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This article shows the adequacy of the custom-built optical imaging system in the advancement investigation of obese mice. Obesity is defined as increased adipose/fatty mass resulting from a chronic imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. The in vivo investigation was performed for the tissue characterization of obese mice utilizing swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) for in situ examination and histology of delicate tissues in mice skin. It provides a noninvasive, painless visualization of the subsurface in life systems. Our SSOCT system's data is comparable to the regular invasive histology. Cross-assessment is done in various skin layers in obese mice like epidermis, papillary dermis, dermis, and fat tissue, which are likewise separated from the nonobese mice group. Histopathology results were further assessed with the obtained SSOCT results. This high precision of characterizing tissues using SSOCT helps us perform in vivo imaging and can also be used for the variable purpose of clinical practice.

Insulin resistance is a major pathophysiological feature in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Ferulic acid is known for attenuating the insulin resistance and reducing the blood glucose in T2DM rats. In this work, we designed and synthesized a library of new ferulic acid amides (FAA), which could be considered as ring opening derivatives of the antidiabetic PPARγ agonists Thiazolidinediones (TZDs). However, since these compounds displayed weak PPAR transactivation capacity, we employed a proteomics approach to unravel their molecular target(s) and identified the peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) as a direct binding target of FAAs. Interestingly, PRDX1, a protein with antioxidant and chaperone activity, has been implied in the development of T2DM by inducing hepatic insulin resistance. SPR, mass spectrometry-based studies, docking experiments and in vitro inhibition assay confirmed that compounds VIe and VIf bound PRDX1 and induced a dose-dependent inhibition. Furthermore, VIe and VIf significantly improved hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced diabetic rats as confirmed by histopathological examinations. These results provide guidance for developing the current FAAs as new potential antidiabetic agents.

To better understand any tumor, first, we need to know the characteristic features. The tumor microenvironment is that the signature helps us know the dermatological condition for biopsy. Some traditional optical imaging methods have restricted properties to visualize shallow skin highlights, and boundary data is missing to identify pathophysiology relationships of skin infections. Here, we illustrate a swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) technique that non-invasively visualizes (in-vivo) the tissue micro-structure/neoplastic changes during tumor development as optical biopsy in real-time with pathophysiological correlations in the mice model. To further validate the current study, we perform the corresponding histopathology (ex-vivo) of that tumor region. Furthermore, the scattering coefficient and the optical penetration depth analysis prove that SSOCT imaging can provide detailed findings and treatment in dermatology.

Background: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) being proclaimed as the world's fifth common cancer shows a high mortality rate due to delayed diagnosis. Regular day-to-day activities expose us to promotive factors that potentiate further to risk of liver damage, cirrhosis, and carcinogenesis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a proteolytic enzyme, involved in cancer invasion are considered as a prognostic biomarker for HCC. Naringin (NAR), a flavanone glycoside, is recognized to have therapeutic efficacy in HCC. Objectives: The present research work focuses on evaluation of chemotherapeutic efficiency, NAR against HCC in Sprague–Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: In vitro studies were primarily carried out to estimate the cell viability of NAR in HepG2 cells followed by further justifications through in vivo studies in N-nitrosodiethylamine developed HCC. The efficacy of NAR at doses 30mg/kg/day and 60mg/kg/day was assessed through estimation of liver marker enzymes, antioxidant levels, glycoproteins, and level of MMP-2 and 9 to confirm the hypothesis. Results: While in vitro results revealed pronounced potency of NAR in inhibiting HepG2 cell viability, NAR concurrently stabilized the serum levels of liver marker enzymes, antioxidant levels, and serum glycoproteins. It also significantly reduced the levels of MMPs in treatment groups which was confirmed by zymography. Conclusion: With the support of these results, it can be concluded that NAR attenuates HCC by controlling the alterations in morphological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters that make it a suitable candidate as a potential chemotherapeutic agent against HCC.

A series of nine 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-aryl-N-phenyl-4,5-dihydropyrazole-1-carbothioamide derivative s (3a-3i) that were earlier reported as potent rMAO-A inhibitors were evaluated for their antidepressant activity in Porsolt's behavioral despair test (forced swim test) and Tail Suspension test activity, among them, compounds (3e and 3h) were found to have potent antidepressant activity. Reduction in duration of immobility was significant for all the compounds in Porsolts swim test compared with tail suspension test. 3h was further evaluated for anxiolytic activity in Elevated plus maze and was found to be devoid of it.

WOS: 000414231000054, PubMed ID: 29089569, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) has received significant attention as a key regulator of glucose and lipid homeostasis. In this study, we synthesized and tested a library of novel 5-benzylidene-thiazolidin-2,4-dione (BTZD) derivatives bearing a substituent on nitrogen of TZD nucleus (compounds 1a-1k, 2i-10i, 3a, 6a, and 8a-10a). Three compounds (1a, 1i, and 3a) exhibited selectivity towards PPAR. and were found to be weak to moderate partial agonists. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) results demonstrated binding affinity of 1a, 1i and 3a towards PPAR gamma. Furthermore, docking experiments revealed that BTZDs interact with PPAR gamma through a distinct binding mode, forming primarily hydrophobic contacts with the ligand-binding pocket (LBD) without direct H-bonding interactions to key residues in H12 that are characteristic of full agonists. In addition, 1a, 1i and 3a significantly improved hyperglycemia and hyperlipidaemia in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced diabetic rats at a dose of 36 mg/kg/day administered orally for 15 days. Histopathological investigations revealed that microscopic architecture of pancreatic and hepatic cells improved in BTZDs-treated diabetic rats. These findings suggested that 1a, 1i and 3a are very promising pharmacological agents by selectively targeting PPAR. for further development in the clinical treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus., UGC-MANF [MUS-JH-12-13-11472], First author acknowledge UGC-MANF (MUS-JH-12-13-11472) for award of JRF fellowship. We are also thankful to DST-FIST (SR/FST/CSI-242/2012) for NMR facility at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and Institute of Life Sciences, Hyderabad, AP, India for providing spectral data.

Ethno pharmacological relevance: Canthium coromandelicum (Burm.f.) Alston (Syn. C. parviflorum) of Family: Rubiaceae is a bushy thorny suffruticose herb, native of India found mainly in coromandelicum region. This plant has been used traditionally in East Asia particularly in India to treat various diseases including GI disorders like gastric ulcer and diarrhea. Aim of the study: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the gastroprotective activity Canthium coromandelicum (Burm.f.) Alston. Materials and methods: Ethyl acetate fraction of methanolic extract of leaves of Canthium coromandelicum (EA-MECC) was carried out after successive hot extraction processes. Gastroprotective activity was performed by using the protocol of two ulcer induced models namely, pylorus ligation + Aspirin (NSAIDs) and Ethanol/HCl induced models. The macroscopic analysis of stomach, evaluation of gastric content parameters along with invivo antioxidant assays like, malanodialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme assays in various groups of stomach tissue homogenates were done. Histopathological study was also carried out in both the ulcerated models. Results: The results indicate that the gastroprotective effect of EA-MECC in both the ulcerated model was significantly (p

To evaluate the wound healing activity of the methanolic root extract of Buchanania lanzan Spreng. (B. lanzan), with a focus on antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties.The extract was evaluated for its wound healing properties (excision and incision models) as evident from the analysis of tensile strength and wound contraction. The extract was also screened for antibacterial properties against different Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains. B. lanzan was also studied for its effect on biofilm formation and disruption of preformed biofilms. The synergistic effect of B. lanzan was determined in combination with gentamicin.Topical application of B. lanzan (10% w/w ointment) significantly increased (40.84%) the tensile strength in the incision wound model. B. lanzan also showed significant wound healing activity in excision model and such significant activity was observed from the 9th day. Whereas Soframycin displayed significant wound healing activity from the 6th day. It was found that root extracts of B. lanzan revealed significant inhibition against all tested pathogens. B. lanzan displayed antimicrobial activity against Gram positive (MIC 0.625 mg/mL) and Gram negative (MIC 0.625-1.25 mg/mL). B. lanzan was able to reduce biofilm formation and also caused disruption of preformed biofilms in a manner similar to ciprofloxacin. However, gentamicin was found to be ineffective against biofilms formed by Gram negative organism. According to the fractional inhibitory concentration index, B. lanzan displayed synergistic activity when it was combined with gentamicin.From this study it may be concluded that the root extract of B. lanzan revealed significant wound healing potential, which was supported and well correlated with pronounced antibacterial activity of the tested plant parts.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the wound healing and antimicrobial activity of root extracts of Ixora coccinea (I. coccinea).MethodsTo investigate the wound healing efficacy of root extract of I. coccinea Linn, five groups of animals were divided each containing six animals. Two wound models including incision and excision wound models were used in this study. The parameters studied were tensile strength on incision wound model and in terms of wound contraction for excision wound model were compared with standard Nitrofurazone (NFZ) ointment (0.2% w/w). Six extracts (ethanol, aqueous, petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform and ethyl acetate) of I. coccinea were screened for in vitro growth inhibiting activity against different bacterial strains viz, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus pumilius, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger were compared with the standard drugs ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol for antibacterial and griseofulvin for antifungal screening. The serial dilution and cup (or) well plate methods were used for the antimicrobial study and MIC was determined.ResultsThe ethanolic extract showed significant (P

Aim of the study To systematically investigate the anticonvulsant activity of methanol extract of Benkara malabarica roots and to provide a biochemical basis elucidating its mode of action. Methods The median lethal dose (LD 50 ) of Benkara malabarica extract was determined. The anticonvulsant activity of the extract was assessed in strychnine-induced and isoniazide-induced convulsion models; phenytoin (20 mg/kg) and diazepam (1 mg/kg) were used as standards, respectively. Percentage protection provided by the drug was accounted as decrease in the number of convulsions within 8 h of observation. Mechanism of action was studied by performing GABA transaminase (GABA-T) assay, isolated from rat brain. Active constituent was isolated and characterized from the plant extract. Results The median lethal dose (LD50) of Benkara malabarica was found to be more than 500 mg/kg. It demonstrated 30% and 35% protection against strychnine-induced convulsions and 60% and 80% protection against isoniazide-induced convulsions, at doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively. Enzyme assay results revealed that Benkara malabarica extract possesses GABA-T inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.721 mg/ml). Scopoletin which was identified as the major constituent of the extract was found to be an inhibitor of GABA-T (IC50 = 10.57 μM). Conclusions The anticonvulsant activity of the plant extract is predominantly GABA mediated and may be due to the action of scopoletin alone or is a result of synergy of different compounds in the extract in which scopoletin is the major constituent.

Objective: To evaluate the antiulcer activity of the most active sub-fraction of Buchanania lanzan Spreng. leaves methanolic extract (BLE).Methods: The antioxidant activity of BLE fractions and sub-fractions has been assayed to determine the most active sub-fraction by using in vitro antioxidant methods like hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, total flavonoid and total phenolic content estimation. Then, the antiulcerogenic activity of most active sub-fraction of BLE (50 and 100 mg/kg, b.w., orally) was evaluated employing aspirin+pylorus ligation-induced (APL) and HCl/ethanol-induced (HE) gastric ulcer models in rats, and histopathological examination of stomach tissues of rats.Results: The most active sub-fraction of BLE exerted a significant (P<0.01) dose-dependent decrease in the ulcerative lesion index produced by APL and HE ulcer models in rats as compared to the standard drugs omeprazole (30 mg/kg, b.w. orally) and ranitidine (32 mg/kg, b.w. orally) respectively. The reduction in gastric fluid volume, total acidity and an increase in the pH of the gastric fluid in APL treated rats proved the antisecretory activity of most active subfraction of BLE. From histopathological examination, it was found that in tissues of both the models that received pretreatment with most activesub-fraction showed better protection of the gastric mucosa in a dose-dependent manner as indicated by reduction or absence of mucosal erosion and infiltration of leucocytes.Conclusion: These results suggest that leaves of Buchanania lanzan Spreng. possess potential antiulcer activity, which may be attributed to its antioxidant mechanism of action.

Objective: The current study investigated the anti-cancer potential of methanolic and ethyl acetate fraction of Lawsonia alba L. (Lythraceae) leaves extract on Hep-G2 and RAW 264.7 cells along with in vitro anti-oxidant property of the ethyl acetate fraction.Methods: The cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract and its fractions had been studied by MTT assay on Hep-G2 and RAW 264.7 cells. Morphological study of Hep-G2 cells was performed by light, fluorescence and confocal microscope. 1% agarose gel electrophoresis, detection of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by flow cytometric analysis had been performed to determine the proportion and stages of cellular apoptosis of Hep-G2 cells. In vitro anti-oxidant study of various fractions of MLA were performed by DPPH and Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay.Results: Cytotoxicity study of MLA and ELA had been confirmed by MTT assay and the IC50 value were calculated to be 75.85μg/ml and 32.81μg/ml on Hep-G2 cell line respectively. Morphological study showed the arrays of nuclear changes including chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation indicating that treatment with ELA, causes apoptotic changes in the hepatoma cells compared to the untreated control. Agarose gel electrophoresis study showed fragmented DNA in the form of a ladder. Flow cytometric analysis showed an appreciable number of cells in early apoptosis stage. The cells were arrested, mostly in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Antioxidant property of ELA fraction was confirmed by free radical scavenging activity.Conclusion: Ethyl acetate fraction of Lawsonia alba L. leaves possess potent apoptotic activity against Hep-G2 cell line along with notable anti-oxidant activity.

Background: Silibinin is a semi-purified fraction of silymarin contained in milk thistle (Silybum marianum Asteraceae). Primarily known for its hepatoprotective actions, silymarin may also stimulate epithelialization and reduce inflammation in excision wound. Previous studies show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions of silibinin. However, wound healing property of silibinin is not well studied. Objective: This study investigates wound healing activity of silibinin topical formulation. Materials and Methods: Wound healing activity of 0.2% silibinin gel was assessed by incision and excision wound models in mice. Animals were divided into gel base, silibinin gel, and Mega Heal gel® treated groups with six animals in each group. Wound contraction, wound tissue tensile strength, and hydroxyproline content were measured, and histopathological evaluation of wound tissue of all the above treatment groups was carried out. Results: Application of 0.2% silibinin hydrogel for 8 days led to 56.3% wound contraction compared to 64.6% using standard Mega Heal gel with a subsequent increase in hydroxyproline content, which was significantly higher (P < 0.001) over control animals showing 33.2% contraction. After 14 days, percentage of contraction reached 96.1%, 97.6%, and 86.7%, respectively. Wound tissue tensile strength with silibinin (223.55 ± 3.82 g) and standard (241.38 ± 2.49 g) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than control (174.06 ± 5.75 g). Histopathology of silibinin and standard gel treated wound tissue showed more fibroblasts, fewer macrophage infiltration, and well-formed collagen fibers. Conclusion: Here, we show potent wound healing activity of silibinin hydrogel formulation. SUMMARY 0.2% silibinin hydrogel showed potent wound healing activity in incision and excision wound models in mice. Abbreviations Used: ROS: Reactive oxygen species

Mirtazapine is an often used antidepressant drug, however insufficient information is available regarding its safety during pregnancy. Therefore, this work was initiated to study the effect of prenatal exposure of mirtazapine on postnatal developments of rats. The study was conducted on pregnant rats to observe the safety profile of mirtazapine in comparison to control. The percentage weight gain, gestation period and litter size of the rats treated with double therapeutic dose (DTD) was significantly lower than the rats treated with therapeutic dose (TD) and rats of control group. However the litter size of the TD treated rats was also found smaller than the control. The offspring were examined through battery of test in order to evaluate their developmental neurotoxicity. The test includes the assessment of postnatal growth, reflex ontogeny, neuromotor abilities, activity level, emotional reactivity and learning ability. The DTD exposure negatively affected on overall growth of pups in comparison to TD exposed pups and control group. Further, the amine concentration in brain was also found significantly lower in DTD exposed pups. Therefore, this study reveals that the treatment of pregnant rats with TD and DTD decreases their litter size. In addition the prenatal exposure of DTD of mirtazapine negatively affects on neurodevelopment of rats.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antidiarrhoeal potential of chloroform extract of the root of Aegle marmelos (Correa) Linn. The in vitro activity was determined by agar dilution and disc diffusion techniques. The extract was studied in vivo in rats. Of the 35 tested pathogenic diarrhoea causing strains, the extract was found to be mostly active against the strains of Vibrio cholerae, followed by Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. The in vitro activity was found to be comparable to that of ciprofloxacin. Further, Aegle marmelos root extract (AMRE) treated animals showed significant inhibitory activity against castor oil-induced diarrhoea. The results so obtained thus established the efficacy of AMRE as an effective antidiarrhoeal agent.

In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in the understanding of stem cell biology. Stem cells have clonogenic and self-renewing capabilities, and under certain conditions, can differentiate into multiple lineages of mature cells. Recent studies have shown that adult stem cells can be isolated from a wide variety of tissues, including bone marrow, peripheral blood, muscle, and adipose tissue. The potential clinical applications lead to an extended interest in the use of stem cells in many medical disciplines. In this article, we present an overview of stem cells with special reference to cardiovascular and renal diseases treatments by stem cells.