount of accurate information quickly and conveniently and could be used for forensic applications and the conservation of fish in Indian waters. Methods: In addition to morphological identification, the species were identified using various approaches, such as Neighbourjoining (NJ), Maximum Likelihood (ML) trees and the Character-based method. For each species, the LOGic (BLOG 2.0) DNA Barcode analysis method was used to identify different positions of key diagnostic nucleotides in a given set. Result: DNA barcodes were generated from twenty-nine species of fish representing seven orders, 26 genera and 21 families in this study. The current study's findings show that the 16S rRNA barcodes facilitated successful fish species identification and also provided phylogenetic information to differentiate the fishes. The character-based molecular diagnostic keys for fishes were also developed in-silico from the data set comprising 393 mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences including the sequences generated in the present study and other published resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The 9th SMRM- India titled "Mitochondria in Biology and Medicine" was organized at the CDFD, Hyderabad, India. • Latest advancements in the field of mitochondrial biology and medicine were discussed. • Platform for researchers and clinicians to discuss major gaps, encourage recent improvements in healthy behaviors among the public. Mitochondria are an indispensable part of the cell that plays a crucial role in regulating various signaling pathways, energy metabolism, cell differentiation, proliferation, and cell death. Since mitochondria have their own genetic material, they differ from their nuclear counterparts, and dysregulation is responsible for a broad spectrum of diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with several disorders, including neuro-muscular disorders, cancer, and premature aging, among others. The intricacy of the field is due to the cross-talk between nuclear and mitochondrial genes, which has also improved our knowledge of mitochondrial functions and their pathogenesis. Therefore, interdisciplinary research and communication are crucial for mitochondrial biology and medicine due to the challenges they pose for diagnosis and treatment. The ninth annual conference of the Society for Mitochondria Research and Medicine (SMRM)- India, titled "Mitochondria in Biology and Medicine" was organized at the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India, on June 21–23, 2023. The latest advancements in the field of mitochondrial biology and medicine were discussed at the conference. In this article, we summarize the entire event for the benefit of researchers working in the field of mitochondrial biology and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) has recently received emergency approval for the treatment of COVID-19 in India, after a successful clinical trial. SARS-CoV-2 infection of cultured cells is accompanied by elevated glycolysis and decreased mitochondrial function, whereas 2DG represses glycolysis and stimulates respiration, and restricts viral replication. While 2DG has pleiotropic effects on cell metabolism in cultured cells it is not known which of these manifests in vivo. On the other hand, it is known that 2DG given continuously can have severe detrimental effects on the rodent heart. Here, we show that the principal effect of an extended, intermittent 2DG treatment on mice is to augment the mitochondrial respiratory chain proteome in the heart; importantly, this occurs without vacuolization, hypertrophy or fibrosis. The increase in the heart respiratory chain proteome suggests an increase in mitochondrial oxidative capacity, which could compensate for the energy deficit caused by the inhibition of glycolysis. Thus, 2DG in the murine heart appears to induce a metabolic configuration that is the opposite of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells, which could explain the compound's ability to restrict the propagation of the virus to the benefit of patients with COVID-19 disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vermileonidae (wormlions) comprises 61 described species in 12 genera and is one of the oddest and most rarely collected dipteran families. Larvae of Vermileonidae are famous for their pitfall prey behaviour, whereas the adults are rarely seen. Here we report, for the first time, the complete mitochondrial genome from members of Vermileonidae. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on a representative sampling of the order reveals new insights into relationships between the Vermileonidae and other members of lower brachyceran flies. A sister-group relationship between Vermileonidae and Xylophagidae is supported, and the higher-level clade relationships are Tabanomorpha + (Muscomorpha + (Xylophagomorpha + Stratiomyomorpha)). Combining mitochondrial genome data with a morphological phylogeny, geographical distribution and geological history, we propose that the Vermileonidae originated in India during the Middle Jurassic, spreading to Africa via land bridges during the Late Jurassic, to the Palaearctic after the collision of India with Laurasia in the Late Oligocene, and to the Nearctic in the Early Miocene, via either North Atlantic or Beringian land bridges. Wet forested regions have proved to be barriers to their dispersal, explaining their absence from Central Africa, South America and eastern North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric carcinoma, in India, is the second most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths since most patients are asymptomatic until the disease progresses to advanced stages. Hence, there is a need for non-invasive and specific biomarkers for early screening and diagnosis. Human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has 37 genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation pathway (OxPhos). There are several 100 to 1000 mitochondria in a human cell and each mitochondrion has two to 10 copies of mtDNA. There is a significant association between the mtDNA copy number and an increase in risk of various cancers. There is also a relation between the changes in the sequence of mtDNA in genes, such as MT-CYB, MT-ATP6 and gastric cancer, according to which the tumor cells switch to aerobic glycolysis for ATP production even in the presence of oxygen due to Warburg effect. Multiple factors have an adverse effect on mitochondrial gene expression and impairs the OxPhos pathway due to lack of sophisticated DNA repair mechanism in mitochondria. Techniques, such as Next Generation Sequencing and Whole Genome Sequencing, are capable of early detection of copy number variants and mtDNA mutations in blood sample essential for better prognosis of gastric cancer. Through the course of this study, various reports of a correlation between mtDNA damage and gastric cancer were analyzed and it was found that the increasing evidence of the role of mtDNA and its copy number in cancer indicates its significance as a potential biomarker for gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current knowledge of mitochondrial biology and function has provided tools and technologies that helped a better understanding of the molecular etiology of complex mitochondrial disorders. Dual genetic control of this subcellular organelle function regulates various signaling mechanisms which are essential for metabolism, bioenergetics, fatty acid biosynthesis, and DNA replication & repair. Understanding nuclear mitochondrial crosstalk through advanced genomics as well as clinical perspectives is the overall basis of mitochondrial research and medicine, also the sole objective of Society for Mitochondrial Medicine and Research (SMRM) - India. The eighth virtual international conference on 'Advances in Mitochondrial Medicine and Translational Research' was organized at the Manipal School of Life Sciences, MAHE, Manipal, India, during 6 – 7 November 2020. The aim of the virtual conference was to highlight the recent advances and future perspectives that represent comprehensive clinical and fundamental research interests in the area of mitochondrial biology of human diseases. To systematically present the various findings in mitochondrial biology, the meeting was themed with specific aspects comprising (a) mitochondrial disorders: clinical & genomic perspectives, (b) mitochondria in cancer, (c) mitochondrial metabolism & disorders, and (d) mitochondrial diseases & therapy. This report provides an overview of the recent advancements in the area of mitochondrial biology and medicine that was discussed at the conference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adulteration of meat with their cheaper or inferior counterparts has become a common practice in the meat industry which threatens the feelings as well as the health of the people. Meat adulteration has issues relating to social, religious, economic, and public health. Therefore, it is important to develop simple and reliable techniques for the authentication of species of meat. Mitochondrial markers have been widely used in species identification and authentication as PCR of species-specific markers of mitochondrial origin is relatively rapid, accurate, sensitive and cost-effective as compared to other PCR based assays. The present study was carried out for authentication of raw and cooked meat from different species using PCR amplification of species-specific Cytb and D-loop markers of mitochondrial origin. Methods: In this study, detection of different raw meat viz. beef, carabeef, mutton, chevon, chicken, duck meat and dog meat as well as meat samples subjected to different processing temperatures was done using PCR of species-specific mitochondrial Cytb and Dloop markers. Samples of beef, carabeef, mutton, chevon, chicken, duck meat and dog meat were collected randomly from different locations of the North-Eastern region of India. The meat samples were subjected to heat treatment in hot water (80°C) to have 75°C core temperature. They were also cooked in steam to have the core temperature of 95°C. The samples were also subjected to autoclaving at a temperature of 121°C and 15 lb pressure. Result: The markers used in this study successfully amplified unique fragments for beef, carabeef, mutton, chevon, chicken, duck meat and dog meat. The sizes of the amplified products were 126 bp for beef, 226 bp for carabeef, 254 bp for mutton, 453 bp for chevon, 256 bp for chicken, 292 bp for duck meat and 100 bp for dog meat. The results were consistent in the meat samples which were subjected to different cooking temperatures ranging from 75-121°C. Consequently, these markers were validated for crossamplification by checking them with other meat samples and no amplifications were observed in non-target species. The results suggested that all the markers were highly specific for the target species. The simplicity, sensitivity and stability of the assay indicated that this method could be very useful for meat authentication and thereby to detect adulteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an important pest of cotton in India. The study of taxonomic diversity and its distribution on cotton is lacking. Such studies are necessary to identify the genetic groups of B. tabaci and its distribution on cotton in India. The proper identification of genetic groups and their distribution, which, ultimately, can lead to the timely development and utilization of management practices. The current study was undertaken to explore the genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of B. tabaci from all the three major cotton growing zones representing different agro-climatic conditions of India. 290 partial mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (mt COI) sequences of whitefly population of six major cotton-growing states covering 22 districts were used in the analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two monophyletic clades, Asia I and Asia II1 genetic groups represents South-Central India and North India respectively. Asia II1 is found more predominately distributed in the cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) disease-prone north Indian cotton-growing states. Higher genetic divergence (16.8–19.2%) was observed between the populations of Asia I and Asia II1 genetic group. Genetic differentiation analysis confirmed the phylogeographic structure of B. tabaci as isolated by distance. Our results in mapping the distribution of genetic groups in cotton ecosystems paved the way for the further studies and formulation of area-wide management practices for cotton whitely in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent molecular systematic studies of arvicoline voles of the genera Neodon, Lasiopodomys, Phaiomys, and Microtus from Central Asia suggest the inclusion of Phaiomys leucurus, Microtus clarkei, and Lasiopodomys fuscus into Neodon and moving Neodon juldaschi into Microtus (Blanfordimys). In addition, three new species of Neodon (N. linzhiensis, N. medogensis, and N. nyalamensis) have recently been described from Tibet. Analyses of concatenated mitochondrial (Cytb, COI) and nuclear (Ghr, Rbp3) genes recovered Neodon as a well-supported monophyletic clade including all the recently described and relocated species. Kimura-2-parameter distance between Neodon from western Nepal compared to N. sikimensis (K2P = 13.1) and N. irene (K2P = 13.4) was equivalent to genetic distances observed between recognized species of this genus. The specimens sampled from western Nepal were recovered sister to N. sikimensis in the concatenated analysis. However, analyses conducted exclusively with mitochondrial loci did not support this relationship. The occlusal patterns of the first lower (m1) and third upper (M3) molars were simpler in specimens from western Nepal in comparison to N. sikimensis from eastern Nepal and India. Twelve craniodental characters and four external field measurements were examined from specimens of N. sikimensis from eastern Nepal and India, N. irene, and Neodon from western Nepal. Neodon from western Nepal were significantly different from N. sikimensis from eastern Nepal and India in ten out of 16 characters measured and from N. irene for all characters except ear height. Specimens from western Nepal were smaller in size than N. sikimensis from Eastern Nepal and India and larger than N. irene. Together the results of the molecular and morphological analyses indicate that Neodon from western Nepal are distinct under the phylogenetic, genetic and morpho species concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA barcoding was successfully used for the accurate identification of chondrichthyans in the Indian commercial marine fishery. About 528 specimens of 111 chondrichthyan species and 34 families, collected from the Indian EEZ, were barcoded for a 655 bp region of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI). Generally, five specimens per species were barcoded, but numbers ranged from 2 to 13. The average Kimura 2 parameter (K2P) distance separating individuals within species was 0.32%, and the average distance separating species within genera was 6.73%. Ten species were suggested as putative new species requiring formal descriptions. Based on the morphology and molecular support, 11 elasmobranch species were confirmed first records for Indian waters. The present study confirms the ability of DNA barcoding for the accurate identification of sharks, rays, and their products from Indian waters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Shruti Patrick is first author on 'YAP1-mediated regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in IDH1 mutant gliomas', published in JCS. Shruti is a PhD student in the lab of Ellora Sen at National Brain Research Centre, Haryana, India, investigating the differential roles of potential therapeutic targets in the context of IDH1 wild-type and IDH1 mutant gliomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkia javanica is a leguminous tree, various parts of which are used as food and folklore medicine by the ethnic groups of northeastern India. The present study investigates the in vitro and in vivo anticancer effect of aqueous methanol extract of P. javanica fruit (PJE). HPLC analysis was done to establish the fingerprint chromatogram of PJE and its in vitro radical scavenging activity was measured. PJE caused significant cytotoxicity in sarcoma-180 (S-180), A549, AGS, and MDA-MB435S cancer cells in vitro. Exploration of the mechanistic details in S-180 cells suggested that the reduced cell viability was mediated by induction of apoptosis. Increased expression of proapoptotic proteins such as p53, p21, Bax/Bcl2, cytochrome c (Cyt c), caspase 9, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and decrease in proliferative and antiapoptotic markers (Ki-67, Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen [PCNA], Bcl-2) validated the anticancer effect of PJE. A decline in the relative fluorescence emission upon staining S-180 cells with Rhodamine 123 (Rh 123), enhanced expression of cytosolic Cyt c and mitochondrial Bax, and inhibition of apoptosis in the presence of caspase- 9 inhibitor in PJE-treated cells indicated intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Liver function test and hepatic antioxidant enzymes demonstrated non-toxicity of PJE. Finally, the detection of PJE in sera by HPLC confirmed its bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhydra fluctuans Lour. (Asteraceae), an edible aquatic herb, is traditionally employed against toxic effects of heavy metals in India. The present study was planned to discover the protective effect of edible extract of E. fluctuans (AEEF) against Pb toxicity. Methods: The cytoprotective role of AEEF was determined on murine hepatocytes employing MTT assay and Hoechst staining. The effects on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, endogenous redox systems and the transcription levels of apoptotic proteins were studied after incubating the hepatocytes with AEEF (400 μg/ml) + Pb-acetate (6.8 μM). The defensive role of AEEF (100 mg/kg) against Pb-acetate (5 mg/kg) intoxication was measured in mice by in vivo assays. Biochemical, haematological and histological parameters, intracellular Pb burden and redox status were measured. Results: AEEF exhibited a concentration dependent cytoprotective effect against Pb-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. Pb-acetate incubation significantly (p < 0.01) altered the extents of ROS production ↑, protein carbonylation ↑, lipid peroxidation ↑, endogenous antioxidant enzymes ↓ and GSH ↓ in vitro. Besides, Pb-acetate significantly (p < 0.01) induced apoptosis in the hepatocytes apparent from the altered expressions of apoptotic proteins viz. Apaf-1 ↑, Bad ↑, Bcl-2 ↓, Cyt C ↑, cleaved caspases↑, Bid ↑ and Fas ↑. However, AEEF (400 μg/ml) could significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) attenuate the Pb-acetate mediated toxic manifestation in vitro. In in vivo assay, Pb-acetate (5 mg/kg) treated mice exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) high intracellular Pb content. A high Pb-burden within the tissues caused significant (p < 0.05–0.01) patho-physiological alterations viz. ROS production ↑, protein carbonylation↑, lipid peroxidation ↑, DNA fragmentation ↑, ATP formation ↑, mitochondrial co-enzymes Q ↓, endogenous antioxidant enzymes ↓ and GSH ↓ within the selected tissues. The haematological and serum biochemical parameters were significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) different in the Pb-acetate treated mice. Finally, histological assessment imposed significant toxic occurrence within the organs of Pb-intoxicated animals. However, concurrent administration of AEEF (100 mg/kg) could significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) reinstate the Pb-acetate mediated toxicity. Conclusion: Presence of metal chelators and phyto-antioxidants within AEEF would offer overall protection through promoting Pb clearance coupled with restoring redox balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ocimum sanctum L. (O. tenuiflorum) family-Lamiaceae is an important component of Indian tradition of medicine as well as culture around the world, and hence is known as "Holy basil" in India. This plant is mentioned in the ancient texts of Ayurveda as an "elixir of life" (life saving) herb and worshipped for over 3000 years due to its healing properties. Although used in various ailments, validation of molecules for differential activities is yet to be fully analyzed, as about 80% of the patents on this plant are on extracts or the plant parts, and mainly focussed on essential oil components. With a view to understand the full metabolic potential of this plant whole nuclear and chloroplast genomes were sequenced for the first time combining the sequence data from 4 libraries and three NGS platforms. Results: The saturated draft assembly of the genome was about 386 Mb, along with the plastid genome of 142,245 bp, turning out to be the smallest in Lamiaceae. In addition to SSR markers, 136 proteins were identified as homologous to five important plant genomes. Pathway analysis indicated an abundance of phenylpropanoids in O. sanctum. Phylogenetic analysis for chloroplast proteome placed Salvia miltiorrhiza as the nearest neighbor. Comparison of the chemical compounds and genes availability in O. sanctum and S. miltiorrhiza indicated the potential for the discovery of new active molecules. Conclusion: The genome sequence and annotation of O. sanctum provides new insights into the function of genes and the medicinal nature of the metabolites synthesized in this plant. This information is highly beneficial for mining biosynthetic pathways for important metabolites in related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder and is genetically heterogeneous. Apart from nuclear gene mutations, a number of inherited mitochondrial mutations have also been implicated. The m.1555A>G mutation in the mitochondrial MT-RNR1 gene is reported as the most common mutation causing nonsyndromic hearing loss in various ethnic populations. We report here for the first time the clinical, genetic and molecular characterisation of a single large five-generational Tamil-speaking South Indian family with maternally inherited nonsyndromic postlingual hearing loss. Molecular analysis led to identification of m.1555A>G in 28 maternal relatives with variable degree of phenotypic expression. The penetrance of hearing loss among the maternal relatives in this family was 55%. Sequence analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome in 36 members of this pedigree identified 25 known variants and one novel variant co-transmitted along with m.1555A>G mutation. The mtDNA haplotype analysis revealed that the maternal relatives carry the R*T2 haplotype similar to Europeans and South Asians. Sequencing of the coding exon of GJB2 nuclear gene did not show any pathogenic mutations. The results suggest that other nuclear or environmental modifying factors could have played a role in the differential expression of mutation m.1555A>G in postlingual hearing loss in this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological importance: The blister beetles Epicauta hirticornis and Mylabris cichorii are used as a folk medicine by the Karbi tribe in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, India for the treatment of different human ailments, including cancer cases. Aim of the study: It includes field survey related to zoo-therapeutic aspects of two blister beetles in Karbi community, isolation of bio-active compound and evaluation of its antitumor potential with possible mode of action against murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Materials and methods: The main bio-active compound of blister beetles was isolated from ethyl acetate extract and the structure was confirmed as cantharidin using NMR, IR, Mass and X-ray diffractometer. The effect of cantharidin on apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy and the apoptosis related signaling pathways were determined using different bioassays, including cell cycle analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential, western blot analysis of cytochrome c, caspases 9, 3/7 assays, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Results: Cantharidin induced apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy cell death in EAC cells. The decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential was observed, which may help to release cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. Cantharidin treatment caused up-regulation of caspases 9 and −3/7 and a decrease in LDH activity in EAC cells. Conclusion: The major bioactive compound of these blister beetles is cantharidin which induces severe apoptosis in EAC cells involving mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. Cantharidin-mediated inhibition of LDH activity may lead to short supply of NAD+ and cut off energy and anabolic supply to cancer cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study investigates the mitochondrial DNA diversity in 154 Indian sheep from 19 breeds/populations from 3 different agroecological regions. A total of 37 haplotypes could be distinguished in Indian sheep. Overall values of nucleotide and haplotype diversities were 0.0017 and 0.60 respectively. The breeds of southern peninsular region showed high haplotype diversity (0.74). Two maternal lineages (haplogroups A and B) could be identified with haplogroup A predominating over haplogroup B. Network profile revealed a star burst phylogeny for haplogroup A. Signatures of recent population expansion were evident from unimodal patterns of mismatch distribution as well as significant negative values of Tajima''s D and Fu''s Fs tests. Apart from the maternal lineages A and B, no other known lineage was detected. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Mucuna pruriens Linn. (M. pruriens) is a leguminous plant that has been recognized as an herbal medicine for improving fertility and related disorders in the Indian traditional system of medicine, however without proper scientific validations. Aim of the study: To study the effect of ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens on mitochondrial dysfunction and the DNA damage in hyperglycemic rat epididymal spermatozoa. Materials and methods: Male Wistar albino rats were divided as control (Sham), diabetes induced [streptozotocin 60mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) in 0.1M citrate buffer] (STZ), diabetic rats administered with 200mg/kg b.w. of extract (STZ+MP) and normal rats administered with 200mg/kg b.w. of extract (Sham+MP). M. pruriens was administered (gavage) once daily for a period of 60 days. On 60th day animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation sperm were collected from epididymis and subjected various analysis like antioxidants, ROS, lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage, chromosomal integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Results: Significant reduction in the sperm count, motility, viability and significant increase in the number of abnormal sperm in STZ compared to sham was noticed. STZ rat sperm showed significant increase in LPO and DNA damage. Both the enzymic and non-enzymic were decreased; MMP and the mitochondrial functions were severely affected in STZ group. The diabetic rats supplemented with M. pruriens showed a remarkable recovery in antioxidant levels and reduced LPO with well preserved sperm DNA. MMP and mitochondrial function test were also preserved in STZ+MP rat sperm. Conclusion: The present study has clearly demonstrated the potency of M. pruriens to reduce the diabetic induced sperm damage induced by oxidative stress (OS). These observations are encouraging to perform similar studies in human. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, exists as two morphs of a single species, a sighted surface morph and a blind cavefish. In addition to eye regression, cavefish have an increased number of taste buds, maxillary teeth and have an altered craniofacial skeleton compared to the sighted morph. We investigated the effect the lens has on the development of the surrounding skeleton, by ablating the lens at different time points during ontogeny. This unique long-term study sheds light on how early embryonic manipulations on the eye can affect the shape of the adult skull more than a year later, and the developmental window during which time these effects occur. The effects of lens ablation were analyzed by whole-mount bone staining, immunohistochemisty and landmark based morphometric analyzes. Our results indicate that lens ablation has the greatest impact on the skeleton when it is ablated at one day post fertilisation (dpf) compared to at four dpf. Morphometric analyzes indicate that there is a statistically significant difference in the shape of the supraorbital bone and suborbital bones four through six. These bones expand into the eye orbit exhibiting plasticity in their shape. Interestingly, the number of caudal teeth on the lower jaw is also affected by lens ablation. In contrast, the shape of the calvariae, the length of the mandible, and the number of mandibular taste buds are unaltered by lens removal. We demonstrate the plasticity of some craniofacial elements and the stability of others in the skull. Furthermore, this study highlights interactions present between sensory systems during early development and sheds light on the cavefish phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stevioside is a diterpene glycoside found in the leaf of Stevia rebaudiana, a traditional oriental medicinal herb, which has been shown to have various biological and ethno-medicinal activities including antitumor activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of stevioside on the cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis, and the putative pathways of its action in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). For the analysis of apoptotic pathway, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and assessment of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) were achieved. We showed that stevioside was a potent inducer of apoptosis and it conveyed the apoptotic signal via intracellular ROS generation; thereby inducing change in MTP and induction of mitochondrial mediated apoptotic pathway. Taken together, our data indicated that stevioside induces the ROS-mediated mitochondrial permeability transition and results in the increased expression of apoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-9. Effect of stevioside on stress-related transcription factors like NF-E2-related factor-2 opens up a new vista for further studies. This is the first report on the mechanism of the antibreast cancer (in vitro) activity of stevioside. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological benign disease that shares several features similar to malignancy. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations have been reported in all most all types of tumors. However, it is not known as to whether mtDNA mutations are associated with endometriosis. Methodology: We sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome of analogous ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues along with blood samples from 32 advanced stage endometriosis patients to analyze the role of somatic and germ-line mtDNA variations in pathogenesis of endometriosis. All ectopic tissues were screened for tumor-specific mtDNA deletions and microsatellite instability (MSI). We also performed mtDNA haplogrouping in 128 patients and 90 controls to identify its possible association with endometriosis risk. Principal Findings: We identified 51 somatic (novel: 31; reported: 20) and 583 germ-line mtDNA variations (novel: 53; reported: 530) in endometriosis patients. The A13603G, a novel missense mutation which leads to a substitution from serine to glycine at the codon 423 of ND5 gene showed 100% incidence in ectopic tissues. Interestingly, eutopic endometrium and peripheral leukocytes of all the patients showed heteroplasmy (A/G; 40-80%) at this locus, while their ectopic endometrium showed homoplasmic mutant allele (G/G). Superimposition of native and mutant structures of ND5 generated by homology modeling revealed no structural differences. Tumor-specific deletions and MSI were not observed in any of the ectopic tissues. Haplogrouping analysis showed a significant association between haplogroup M5 and endometriosis risk (P: 0.00069) after bonferroni correction. Conclusions: Our findings substantiate the rationale for exploring the mitochondrial genome as a biomarker for the diagnosis of endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemidesmus indicus (HI) is used in ancient Indian traditional herbal medicine to treat hepatic and renal disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of HI aqueous extract against bromobenzene induced mitochondrial dysfunction in rat kidneys. Rats were administered bromobenzene with or without prior administration of HI or vitamin E. At the end of the experiment animals were sacrificed and kidneys were obtained to study mitochondrial function, oxidative stress parameters and histopathology. Administration of bromobenzene caused significant changes like: decrease in the mitochondrial respiration and P/O ratios, increase in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, and decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in mitochondria with significant histopathological changes in the kidney. Prior administration of HI extract showed a significant protection against bromobenzene induced changes in the kidney and this effect is attributed to the antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of the HI. The protection was much better with HI compared to vitamin E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Night frogs (Nyctibatrachidae) form a family endemic to the Western Ghats, a hill chain along the west coast of southern India. Extant members of this family are descendants of a lineage that originated on the subcontinent during its longtime isolation in the Late Cretaceous. Because the evolutionary history of Nyctibatrachidae has always been tightly connected to the subcontinent, these tropically-adapted frogs are an ideal group for studying how patterns of endemism originated and evolved during the Cenozoic in the Western Ghats. We used a combined set of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA fragments to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of 120 ingroup specimens of all known species of Nyctibatrachidae. Our analyses indicate that, although this family had an early origin on the Indian subcontinent, the early diversification of extant nyctibatrachids happened only in the Eocene. Biogeographic analyses show that dispersal across the Palghat gap and Shencottah gap was limited, which led to clade endemism within mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. It is likely that multiple biota have been affected simultaneously by these prominent geographical barriers. Our study therefore further highlights the importance of considering the Western Ghats–Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot as an assemblage of distinct mountain regions, each containing endemism and deserving attention in future conservation planning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethanopharmacological relevance: Fumaria parviflora Lam. is used for treating aches and pains, diarrhea, fever, influenza and other complications. The herb mixed with honey is taken to prevent vomiting as per Ayurvedic text. Aim of the study: In vivo studies were conducted to explore the hepatoprotective potential of Fumaria parviflora Lam. Fp extract against nimesulide induced oxidative stress and regulation of critical events in mitochondria mediated apoptosis. Materials and methods: Group of Wistar rats were fed with nimesulide for 5 days (80mg/kg/day, po), another group was pre-treated with Fp extract/silymarin (200mg/kg/day, po) for 5 days followed by nimesulide exposure. Liver serum biomarkers and histopathology were done to assess hepatotoxicity caused by nimesulide. Antioxidant enzymes (SOD, LPO, GPx, GR) were assessed using biochemical assays as well as gene expression by RT-PCR. GSH content and ROS generation was also evaluated using flow cytometry. Key apoptotic markers like phosphatidyl serine externalization, Bax, Bcl-2 translocation, mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release, caspases (9/3) activation and DNA damage were also observed in all the groups to confirm involvement of mitochondrial pathway. Results: Pre-treatment with Fp extract for 5 days significantly reduced the impact of nimesulide induced toxicity as evident from the serum biomarkers of liver damage and histopathology. It also modulated antioxidant enzymes mRNA expression as well as activity (SOD, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase) and reduced lipid peroxidation during nimesulide toxicity. Nimesulide exposure decreased GSH content (92.9%) and increased reactive oxygen species (9.29 fold) which was attenuated in Fp treated rats. Fp pre-treatment significantly altered key apoptotic events like Bcl2 and Bax translocation, inhibited mitochondrial depolarization, prevented cytochrome c release, caspase-9/caspase-3 activation and DNA damage. Conclusion: Our in vivo findings regarding protection accorded by Fp extract against nimesulide toxicity suggest that Fp not only reduced hepatotoxicity but attenuated critical control points of apoptotic cell death. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Together, Indian plus Seychelles caeciliid caecilian amphibians (Gymnophiona) constitute approximately 10% of the extant species of this order. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of all but one (or two) nominal species (16, in five genera) is presented based on mitochondrial (12S, 16S, cytb, cox1) and nuclear (RAG1) sequence data. Results strongly support monophyly of both Seychelles and peninsular Indian caeciliids, and their sister-group status. Within the Indian caeciliids, Indotyphlus and Gegeneophis are monophyletic sister genera. The phylogenetic position of Gegeneophis ramaswamii, Gegeneophis seshachari, and Gegeneophis carnosus are not well resolved, but all lie outside a well-supported clade of most northern Western Ghats Gegeneophis (madhavai, mhadeiensis, goaensis, danieli/nadkarnii). Most nominal species of Indian caeciliid are diagnosed by robust haplotype clades, though the systematics of G. carnosus-like forms in northern Kerala and southern Karnataka requires substantial further investigation. For the most part, Indian caeciliid species comprise narrowly distributed, allopatric taxa with low genetic diversity. Much greater geographic genetic diversity exists among populations referred to G. seshachari, such that some populations likely represent undescribed species. This, the first phylogenetic analysis of Indian caeciliids, generally provides additional support for recent increases in described species (eight since 1999), and a framework for ongoing taxonomic revision. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Emblica officinalis fruit (EO), commonly known as Amla is a reputed traditional medicine and functional food used in Indian subcontinent. It has long been used in Indian folk medicine to treat liver diseases, stomach ulcers, inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, geriatric complaints, skin disorders and beauty care. Aim of the study: Recently, it has been shown to promote pro-collagen content and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase levels in skin fibroblast. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of EO to inhibit UVB-induced photo-aging in human skin fibroblasts. Materials and methods: Mitochondrial activity of human skin fibroblasts was measured by MTT-assay. Quantifications of pro-collagen 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) release were performed by immunoassay techniques. Hyaluronidase inhibition assay was studied in vitro using bovine testicular hyaluronidase and human umbilical cord hyaluronic acid. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flowcytometry using propidium iodide. Results: EO stimulated, the otherwise UVB inhibited cellular proliferation and protected pro-collagen 1 against UVB-induced depletion via inhibition of UVB-induced MMP-1 in skin fibroblasts (10–40μg/mL, p >0.001). EO exhibited inhibitory activity of hyaluronidase (10–40μg/mL, p >0.001). Treatment with EO also prevented UVB disturbed cell cycle to normal phase. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggests that EO effectively inhibits UVB-induced photo-aging in human skin fibroblast via its strong ROS scavenging ability and its therapeutic and cosmetic applications remain to be explored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Barringtonia racemosa has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. The antitumor property of the seed extract of this plant in mice model promotes us to search for the active component present in the fruit extract. Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (QOR) has been isolated from the fruits of this plant for the first time and quantified by HPLC method. The compound was identified by IR, mass, and NMR (1D, 2D) spectral data analysis. QOR showed dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative activity in several leukemic cell lines with negligible effect on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC). A representative T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line (MOLT-3) showed phosphatidyl serine externalization and DNA fragmentation, indicating QOR-induced programed cell death. We established that QOR-induced apoptosis occurred preferentially on accumulation of cells in the sub-G0 phase and genomic DNA fragmentation through the activation of mitochondria-dependent caspase cascade for the first time in T-lineage ALL cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the association of the risk of oral cancer with common mitochondrial polymorphisms and autosomal GSTP1 locus based on a study in India. The study screened polymorphisms at mitochondrial loci in patients with cancer and leukoplakia by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction length polymorphism (RFLP). It found that the major alleles A at 12,308 nucleotide pair increased the risk of cancer in smokers but did not increase the risk of leukoplakia.

Water buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) is broadly classified into river and swamp categories, but it remains disputed whether these two types were independently domesticated, or if they are the result of a single domestication event. In this study, we sequenced the mitochondrial D-loop region and cytochrome b gene of 217 and 80 buffalo respectively from eight breeds/locations in northern, north-western, central and southern India and compared our results with published Mediterranean and swamp buffalo sequences. Using these data, river and swamp buffalo were distinguished into two distinct clades. Based upon the existing knowledge of cytogenetic, ecological and phenotypic parameters, molecular data and present-day distribution of the river and swamp buffalo, we suggest that these two types were domesticated independently, and that classification of the river and swamp buffalo as two related subspecies is more appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) are a major fruit crop in the world. Grapes seem to confer health benefits due to their antioxidant activity. We have evaluated the antioxidant potential of 11 grapes varieties from India and nearby Asian countries. The assays employed involve different levels of antioxidant action like ferric reducing antioxidant power, radical scavenging by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ferrylmyoglobin/2,2'-azobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The total phenolic and flavonoids contents were also estimated. Our study indicates that cv. Mango is the most potent followed by Sharad Seedless. Ethanolic extracts were found to be more effective than aqueous extracts. Cv. Sharad Seedless, Mango, and Manikchaman also had high ORAC values. Their HPLC analysis showed the presence of various antioxidant polyphenols. In conclusion our studies identified some varieties of grapes with high antioxidant activities and showed that their high antioxidant potential may be due to their phenolic and flavonoid contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Macrohaplogroups 'M' and 'N' have evolved almost in parallel from a founder haplogroup L3. Macrohaplogroup N in India has already been defined in previous studies and recently the macrohaplogroup M among the Indian populations has been characterized. In this study, we attempted to reconstruct and re-evaluate the phylogeny of Macrohaplogroup M, which harbors more than 60% of the Indian mtDNA lineage, and to shed light on the origin of its deep rooting haplogroups. Results: Using 11 whole mtDNA and 2231 partial coding sequence of Indian M lineage selected from 8670 HVS1 sequences across India, we have reconstructed the tree including Andamanesespecific lineage M31 and calculated the time depth of all the nodes. We defined one novel haplogroup M41, and revised the classification of haplogroups M3, M18, and M31. Conclusion: Our result indicates that the Indian mtDNA pool consists of several deep rooting lineages of macrohaplogroup 'M' suggesting in-situ origin of these haplogroups in South Asia, most likely in the India. These deep rooting lineages are not language specific and spread over all the language groups in India. Moreover, our reanalysis of the Andamanese-specific lineage M31 suggests population specific two clear-cut subclades (M31a1 and M31a2). Onge and Jarwa share M31a1 branch while M31a2 clade is present in only Great Andamanese individuals. Overall our study supported the one wave, rapid dispersal theory of modern humans along the Asian coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the origin of the codon 47 (+A) b-thalassaemia mutation among the Nicobarese of the Andaman and Nicobar islands of India. Genetic studies based on mitochondrial DNA haplotypes were taken into account. Brief description and information about other findings and polymerase chain reaction is further presented.