Regulatory pathways and therapeutic potential of PDE4 in liver pathophysiology

Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), crucial in regulating the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, significantly impacts liver pathophysiology. This article highlights the comprehensive effects of PDE4 on liver health and disease, and its potential as a therapeutic agent. PDE4's role in degrading cAMP disrupts intracellular signaling, increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This contributes to liver inflammation in conditions such as hepatitis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Additionally, PDE4 is a key factor in liver fibrosis, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Inhibiting PDE4 shows promise in reducing liver fibrosis by decreasing the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which is pivotal in fibrogenesis. PDE4 also influences hepatocyte apoptosis a common feature of liver diseases. PDE4 inhibitors protect against hepatocyte apoptosis by raising intracellular cAMP levels, thus activating anti-apoptotic pathways. This suggests potential in targeting PDE4 to prevent hepatocyte loss. Moreover, PDE4 regulates hepatic glucose production and lipid metabolism, essential for liver function. Altering cAMP levels through PDE4 affects enzymes in these metabolic pathways, making PDE4 a target for metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Since PDE4 plays a multifaceted role in liver pathophysiology, influencing PDE4's mechanisms in liver diseases could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. Still, extensive research is required to explore the molecular mechanisms and clinical potential of targeting PDE4 in liver pathologies.

Esculent coating of spider silk enhanced the preservation and shelf life of apricot

Abstract According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), roughly one-third of the total food produced is lost globally. The major cause of this wastage is the perishability of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, researchers have endeavored to develop an effective preservation technique. Our study explored the potential application of spider silk as an odourless and edible preservative coating for fruits. The spider silk was collected from spiders reared in the laboratory, following by degumming and dissolution to formulate the silk solution. For this study, apricots were selected as the model fruit. The apricots were dip coated with the formulated silk solution and allowed to dry. In order to enhance the beta sheet content of the silk coating, the fruits were exposed to water annealing for varying intervals of time under vacuum condition. The effect of silk coating and water annealing time period on preservation of fruits was then evaluated morphologically and gravimetrically. The results showed that the fruits, which were used as control, exhibited a greater degree of water loss and suffered from fungal attack. In contrast, the silk coated fruits showed less water loss and were protected from fungal attack. Therefore, the study provides compelling evidence regarding the application of spider silk as a preservative coating.

Awareness about medico legal aspects and Consumer Protection Act among dentists

BACKGROUND

The practice of medicine in India has undergone considerable change affecting delivery of health in both positive and negative directions. As a result, there was a growing feeling that medical treatment should be made accountable and this led to doctors and dentists becoming subject to the process of law. Patients have become more aware of their right to compensation and as a consequence doctors and dentists should be knowledgeable about the laws that govern them.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To assess the awareness about Medico legal aspects and Consumer Protection Act [CPA] among Dental professionals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A self-structured validated questionnaire comprising of 20 questions related to medico legal aspects and CPA was designed. A total of 450 dental professionals were surveyed from 4 prime dental institutions in Chennai, India. Of the 450 professionals that were surveyed 150 were MDS faculty, 150 were BDS faculty and 150 were PG students. The data was subjected to SPSS, version 16 and statistically analysed using Chi square test and Fisher's exact test. A- p value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

BDS faculty, MDS faculty and PG students were found to possess similar level of understanding and there was no significant difference between the groups. Knowledge was found to be equal between male and female dentists. The young practitioners were found to be more informed about CPA than the senior practitioners.

CONCLUSIONS

It was found that most of the participants were aware of relevant Medico legal aspects, but were less aware of CPA. This study emphasises the need for education relevant to Medico legal aspects and CPA for dental professionals.